I agree about better spending on education,etc., my view is that the federal government can’t spend efficiently on domestic problems.

I think the best thing for our economy would be a flat 15% (no deductions) tax rate across the board and a national sales tax. Similar to what Ireland has done.

I believe in “more” (or rather, better) spending in education, health, transit (including highways), etc, on the federal level, but actual implementation on the state level. But I also believe in less spending on useless foreign wars. I’d rather see some of that money redirected to foreign aid (which does more for the “war on terror” than invasions).

I would also (and I’ll probably piss someone off by saying this) like to see the government raise revenue by taxing certain goods, not necessarily by increasing income tax.

The externalities of transit and rail are lower (and cheaper) as well. The problem with cost analysis from places like Heritage (not exactly an unbiased source) is that their “economists” don’t actually use good economics.

Our government is actually the biggest reason why our health care system is so good. Without government funding, etc, we wouldn’t have innovation in the areas we need it. And *because* of government involvement, we actually have some concern for prevention, which is the driver behind why health care is cheaper (and conceivably better) in other countries.

I can’t wait.

Hospitals are not required to treat anyone. EDs are required to treat anyone with a life-threatening condition, to the point of stabilization. Then they drop the poor uninsured folks off at the homeless shelter.

And health care should not be tied to drug development – that’s part of the problem. Also, our government actually does quite a bit of the funding for new drugs. Which helps explain where some of HHS’s money is going…

As for why people aren’t going to Cuba for health care? They can’t – it’s a unwieldy process to get approval to go. Instead, they go to Canada for drugs, India for procedures, and Mexico for care.

I do not think highways and streets are a good use of money. I’d rather see more going towards mass transit and rail. I’d like to see highways get privatized and tolls applied. But, I’m also about to get rid of my car.