The cost of single payer .... the math at my house.

[chervilant]

57. Herein lies the big rub.

We are NOT a child-centric society (this is a KEY reason the anti-abortionists really torque me). Almost a fourth of all children in the US are living in extreme poverty--this doesn't include the children whose parents are squeaking by and cannot afford more than the basic necessities. Abuse and neglect of children is rampant, especially for children living in poverty, and very little funding is provided to the agencies charged with "protecting" our children.

Thousands of children live in "group homes," the new nomenclature for orphanages. These children must fend for themselves when they are old enough to be "on their own." Think what it must feel like to know your family of origin was too abusive, or neglectful to take care of you.

Don't even get me started about "mental illness"! I firmly believe that depression is our most pressing epidemic du jour, followed closely by anxiety disorders. Since our society denigrates any mental disorder, a great many people suffer in silence. Those who are courageous enough to seek help and get "diagnosed" are likely taking any of a number of dangerous psychotropics, including Zoloft and Xanax. Medical professionals seldom tell depressed or anxious patients the benefits of diet, meditation and exercise, because such recommendations will not make them the big bucks.

I hate being such a cynic, but I've just turned 60, and I have witnessed our nation becoming the hot mess we're currently struggling to survive. BTW, I've tried to get health care through the ACA, and I STILL don't have coverage, likely because I owe the IRS from a stupid, unintentional mistake back in 2011 or 2012. I had emergency surgery two years ago, and I'll never have enough income to pay the huge debt incurred for that event (yes, I know "never" is an absolute, but--as a math geek--I know it's true...unless I win the lottery...so laughing over here). Sigh...

In addition to the research you've cited, I recommend Alice Miller's work, especially Thou Shalt Not be Aware, and For Your Own Good. (Ironically, Miller's son has written about his mother's failings as a parent, in stark contrast to her erudite writings.)