Best Statement Today

Some people like to think of health care and education as basic human rights. Maybe they are. But they are also normal goods. That is, the income elasticity of demand is positive. It is hard to escape the conclusion that the right cost-benefit calculation for providing the good depends on the income of the consumer. Achieving both efficiency and equality in the provision of these goods is impossible.

In the context of stories circulating about UK patients being denied medical treatment they are willing to pay for out-of-pocket. And the question, "would you deny a parent the right to hirer an after-school tutor?"

Assuming cases like this won't arise under nationalized healthcare is extreme wishful thinking. They will.

If you REALLY want nationalized healthcare, I suggest you take Michael Moore's advice and move to Cuba. It might be much easier to make the trip soon.