I normally don't repeat posts that I make with others on the social networking sites that I frequent.  But, in this case I'll make an exception.  A friend of mine responded to one of those loaded poll questions on Facebook:

Are you in favor of a Government run healthcare system? (Yes, No, Maybe)

It wasn't that she said 'No' that got my attention, it was the additional comment she made when she posted her result:

I am for healthcare reform but I am not for a plan that will exclude people because of prior conditions or disabilities. Honestly, what government run 'system' works well now? People in the system have to spend their time trying to make sure they stay within the guidleines of the 'system' ... so they never leave the 'system' ...we need system reform that allows EMPOWERMENT to those in it and rewards as they learn to move OUT of it! So another governemnt 'system' -- no way!!!

I saw this as a teaching opportunity, so I responded thusly:

I respect you but I don't agree with your opinion at all. The best representation we have in this country of a government-run health care system is the Veterans Health Administration, which went through a major retooling after shocking revelations about their quality of care in the 1990's. The VHA implemented industry best-practices, such as electronic medical records and patient tracking, to greatly reduce errors in medication and surgical procedures. This has led to the VHA being rated now the best performing medical system (in terms of both cost and patient outcomes) in the nation. Even better than health giant Kaiser Permanente.

If you want to learn more about the turn-around at the VHA, read the following article by Phillip Longman, author of the book, "Best Care Anywhere: Why VA Health Care is Better Than Yours":
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2005/0501.longman.html

I don't know if she will take the time to read the article (which is a great distilation of Longman's book, btw) and form an opionion that is based on fact, rather than right-wing lies.  It may be a wasted effort on my part.  What I do feel good about is that I had resources avalable to rebutt her and do it in a civil way.  Please feel free to reference any of my response (and especially the linked article) when discussing this issue with those how have an unelightened view of this issue.

Cheers!

Shaf