If a secret history of books could be written and the author's private thoughts and meanings noted down alongside of his story how many insipid volumes would become interesting and dull tales excite the reader!

Our system of private health insurance that fails to provide coverage to so many of our citizens also contributes to the double-digit health care inflation that is making America less competitive in the global economy.

Canada is currently the only major industrialized country in the world that does not allow any private administration of health care services that are provided by the public system.

I would prefer a public option that would be a competitive option that would allow people to buy into a Federal Employee Health Benefits Program which is a series of private plans.

What I am saying is all health care has a problem with costs. Medicare is growing slower than the private insurance plans. Why? Because of their efficiency. They don't have to give money to shareholders. Why should be defending shareholders?

Do you know what the overhead is of the Medicare system? One-point-zero-five percent. Do you know what - private insurance is 30 percent in overhead and profits? Given a choice how I'm going to improve health care I'm going to take it away from private insurance profits and overhead. Wouldn't you?

People don't trust private health insurance companies for all the right reasons.

Yes Democrats can prove that America pays more for health care than other countries yes they have won the dispute that private health insurance is needlessly expensive. But what they've lost is the argument that we are a society.

The private sector must play a role in ensuring the prosperity and health of the people who comprise its market. It is time for the private sector to become a proactive partner contributing to the efforts of governments and philanthropies.

The health of a democratic society may be measured by the quality of functions performed by private citizens.