“Healthcare reform is hot this election season and presidential hopefuls from both parties appear weekly with promises of reforms that will supposedly solve our system’s problems with universal coverage at affordable costs. A recent overhaul in Massachusetts that expanded taxpayer-funded health insurance and requires individuals to purchase government-approved policies is proving particularly compelling to many, not the least because its architect, Mitt Romney, is a leading Republican candidate. In reality, the Massachusetts mandate provides a poor model for the rest of the country — unless we are looking for an expensive expansion of government. It won’t achieve universal care. It has increased government spending, bureaucracy, and regulation. It most certainly will prompt increased taxes.” (08/23/07)