The only way to change the health care system is to make us responsible for our health. You wouldn’t be denied health care, it just might cost you more if you had high blood pressure, or high cholesterol and that would be a great motivator for people to find a solution.

You say, “all of these parameters of health are measurable and modifiable through simple dietary changes. In addition, we give people the tools that they need to change those parameters and get healthier.” If managing health were that simplistic we would all be named Methuselah. I would personally love to be able to do all the things it takes to make my body healthy – sans medications, doctor’s visits, lab expenses, etc. – but that will never happen in this life. Yet you would expect me to pay extra for chronic disease that I did not bring on myself via “lazy lifestyle” [which is essentially what you are insinuating].

While it is true that lifestyle can sometimes lead to certain health conditions, it is not always the case, and to lump everyone with those chronic health conditions you stated into a “pay-for-your-sins health care plan” is smug, narrow-minded, mean-spirited and exhibits a frightening prejudice.

Yes, we need reform. But we also need a better way of approaching that reform than to suggest another type of Judgment ala Sarah Palin’s “death panel”.