jgd777 Witholding healthcare or making it unaffordable for a large percentage of the population is actually a much greater exercise of control over the people. If people are barred access to medical necessities, it limits many aspects of their lives. If a single payer system is properly implemented, then it works very well to insure people have proper healthcare, and, as a result, higher personal freedom in regards to ability to work, participate in social events, and general quality of life. What the new healthcare bill is proposing will restrict many Americans' freedoms, and it is far less effective than many single payer systems. Look at Canada and compare the care there to what is currently available in the US. Compare those to hybrid single-payer/private insurance systems like in Australia, the UK, Austria, the US with Medicaid, etc. Look for specific examples. What does this government control over the people look like? What about the other cons? How do those compare to the pros?