The author concludes by saying that, “As we look at reform plans, we should be careful not to be fooled by statistics into thinking that the problems we face are worse than they really are.”

That’s true, but it does not go far enough. Neither gloomy statistics nor scary anecdotes could ever justify violating the rights of doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers, as well as insurance companies, patients, and taxpayers. The government should protect everyone’s rights to property and contract — not violate them with burdensome entitlements, regulations, and taxation. That’s the only possible solution to the problems in today’s health care system.