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Rather, Cohn concludes his book making an argument for a "universal" health care system modeled on the systems in Europe, Japan and Canada. Here, Cohn's book is at its weakest. He is dismissive of the problems inherent in those systems, such as rationing and waiting lists, saying, for example, the "stories about Canada are wildly exaggerated." One has to wonder exactly what he means by that, as stories about canceled surgeries, over-crowded hospitals, and waiting lists for surgery are common in the Canadian press. It has been serious enough to attract the attention of academic journals and entrepreneurs that offer services to help Canadians jump waiting lists.

Nevertheless, I'd highly recommend Sick, especially to conservatives, libertarians and others who are opposed to more government involvement in health care. Not only is it a good read, Cohn demonstrates the tactic that the left will use in the coming months and years on health care, the highlighting of victims. It is a safe bet that Michael Moore will follow a similar path in his upcoming movie, Sicko, although probably in a cruder manner and surely without any of Cohn's honesty. If we want to hold off the disaster that is government-run health care, then we must be prepared. Reading Sick is excellent preparation.

David Hogberg is a senior analyst at the National Center for Public Policy Research. He also hosts his own website, Health Hog.

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Health Care, Medicaid, Books, Law, Medicare