The Healthcare "crisis" in this nation is largely due to a very wasteful, over- utilized and expensive system; Most of it, completely unnecessary. Each year costs will continue to rise, if the current modus operandi persists, so no Health Care bill at any point in time will "fix" the problem. I agree that preventive care and a public option are essential as starting positions for any health care reform. I am a physician at a VA hospital, and I don't want to bite the hand that feeds me, but I believe they should all be closed, and Veterans given a health insurance card which will allow them access to any provider and any hospital closer to them in the private sector. The amount of money needed to run, and wasted by the Government in these facilities is just criminal. Closing the VAs alone can provide enough money to give all citizens affordable access to healthcare, and could also help feed the hungry in this country.