Shanelle & frustrations with the U.S Health care System

Before coming to the U.S I had thought that the health care system of America was the best in the world (I had no clue that the country I had lived in all my life, Japan, was ranked top amongst the world in their health care system!), but I soon learned that although America has well-trained doctors and advanced medical technology, the whole nature of the health care system doesn't allow for these advantages (that other countries often do not have) to allow its citizens to receive the best care. Money, power, fear and lack of understanding stand in the way of universal health coverage. But is the wall of money hungry insurance companies, businesses, physicians and conservative legislators too big to overcome? The Hoffman reading on Health Care Reform and Social Movements in the United States gave me a new perspective on where efforts need to be concentrated in order to provide all citizens of America with proper health care. Hoffman sees the lack of mass grassroots mobilization as the main reason for the failure to revolutionize the health care system in order to provide universal health coverage. He strongly believes that health reform should not be led by elitist groups or rely on research and expertise without the strong link to grassroots activism...which makes me think...should we "experts" then be focusing our efforts on rallying and educating people for health care reform instead of working amongst ourselves and others with power?