Congress is refusing to consider publicly financed health care as one of the possible ways to reform the nation's medical delivery system. The reasons have nothing to do with the public interest and everything to do with the special interests of insurance companies.  The US lags behind Europe, Canada, Australia, Japan and every other advanced nation in providing health care to all of its citizens. The Medicare program already saves us billions in excessive medical bills.  We already have public schools, public police protection and public fire departments. Why not public health care, at minimum? People could still get private insurance if they want additional coverage or better service, just as they now support private schools and hire private security guards.