[Tilted Irish Kilt]

oh8eleven :" ..He was appalled not only at the h/c system in general, but also how most people just accepted it."

They accept it because there is no national alternative within their border, that is why there is "medical tourism ".
The citizens are already heavily taxed for their healthcare, so they see no additional expense 'out of pocket'.

[oh8eleven]

They accept it because there is no national alternative
Well, that's my point ... the system is so bad, people flee it. If they don't fight it, they'll never come up with something better.