Barlett, Donald L

Presents an expose of health care in America, arguing that the system, which was once largely not-for-profit, has become a field controlled by profit motive and market forces, discussing the disparity in levels of care and costs, looking at the millions who are without insurance or are underinsured, and calling for an end to market-based medicine.

America?s unique prosperity is based on its creation of a middle class. In the twentieth century, that middle class provided the workforce, the educated skills, and the demand that gave life to the world?s greatest consumer economy. It was innovative and dynamic; it eclipsed old imperial systems and colonial archetypes. It gave rise to a dream: that if you worked hard and followed the rules you would prosper in America, and your children would enjoy a better life than yours.

Examines current medical care in the United States focusing on people with inadequate coverage, unclean clinics and operating rooms, shrinking benefits, and health industries which are unable to solve the problems.

Articles and graphics describe economic conditions since the 1980s and their effect on the nation.

Argues that government, big business, and the elite have damaged America's middle class by reducing demand for its skilled workforce thereby reducing its buying power and influence on the economy.