Another issue off the table

You don't read something like this very often. [bolding mine]

Mr Edwards has had two successful but controversial careers: first as trial lawyer and then as an economic populist. Republican attempts to paint him as an ambulance-chaser may be a little crude: Mr Edwards's clients included plenty of children who were horrifically harmed by corporate negligence. But they are right to say the country's tort litigation system is a monster. The litigation industry consumes some $230 billion a year, or $3,000 for every family of four in higher prices and insurance premiums. The industry also adds to the soaring costs of health care because of defensive tests and procedures.

Whether you think Edwards contributed to this or not, tort reform is essential. Clearly, it will not be a Democrat-led fight, judging by the donations of lawyers to the DNC. Whether the Republicans can or will tackle the issue is not clear either. But before we talk about universal health care in the U.S., shouldn't we discuss why health care is not affordable in the first place?