But the existence of the French or Japanese or Dutch healthcare systems do. At some point, empty theorizing has to give way to observation of how these systems actually work in practice. In practice, all of these systems provide care that is much much cheaper than the US system with very high levels of public satisfaction.
Also, I think you're wrong in claiming that the Republican party rejects single payer for those reasons. The Republican party loves single-payer healthcare for old people. They expanded the single-payer program for old people massively and they make political hay out of any efforts to reduce its spending.
This comment does not respond to the issues I brought up in my comment at all. In fact, my comment ends with "I support single-payer". Did you think I was arguing that it was unworkable? My issue was with the mischaracterization of the Republican position.
The Dutch system, for what it's worth, strongly resembles the trajectory we are on with PPACA: guaranteed-issue private health insurance and Medicare.
Note, for what it's worth, the Dutch system does not work as well as that of our neighboring countries. Here people often have to wait a long time to have something done, whereas for example in Belgium you are helped much quicker (resulting in some Dutch people going to Belgium for healthcare).
Also, I think you're wrong in claiming that the Republican party rejects single payer for those reasons. The Republican party loves single-payer healthcare for old people. They expanded the single-payer program for old people massively and they make political hay out of any efforts to reduce its spending.