Reply #11: It is a good argument and I generally agree

[Still Sensible]

but, I am a little skeptical that taking the profit motive out of the R&D in the medical and phama fields would ultimately be a good thing. Don't get me wrong, I detest a lot about "Big Pharma" and the irrational profiteering they have enjoyed for decades--most particularly the last 15 years or so. But, I fear a slowdown in progress if we remove the profit motive completely.

I also fear the evolution of a system that would severely change the amount of money doctors can make. Obviously, the whole system is screwed up, but if the opportunity to make great money isn't there, are we going to be eventually left with inferior candidates for medical schools?

Naturally, I don't have the answers to an incredibly complex situation. In theory, I agree with the OP, but I suggest that the unintended consequences of playing out the theory could be harmful.