What if?

I read this concept in the comments on another blog, so I have to give credit where credit is due. But I just wanted to expound on it.

Of all the reasons America needs to develop a national system of healthcare, this one fits in nicely with our current economic downturn.

Wouldn't it be great if all folks could pursue work they are passionate about, work that truly contributes to the betterment of our society without the worry about health care benefits?

Imagine if all Americans were free to run restaurants, write, make art, open small businesses, farm, build cabinetry, be a barista, have a day care, fix cars, etc. without the need for employer purchased healthcare. Wouldn't our economy be better off if we didn't ALL need to work for the large employers with the medical perks? Wouldn't our GNP rise if Americans were free to take those part time jobs? Wouldn't every business's bottom line improve if no one lost production time because of an illness that could have been nipped in the bud with good healthcare? Wouldn't we Americans be freer with our cash if we weren't crushed under medical bills?

You'd think so, wouldn't you?