Liberals, including Barack Obama, pine for “nationalized” health care. Obama said it would be his first choice if he could design the system from scratch. One of the worst aspects of nationalizing health care would be the inevitable politicization of every health expenditure. Should we spend more on breast cancer treatment or Parkinsons? More to help a mental patient or a diabetic? William Saletan illustrates this kind of thinking here, arguing that pacemakers and such should not be offered to the very old. “The theory is that just as some people have enough money, others have had enough time.” Uh huh. This is refreshingly honest I guess, but all those who don’t already get a cold chill down their spines at the words “single payer” should read carefully.