A few weeks ago, I wrote that “universal [health] coverage is impossible.” Ezra Klein says that “Ramesh Ponnuru Isn’t Making Sense.” He writes, “I think France, Canada, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Britain, and a handful of others would probably disagree, seeing as how they’ve actually done it. Now, universal coverage — which Romney’s plan doesn’t offer — may not be desirable, but it’s certainly possible.”

I don’t think it is possible, actually. If you can’t get an operation because your country’s national health insurance system has you on a long waiting list, in what sense have you enjoyed “universal coverage”?