In defense of the public health plan

House Democrats unveiled the first draft of their bill to overhaul the nation's ailing health care system last week. The most controversial proposal is the establishment of a government-run health insurance plan to compete with private health insurance plans.

Depending on whom you listen to, the plan is either a death knoll for the Americans' freedom or a savior for an out of control, costly health care system. Most likely, it is neither. Instead, it's a crucial step toward restructuring our complex, costly and ailing health care system. And it seems like the best solution -- or at least a necessary evil -- if we aim to insure all Americans and bring down costs.