Reader Recommendation: The Cato Institute

The Cato Institute is a libertarian think tank in Washington D.C. It's mission is to broaden the parameters of public policy debate to allow consideration of the traditional American principles of limited government, individual liberty, free markets and peace. Toward that goal, the Institute strives to achieve greater involvement of the intelligent, concerned lay public in questions of policy and the proper role of government. Cato provides great resources such as "The Cato Daily Podcast" and "Cato Events" which can found directly at their website or via iTunes.

The Cato Institute was founded in 1977 and is named for Cato's Letters, a series of libertarian pamphlets that helped lay the philosophical foundation for the American Revolution.

The Grass Is Not Always Greener: A Look at National Health Care Systems Around the World, is a policy analysis by Micheal D. Tanner, the director of health and welfare studies at the Cato Institute. It is a 35 page analysis that critiques arguments made for national health care system in the US. To back these claims the author includes 13 pages of 300+ references. The length may seem daunting, but take the time and read the first 7 pages where the meat of the article is. You will find such statements as - "To a large degree, America spends money on health care because it is a wealthy nation and chooses to do so." & "When you compare the outcomes for specific diseases, the United States clearly outperforms the rest of the world." It definitely is a must read.