Tax increase on the "rich" early in mid 2005 no matter who wins the election. Earlier if the dems control any branch.
Well, I was thinking a bit longer term. We are going to a single payer system (maybe with intermediaries as a fig leaf to keep the insurance companies happy, maybe not). We are going to a single payer system because that is the only politically aesthetic way to ration health care. That way, the US can get down the percentage of its GDP it spends on health care closer to the figure in socialized Europe.
And there you have it.
PS, as for taxing the "rich" the AMT is no slouch. It is beginning to eat me alive. I am learning all about "private activity" bonds. Alas, there is no escape in a high income tax state like California. It must be hell in New York City.