Support Single Payer Healthcare

If we're serious about universal healthcare coverage in the United States, there should be serious discussion of a "single payer" plan similar to the plans of many progressive democracies.  Such a plan would require every citizen who receives a paycheck to contribute, spreading the responsiblility of financing our healthcare system among the greatest possible number of users.  The complex and profit-oriented system in place now would be  eliminated, replaced by a more economical system requiring minimal paperwork and focusing on health maintenence.  Implementing a truly universal system would require some preparation, such as training more GPs and technicians and creating guidelines for covered versus elective procedures.  It should include non-cosmetic optical and dental care.  Ask yourself these questions before responding: 
1) Who do I trust more - the government which exists through my vote and for my benefit, or huge insurance and pharmaceutical companies that weigh my health needs against a bottom line? 
2) We've all heard about the failures of other single payer systems, notably Canada's.  Nobody wants to "wait in line"!  But what about the neighbor who got laid off and no longer has a line to wait in?   What about the worker who has insurance with a deductible so high that all routine and preventive care is out-of-pocket? 
3) Why do we think we can't do what other nations do, and perhaps do it even better?  Does all the flag-waving at conventions mask a national inferiority complex?
4) This proposal needs more specifics such as how to determine the payroll  contribution, train more healthcare professionals to meet demands, determine services to be covered, deal with workers who are here illegally...  What ideas can I contribute to creating a workable plan?
5) Political candidates like to say that every American should have access to the same level of care as members of Congress.  Who do I vote for to get that?