The pattern of belligerent Republicans and timid Democrats is now repeating itself on health-care reform. Democrats first excluded from the debate the one measure that probably could save significant money – a single-payer system – and they now appear poised to trade away Obama’s proposal for a “public option” to possibly garner a couple of Republican votes. Full Story »
Posted by Ben Ross
Yes, it's an opinion piece, but it would be real nice if some of the opinion was given facts to rest on. It's a good job calling out dems and reps to work better with each other, but then goes on to propose a possible scenario with no supporting evidence to speak of. Also, no links.
Opinion piece - analysis of why Democrats in the House and Senate, and Obama, are reluctant to pursue a strong public option. It's not all that complicated - financial interests (insurance companies) are a more key Democratic constituency than the people our elected officials nominally represent.
There is enough populist anxiety over health care for Obama to tap into it -- if in fact he really wants to pressure the Rs and the middle-of-the-road Ds into supporting a significant health care policy. One can only conclude that he doesn't really want to do this.
This article takes Dems on for failing on numerous issues. That failing includes health care both currently and in the Clinton administration. The reason they fail (says the author) is because of their will/need to compromise and be "bipartisan" while the repubs continue to vote as a block.
I want the the same health care coverage for my family that the congress people get. The spirit of voters effecting legislation has been turned on it's head by corporations having the right to invest in out comes of government.
Makes all sorts of claims about Democratic and Republican behavior in the past and present without solid evidence. This isn't truth to power -- it's a convenient liberal narrative that covers over a far more complex dynamic.
In the past its been convenient to scapegoat Republicans, but this piece is a little ridiculous. Democrats control both houses and the Presidency. Parry fails to entertain the idea that reform opponents might be putting pressure on mainstream Democrats, or that for better or for worse dramatic reform isn't as palatable to Americans as liberals would like.
Parry looks at the Democrat's unrequited search for bipartisanship and their fear of antagonizing the health insurance oligopoly as key elements that are putting the public at risk from a poorly fashioned health care bill.
This tries to illuminate the politics of health care reform. And it's right about the dynamics - but angry Republicans with well financed spin have historically been able to make Democrats uneasy. However, the brutal fact is that the insurance companies are too big to be put out of business (and that would increase unemployment rolls). Somehow they will have to be incorporated. A public option plan with good negotiating powers would seem to be a good way to keep them honest, and revising payment systems should help with both cost control and better outcomes.
The problem is how to organize the supposed vast preference for a public option into a meaningful voice before the insurance company/AMA spin turns it negative.
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