Backroom Health Care Resolution Continues...

[ltstanfo]

While this is certainly no surprise and neither side of the political aisle can truly claim the "high ground" (IMO), I continue to be amazed at how willing the Democrat majority is willing to pass health care legislation...any legislation, apparently at any cost (to themselves).

Democrat Leaders Plan Secret Deliberations

Behind Closed Doors

*EDIT* Well... the plot "thickens" as CSPAN has in facts written both leaders asking that the resolution talks be televised. Good on ya CSPAN! */EDIT*

Sadly I believe that we will be force fed some form of health care "reform" and not realize the damage done until it is too late. I also don't think the Republicans have the drive to block it. But I do hope that the American voting public expresses their outrage in the pending mid-term elections.

Regards,
Ltstanfo

 

[redrumloa]

Sadly I believe that we will be force fed some form of health care "reform" and not realize the damage done until it is too late. I also don't think the Republicans have the drive to block it. But I do hope that the American voting public expresses their outrage in the pending mid-term elections.

Vote every single one of them out, despite what side of the isle they are on.

 

[ltstanfo]

Although it should come as no surprise to anyone, apparently House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says no to allowing CSPAN cameras into the resolution process for health care reform. While this is no surprise (to me) I admit to being slightly amused (and surprised) that she took an opportunity to "fire back" at Obama during her meeting with the press. I thought the Democrats were all in "lock-step"? :wink:

Regards,
Ltstanfo

 

[redrumloa]

I am shocked and appalled! Obama PROMISED debates would be televised on CSPAN!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Api4fUziAnI

Obama lied? I am truly stunned and saddened! I thought he was for hope and change! Who would have thunk it? Oh wait... Polls show the majority of americans are against this power grab.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid= ... zPDBJtsG58

A majority of U.S. voters object to President Barack Obama’s proposed health-care overhaul and think even less of the way he has handled the issue, according to a poll out today.

The survey by Hamden, Connecticut-based Quinnipiac University taken Dec. 15-20 found that 53 percent of voters disapprove of plans to make over the health-care system, with 36 percent in support.

But he is black, so I must just be racist right? :roll:

Bend over democrats, this pounding is going to hurt terribly.

 

[ilwrath]

Vote every single one of them out, despite what side of the isle they are on.

That's the spirit! I don't think I've voted for a single incumbent (at any level above my local city) in the past 10 years...

Heck, in that time, I haven't voted for a more than a handful of Republicans or Democrats, either. Mostly, I throw my votes to the various independents. I know they don't stand a chance against the Republican and Democrat candidates, but at least I make my statement heard. I'm completely disgusted by both major parties.

 

[ltstanfo]

Wow... it must be getting attention if even CBS is willing to report that the reconciliation meetings won't be public. Oh wait... the White House has just signaled that "1 hour" will be public and covered on CSPAN (just reported on Drudge home page). Glad to see that they are so transparent. :roflmao:

Regards,
Ltstanfo

 

[faethor]

This is so mucked up. Clearly the Middle-Man insurance industry has had their fingers in this mess.

What should be happening is clear -- single payer. Kill the industry that adds no value to healthcare.

 

[Glaucus]

What should be happening is clear -- single payer. Kill the industry that adds no value to healthcare.

I can't argue against that, but what do general Americans feel about that? I've always thought that such a change would be political suicide in the US.

 

[ltstanfo]

What should be happening is clear -- single payer. Kill the industry that adds no value to healthcare.

I can't argue against that, but what do general Americans feel about that? I've always thought that such a change would be political suicide in the US.

I think you have hit the proverbial "nail on the head" with your comment Mike. In my opinion I believe that is precisely what will occur when the Democrats rush this poorly contrived legislation through. Leaving aside the Republicans and Tea Baggers complaints (and there are many), look at the in-fighting within the Democrat party (especially when it comes to single pay vs no government plan and taxing private plans as currently being discussed). Are they determined to lose? Peggy Noonan has written well thought out article (IMO) covering this very thing. She also puts the Republicans on notice (which they should be).

Realistically, had the Democrats not tried so hard to cram everything into a single piece of "legislation", they could have accomplished a lot more with far less (predicted) collateral damage (if they even care at this point). The Democrats have always been better at incrementalism (sp?) than the Republicans will ever be.

Regards,
Ltstanfo

 

[faethor]

Realistically, had the Democrats not tried so hard to cram everything into a single piece of "legislation", they could have accomplished a lot more with far less (predicted) collateral damage (if they even care at this point). The Democrats have always been better at incrementalism (sp?) than the Republicans will ever be.

Lstanfo you might be onto something here. I've been hearing talk in that same vein concerning past Democratic efforts. 1964 Dems had to give up black voting rights in order to get ERA passed. 1965 voting rights for minority passed in flying colors. Medicare/Medicaid were in similar initial states with serious lacking. Dems were able to get those improved too. So much that even Republicans back Medicare and certainly sign up for it, McCain for example, as soon as they can get into the system.

Perhaps it'll turn out the same for healthcare this may be the first of many improving the systems. There are some good things in there. No ability to deny due to pre-existing conditions is a great example.

As for backroom deals -- a good example here is Medicare part D from the Republicans. They made a backroom deal with the insurance industry. It was passed that the government, largest insurer in the US, cannot negotiate the cost of medicine. Clearly that was pro-industry profits and clearly not in anyway pro-captialism. I see this and think while it's not perfect it could be even worse and perhaps the Dems can continue to improve it.

 

[ltstanfo]

We'll see how it goes for the Democrats. At this point I just cannot see them gaining anything (certainly not in the near term... remainder of Obama's presidency). *IF* the Republicans win the mid-term as is currently predicted, it may be some time before Democrats can "improve" on things as you alluded to. :wink:

Of course, if the Republicans do win, their feet will be held to the fire (as it should be).

Regards,
Ltstanfo

 

[faethor]

We'll see how it goes for the Democrats. At this point I just cannot see them gaining anything (certainly not in the near term... remainder of Obama's presidency). *IF* the Republicans win the mid-term as is currently predicted, it may be some time before Democrats can "improve" on things as you alluded to. :wink:

In the House I think some small Republican gains likely. The Senate is different. There are 20 Republicans and 17 Dems up for relection. Toss-Up states mostly fall in the currently Republican 20 count. While close I think the Dems will gain a seat or two.