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November 27, 2009
Fixing the Public Option
Take a good look at the above headline, because it's a topic that's going to come up quite a bit.
Unfortunately, the "level playing field" public option isn't a level playing field at all, because the plan as it's written now could be sabotaged and destroyed due to "adverse selection" -- the dumping of the sick into the public option, and the subsequent spike in costs and premiums that accompany such a possibility.
Respectfully disagreeing with Tim F., however, the plan shouldn't be dropped because it's flawed. It's a plan that can be fixed after the fact. The most important goal is to get a public option in place. As long as it's there (not a trigger), it can be tweaked. But starting from scratch at a later time might be more difficult with a previous failure diminishing the political will for it.
And maybe this is overly optimistic, but the squeaky wheel always gets the grease. Maybe the fact that it's hobbled will call attention to some fixes.
Filed under: Healthcare || Public Option
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Posted By Bob Cesca | November 27, 2009 7:49 AM
Comments
Good thinking. We need to get it through first, then it can be worked on. squeeky wheel, indeed. Governing is more of a process than we know.
Posted by: danann ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.bobcesca.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at November 27, 2009 8:37 AM
I'm with you on this one, Bob. But I am starting to think that a conventional form of "squeaking wheel" may be ineffective in dealing with our current system of legalized bribery.
Unregulated greed has all but destroyed a system based on capitalism and democracy. When I observe the conduct of the industry whores, that we elect in good faith, it is easy to be tempted to just go into "fuck it all" mode. I can do this because I am older and live fairly comfortably with my Medicare card in my wallet.
I wonder if we can achieve any form of justice without getting the money out of lobbying. I am convinced that a law that made it illegal to pass or promise monetary consideration to politicians, in any form, now or in the future, would pass Constitutional challenges. Free speech would not be abridged. Lobby all you want. Just no money or equivalent!
The best form of "squeaking wheel" is mass protests. We need a leader for this. Who?
Totally impractical? Impossible? Maybe, but like I have said before . . I was there in the sixties.
(BTW, I missed your Thanksgiving open thread, but please accept a belated but very sincere thanks for what you do.)
Posted by: Hielo at November 27, 2009 10:57 AM
OT- I know you would be interested to know, that starting today there is the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM)in Trinidad. Queen Elizabeth 11 and Prince Phillip arrived, as well as 52 other heads of state,including Gordon Brown,the Indian Prime Minister, who just had the state visit. Climate change is one of the main topics on the agenda.
Posted by: caribbeanobserver at November 27, 2009 12:12 PM
Fixing the public option is a tall task. It does have a few wrinkles that need to be ironed out. As a result there are times when it draws ire. I have seen the benefits though and it can work on a broad scale. http://cli.gs/z3AtaY/
Posted by: stephhunter at November 27, 2009 1:44 PM
New Report: Existing PO Provisions Would Not Lower Costs, Better To ‘Trigger’ Robust Public Plan
Posted by: Cody at November 27, 2009 4:05 PM
you're kidding, right? Obama began hcr by compromising. the only direction the po is going to go is down. what are you talking about improving it?
obama's first foot in the door began with a compromise and could only get worse. he's either an idiot or he knew what he was doing. either way, this bill is only going to get more suck.
Posted by: Blade at November 27, 2009 7:46 PM
