Unintended consequence of health reform

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Thursday August 13, 2009 · 11:17 AM PDT

2009/08/13 · 11:17

First off, I am a health care reform supporter. I was always hoping we would do something along the line of single payer (Medicare for all). However, since single payer doesn't seem to be on the table any more I have been becoming more open to compromise with insurance exchanges and maybe a scaled back public option. I hate to say it but I have even been thinking a co-op might be fine.

Then today I was thinking about how this can all unfold and still work out for the best. I just read Paul Begala's article in the Washington Post Progress Over Perfection . Paul discusses how incrementalism can be the way to go. His point is not to go for all or nothing like they did in 1994. It made me feel pretty good with compromise.

I started to imagine what 2-3 years from now could look like and something scary occurred to me.

(more)

neoConned

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Wednesday August 05, 2009 · 8:01 AM PDT

2009/08/05 · 08:01

I ran across this and thought it was interesting that even though AARP has not taken an official position either way on the still unfinished bill in congress that they are trying to clear up misconceptions on the issue of health care.

It is ironic that I am coming across so many elderly that are opposed to the health care bill. First, the bill it isn't done. Secondly, it not only to insure everyone but an attempt to save Medicare!

neoConned

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Wednesday July 29, 2009 · 8:14 AM PDT

2009/07/29 · 08:14

Recently the battles in congress and the media disinformation over healthcare reform have got my friends and I debating the issue at a fevers pitch. I realized that such a complicated issue can go down so many rabbit trails when addressing concerns including taxes, premiums, quality, service level, etc..etc..

Based on my discussion with people I believe most people are driven by fear on this issue. They are fine with their insurance, they don't want it to go up or lose it, everyone else be damned since the government already takes care of most of them anyways.

What I find most interesting in the arugments is some people inadvertently make the case for Obama's plan! I want to give you a perfect example.

(more)

neoConned

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Sunday July 26, 2009 · 8:21 PM PDT

2009/07/26 · 20:21

I have been feeling a bit deflated lately that the current healthcare proposal is getting watered down and held up in committee. I was really optimistic about Obama passing a universal healthcare plan that saved Medicare, covered all Americans and reduced the cost of premiums paid by private policy holders.

Unfortunately without major cost control it will be impossible to achieve ANY of these goals. The latest bill, with a cost over 1 trillion over 10 years, puts us more in debt.

FRONTLINE: SICK AROUND THE WORLD

more ...

neoConned

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Saturday January 19, 2008 · 2:02 PM PST

2008/01/19 · 14:02

After what seems a victory in Nevada, Hillary now has the momentum. It is an exciting time for her campaign and supporters.

I am happy that these races have been tight as it is better for our democracy. I hope to see South Carolina tightened as well even though Obama will likely win anyways.

It seems with these tighten races the candidates have to expose themselves more and put themselves out there.

The Street: Clinton Shines, most consistent in Debate

neoConned

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Wednesday January 16, 2008 · 8:52 AM PST

2008/01/16 · 08:52

John Fout, the political correspondent for the street, has a review on last nights debate. The Street: "Clinton Shines In Vegas". He discusses the canidates positions on economic, energy and foreign policies.

First off I am a supporter of Clinton's, but it seems evident to me she had very strong showing in the debate last night and had a very good command of the subject matter.

It appears the debate forum of smaller group, more discussion providing more detail conversations suits her very well.

-- more below the fold --

neoConned

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Thursday September 14, 2006 · 11:58 AM PDT

2006/09/14 · 11:58

A good article by Joe Scarborough in the Washington Monthly. I myself being a fiscal conservative am totally on board with Joe on his points here.

'http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/...

GOP:Dems Weak on National Security

neoConned

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Monday March 20, 2006 · 2:04 PM PST

2006/03/20 · 14:04

Incase you were interested in how the GOP is spinning censure...

Feingold wants to censure Bush - and personally believes it's impeachable - for, at worst, an excess of diligence in protecting the country from terrorists who have vowed to kill millions of us if they can. This is scarcely a 'high crime' or even a 'crime.'

See GOP website for more: NEWS http://www.gop.com/...

GOP: Wants to Change the Subject

neoConned

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Sunday March 19, 2006 · 6:19 PM PST

2006/03/19 · 18:19

From the weekly standard....

CHANGE THE SUBJECT
POLITICS IS PRETTY SIMPLE. If the debate in an upcoming election puts your party at a disadvantage, it makes sense to try to change the debate. At the moment, the 2006 midterm election is framed as a referendum on the Bush administration and congressional Republicans, putting Republican candidates on the defensive. Party strategists, led by chairman Ken Mehlman, want to rejigger the debate so it's about a choice between candidates, putting Democratic candidates on the defensive as well. In short, they want it to be a choice election, not a referendum election.

more .... Read More

TNR: Feingolds Selfish move

neoConned

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Saturday March 18, 2006 · 8:06 AM PST

2006/03/18 · 08:06

I know many are excited about what Feingold did in the Senate well this week. He does have priciples no one is condeming that. I think you need to decide what your goal is right now though. Is it to win back the Senate Majority (Harry Reids Job) or is it to shake up the party and lose seats in the process?

What Feingold did he should do campaigning. He didn't have to go to the well of the senate and put fellow Democrats in a difficult situation. If he wanted to shake up the party then he should have lobbied his caucus, or went to the media, but to "Get them on record" is absolutely the wrong thing to do. These other senators may be playing it safe because that is what the need to do to WIN or retain their seats.

Here is an intelligent article on the subect from New Republic. NRO LINK: http://www.tnr.com/...
More under the fold ...
Read More

WAPO: Can Democrats Play This Game?

neoConned

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Thursday March 16, 2006 · 11:34 PM PST

2006/03/16 · 23:34

E. J. Dionne Jr. of the Washington Post does a good job of laying out the dilema the Feingold censure causes in the party. Excerpt below ...

--------------

For two decades, Republicans have used their idealists, their ideologues and their loudmouths to push the boundaries of discussion to the right. In the best of all worlds, Feingold's strong stand would redefine what's "moderate" and make clear that those challenging the legality of the wiretapping are neither extreme nor soft on terrorism.

That would demand coordination, trust and, yes, calculation involving both the vote-counting politicians and the guardians of principle among the activists. Republicans have mastered this art. Democrats haven't.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/...

-----

Unfortunately there is no suggestions in the article on fixing the problem. Other then trusting the leadership and caucus to figure things out (which may be the best option) I am curious what some thoughts are on helping the process along (sooner the better).

Getting Hot Button Issues Off the Table

neoConned

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Sunday December 04, 2005 · 9:55 AM PST

2005/12/04 · 09:55

This is my first diary.

I have been giving a lot of thought to the political strategies the Republican Party employs. In particular I wanted to talk about how they play to their religious base.

What is obvious is they excite their religious base by taking their position on social issues (i.e. Gay Marriage and Abortion) in order to get them to the polls. What I find incredible once elected they do little more then pay lip service.
Read More

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Unintended consequence of health reform

AARP debunks myths

the simple case for Healthcare

FRONTLINE Renewed my spirits on health care reform

Congratulations Hillary!

The Street: Clinton Shines, most consistent in Debate

And we thought Clinton had no self control...

GOP:Dems Weak on National Security

GOP: Wants to Change the Subject

TNR: Feingolds Selfish move

WAPO: Can Democrats Play This Game?

Getting Hot Button Issues Off the Table