We can get Congress to pass a health-care bill with a strong, robust public option. Let me explain the math below.
This morning, I spoke to my Rep's office (Mike Honda). Since he is a member of the Progressive Caucus, I didn't have to argue my case. The staffer who took my call said that there are 79 progressives in the House and in theory at least, all of them will vote against any plan that does not have a strong, robust public option.
So, let's see. If 79 of the 268 Democrats vote against continuing the status quo, (which is what a "reform" bill without a strong public option would amount to) it means that for anything to pass, at least 29 Regressives (out of 166) will have to vote for it. Now, thanks to their idiotic supporters, none of the House Regressives want to even give the appearance of supporting any reform of the the health-care system.
So, it will be nearly impossible for ANY reform effort to clear the House without the support of the Progressives.
However, on the other hand, if we could get a good enough bill that the 79 Progressives will vote for, then even if 50 of the House Democrats vote against it (and there could be that many Blue Cross Democrats), we can still squeak by with the 218 votes needed to pass the bill.
The Honda staffer actually urged me to contact my Senators too. And when I said that I will start with Sen. Feinstein, he laughed and said that it would be a good idea!!