We've all been reading the Ben Nelson saga, not being able to decide if he will allow a vote on health care reform. Basically, what I've learned is he feels that we:
- Can't spend too much to help regular folks,
- Can't cut any $$$ from special interests,
- Can't have deficit increase,
- Can't so no to any health spending ever,
- And, God forbid the public option keep insurers in-line!
Of course, that is pretty much impossible to do while expanding coverage.
So, what bought his vote to proceed to debate? See below
http://www.washingtonpost.com/...
Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) got Reid to jettison a provision stripping health insurers of their antitrust exemption
Really? That's what you are holding out for? To make sure the anti-competitive clusterfuck that is our health care system, dominated by a few firms that basically set rates, continues!
Yeah, that's life as a DC 'moderate'. I'm sure most moderate voters are sitting at home saying 'Gee, I hope the health insurance companies can continue anti-competitive practices!'
No undecided voters are worried about the level of their subsidies.
Or, the price of premiums they'll be paying.
Or, the price of drugs that are set by the drug cartels.
Or, expanding coverage.
Or, their benefits being taxed.
No, moderate voters only care about protecting the profits of insurance companies!
Let's rip the scab off and show the world what a DC definition of Dem moderate really is -- someone who runs as a liberal (except on some social issues), but who whores themselves out to corporations...
FYI - Here's the price of the others:
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) won a promise from Reid to support his plan to expand eligibility for health insurance. Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) got Reid to jettison a provision stripping health insurers of their antitrust exemption. Landrieu got the concessions for her money. And Lincoln won an extended, 72-hour period to study legislation.
At least, Landrieu's was for money to help folks! The article implies that Landrieu and Lincoln aren't done making the bill worse yet.
Assholes, the whole lot of them.