I have asked and asked and I still have no adequate understanding of the current situation in DC and nationwide when it comes to competing interests. The textbook picture of how governing works is that there are competing interests trying to get their way on each issue. Compromise occurs when some of the demands of each interest are met, while some go unmet. For example, if a road is to be built, there will be those in favor and those opposed; there will be competition between those who want to get the contract to build the road, there will be competition to sell the materials to the contractors, there will be some with an interest in selling their land to the state to build the road on, and some who will not want to sell.
Governing means negotiating and balancing these competing interests for the greater good.
When it comes to what is happening in DC and state capitals, I find it hard to see the competing interests.
Health Care Reform is the most glaring case. We have those who have an interest in maintaining the current system: The Health Insurance Industry, the Pharmaceutical industry, the medical device manufacturers, the AMA and so on. These are aligned on one side.
On the other we have, from what I can tell, assorted small progressive organizations, a few larger progressive organizations, and almost nothing else.
Where are the other entities? For example, General Motors and Walmart to name just two. Surely it is in their interest to lower health care costs across the board. Where are the small business owners? Where are the major corporate employers who are getting screwed today and will be even more screwed tomorrow if health care costs are not lowered?
Why isn't there a huge outpouring of anger and resentment from the corporate board rooms against the corrupt and deceitful pirates of the health insurance industry? These corporate big wigs make donations to senate and house and presidential campaigns. They have influence, they have lobbying groups. How could letting the health insurance industry continue to screw them be in the interests of the Pork Producers, Beef Producers, Rail Roads, Airlines, Entertainment and Technology companies as well?
If it is not in their interests, then why are they not pressuring congress critters to do the right thing? Together, they would have far more influence than the health care industries combined. Bankers, Wall Streeters, road pavers and home builders -- like the rest of us -- are getting royally F'd by the health insurance industry.
Yet now, when they could help put an end to this drain on their bottom line, they are silent?
Why?
And how can we change that?