I have long held to the theory that for every problem, there is a solution. This Health Care Reform process we've been suffering through has seemed to defy my theory though. But you know, that's often the way. There may be a solution to where we are now (or to any other problem, for that matter), i.e., REAL reform having fallen apart owing to the intervention of the Lord and Master of the Legislative process in the U.S., Joe Lieberman, but it doesn't mean the solution is immediately apparent. Sometimes you have to turn the old brain up to HIGH. Sometimes a brilliant solution just appears.
In this case, it appeared via a fellow Kossack's comment. My brain had been heading in the same direction, but BAM, beyondleft beat me to it.
Update: Could this be the 11th dimentional chess we've heard so much about?
I don't think I have to explain the entire problem, as folks here have been watching the whole agonizing process being played out for some time now. Essentially, we are on the horns of a dilemma, based on the Senate filibuster provision which has evolved into a new and undemocratic "rule" in that body whereby a bill needs 60 votes to pass.
But wait, we HAVE 60 members in our Caucus. But wait again, 4 of them are balking, threatening to join with the other side. But wait yet again, we can, and we did work out a compromise. Not great, but not too too bad, maybe it'll get better in Conference. But wait one last time, Holy Joe, Droopy Joe, Sloppy Joe, whatever name we have for this horrible Lieberman sad sack, he declares he'll hold fast no matter what. Have it his way, or no way at all!
But HIS way strips out any element of real reform on the cost side. There's some good stuff in there, to be sure, but in the end, the American People will be mandated to buy health insurance from the very companies that have been at the center of the horror our system has become.
The guy I trust most in this debate, Howard Dean says that this is a terrible bill, one which it would be better to kill, and start all over.
Others say it's better than nothing, that we should take the good reform measures in the bill, and try to build upon them in the future.
And I am torn. I see wisdom on both sides, but I also see two choices, neither of which I like a whole lot. Taking the bill would lead to Universal coverage, albeit unaffordable for some, a strain for others, and generally speaking, our money and our government's money (also our money) going to FURTHER enrich the bastards who are ripping us off to start with.
On the plus side though, there are some new regulations in place. On the minus side, these guys are great at gaming the System. The way to make this work would be the competitive element brought in by the Public Option. But of course, there stands the Lieberman blocking the way.
But wait! The budget passed this year opene the door for the process of Reconciliation. Happy Day, only 51 votes needed to pass it! Just 50 Senators really, with the Vice-president!
But wait again, Reconciliation is only for budgetary matters. We could only get that portion of it passed this way, leaving us still with only half a bill. And worse yet, we'd have to start the WHOLE DAMN THING all over again! Remember Max Baucus, and the joyous Republicans on his committee? Remember the teabagger-infested Town Hall meetings? Remember the endless bullshit chatter day after day which the Villagers sicken us with? And you know, 2010's an election year, and though it isn't true, they just say it is, you just can't pass reform (that we desperately need) in an Election year! And that's where the argument ends. We can jump up and down and all around, but the crappy bill is the one we're getting.
And you know what? We should take it! And give up everything we have been fighting so hard for? Admit that we are powerless after all? Our government is busted, so too damn bad?
Nope, there IS a real solution after all, curtesy of beyondleft:
Take what we have now and pass medicare/po (1+ / 0-)
via reconciliation. Its that simple. get a robust public option to compete with insurance companies. the po by itself or medicare for 55+ by itself is perfectly appropriate for reconciliation, because they both affect the budget...Why not?
Take the crappy bill because it DOES have good stuff in it. Sure, it's only half the fight, but who says which half needs to be fought first or last?
Progressives should cut a deal on this one: We'll pass this bill to get the job half-done, BUT the Public Option gets re-introduced immediately after this one passes.
It can be negotiated, but for real cost-savings, as well as cost-containment (bending the curve, as they like to say), the robust public option is best (based on Medicare rates). Even better would be to add in the Medicare buy-in provision as well.
And don't let them tell you this can't be done, because as sure as we Progressives are always on the right side of history, it surely CAN BE DONE!
In this version off Health Care Reform, everyone wins..... everyone, that is but Lieberman and the "Health Care Industry!"
Can We the People get this passed if we so choose?
Yes, WE Can!