The HCR bill is a done deal and it’s time to turn our focus on the future of dealing with it. No, we’re NOT going to get a Public Option. And yes, we ARE going to be required to subsidize the profits of insurance companies. So, what do we do? Should we trust the "we’ll fix it later" crowd who fail to realize progressives are tired of empty promises? Or, do we teach these Benedict Arnolds a lesson about betrayal to their base? I believe the answer lies somewhere in the answer to the question of "can we fix it". Dr. Dean acknowledges the HCR bill is NOT health care reform but, he believes it gives progressives a "head start" towards that goal. Is that enough to fix it? Follow me below the fold to address this issue.
If democrats are satisfied like Debbie Wasserman Schultz who seems to think "this bill is gonna be so good" (HERE) then it gives me great concern about their commitment to "fix it". After all, how can we expect democrats to fix something they never had the stomach to get right in the first place especially if they fail to recognize REAL reform? Isn’t it obvious these same democrats are more interested in special interests and lining their pockets with corporate monies than providing "historic change" for America? No, the only way we’re EVER gonna "fix it" is if progressives demand it.
First, we should demand the truth in order to reconcile it with reality. This is not the change we voted for and a failure to realize this is a detriment to the cause of "fixing it". Although I didn’t like the heavy-handed manner in which Dylan Rattigan treated Debbie Wasserman Schultz, I applaud the result of exposing her statements as a detriment to "fixing it". She can’t "fix it" if she doesn’t think it needs fixing. Additionally, Obama’s recent denial of campaigning on the PO is also a detriment to "fixing it" as well. The idea that this is "historic legislation" is NOT a reason to support this bill unless you prefer to advance the fortunes of Obama instead of our nation. I am more interested in a victory for America and I resent this mindset of celebrating this HCR bill as an historic victory when it is NOT a victory for the American people unless we "fix it" and soon.
Secondly, we need to have our voices heard. Rahm Emmanuel has made it publicly known that progressives "aren’t going anywhere" and this is why he feels he can stab us in the back and ignore our demands. Although, it may harm our agenda for the future to expose and eradicate those who oppose the PO, I believe this is necessary in order to have our voices heard. Sure they want our vote but, they don’t want our agenda. The best way to be heard is with money and our votes. I believe progressives should be more selective in our campaign contributions. We need to withhold contributions for those like Mary Landrieu who opposed the PO and primary them even if it means losing their meaningless support. We also need for Obama to get this same message that we will not be ignored even if it means losing his meaningless support as well. For this reason, I support the efforts to remove Rahm Emmanuel as COS. If we continue to speak out against the lies by Obama, the betrayals of Mary Landieu, the repulsive oppression of Joe Liarman and disrespect of the Rahm Emmanual, they will begin to hear us and better appreciate our agenda. Without it, they will continue to ignore us and REAL reform will become a losing cause. Thus, it seems the best way to be heard is to defeat moderate democrats because we are more interested in change for America than power for worthless democrats. It should start with Rahm Emmanuel, Joe Liarman, Mary Landrieu and Ben Nelson. A smaller tent in the democratic party may not help my agenda but, a tent with Joe Liarman liars and turn-coat Obama moderates doesn’t help either. Personally, I feel betrayed and I know I cannot count on Obama and the moderates to "fix it".
And finally, we MUST continue to fight. Most elected democrats are too cowardly to bring up this fight again anytime soon and we must force them to do so. Otherwise, our "head start" will be for naught and this bill will never get "fixed". If we forget, our weak, chicken-shit leaders will forget it too. That fight starts NOW! Every politician should be required to reveal their goals for "fixing it" BEFORE any votes are cast in the next election in 2010. It should continue to be in the democratic platform because this bill is not acceptable. The fight for REAL health care reform starts by stopping the lies about how wonderful it is. It starts with more pressure to "fix it". And it becomes reality as soon as Joe Liarman is defeated in Connecticut. I didn’t vote for LieberCare and this is NOT the kind of change I was expecting. Therefore, this HCR bill is a failure until we REALLY do "fix it" and not until that moment arrives will I celebrate.
I'm interested in your views on how to "fix it"