I listened to the talking heads today, both on junk TV and C-Span. To a note the pitch perfect whining addressed the "unaffordabilty" of a public option or single payer.
The Dems say, they haven't seen the plan, don't know what's in it, (duck and cover) and the pugs have rolled out their version of healthcare in 50 words or less, (no costs mentioned) but I'm SURE it's a much better plan than the one the Dems "haven't seen".
The influx of capital into the Capitol, leaving no pocket unlined is just biz as usual until we end personhood for corporations. We have a corporate government that when convenient, accidentally serves the People.
So I don't think much will change, but here's a slogan/idea. [jump!]
If the Executive and Legislative branches can't afford healthcare for all, then neither can we the taxpayers afford coverage for our noble leaders and reps. It's time to suspend coverage on all elected federal employees. Make no party distinction, it all goes, not to be returned until the dithering is complete and we have a simple easy to understand healthcare plan that benefits all, (except private insurers) and covers everyone. Of course, this will happen immediately upon my printing this post and I'll win the lottery. But as a talking point, WTH.
Another fellow has called for a general strike on the 6th. Good idea, let's do it.
But ultimately, it's going to take Iranian sized demonstrations to get common sense solutions enacted. In the meantime, we need real questions asked of Obama, Baucus, et al. Here's mine.
You currently enjoy an excellent healthplan as part of your benefit package working for the People. Why do you feel that your constituents aren't entitled to the same plan?
Another. Everyone seems to be concerned about private insurers going under if a "public option" is introduced. Exactly what is the concern? Didn't they have their chance to behave ethically and morally?
Yet another. America is tired of propping up corrupt and bloated institutions. Most of the ideas being espoused for healthcare keep pumping money either contractually or through mandate into the same criminal insurers we already have. Why?
But the hardest thing- make our electeds actually ANSWER the questions they're asked. I don't care if they squirm. It's about their money but it's about our lives.