President Obama has repeatedly stated that he supports a public option, but as of yet he has not issued a threat to veto any bill without one.
His reasoning is that if there is another way to ensure costs are kept down, that’s the main goal.
But he has also come out in favor of mandates, and all signs point to them being in the final bill whether it has a public option on not.
This is appalling. I’m astonished this hasn’t become more of an issue.
Under the Baucus bill, people are required to purchase insurance. If they refuse to do so, they face a monetary fine and possibly jail time!
Think about that.
What Baucus (and apparently President Obama) claims is acceptable is a direct transfer of wealth under penalty of imprisonment.
Look, if people want to purchase goods and services that help a CEO buy a new yacht, more power to them. They have that right to do so. But requiring people to purchase the service of a for-profit entity and threatening with jail time if they refuse is unbelievable. I can’t believe this is even under discussion. I can't believe they don't seem to realize how badly this is going to blow up in their faces.
And no, it’s nothing like car insurance because driving is a privilege and not a right. You can choose not to drive; you didn’t choose to be born.
President Obama, it’s not just about cost. It’s also about fairness.