Over the past couple of days the number of diaries about HCR has skyrocketed. Of course, this is to be expected as the battle for HCR looks like it is coming towards its conclusion and its outcome will most likely set the tone for the rest of President Obama’s presidency. Obviously, this is one battle Obama and the Democratic Party simply cannot afford to lose. However, after reading the comments in said diaries, I have noticed that the "Kill the Bill" meme is still proving very popular with certain members of this site. To steal a phrase from the great John McEnroe, "You cannot be serious".
Before I go on, let me make one thing clear. I strongly believe good health care is a right and that the Government has an obligation to help its citizens in their time of need. Like many others on this site, I have come to the conclusion that a single-payer health is the best way of providing health care and must be the ultimate goal for all Progressives. Over time, a single-payer system would drastically improve the fiscal situation in the United States and above all else, it would improve the lives of ordinary Americans.
That being said, we must face the current political realities. There is simply not enough time or votes for this Congress to "Kill the Bill" and start over with Medicare for all. It would be political suicide. We have to work with the bill(s) have. These bill(s), although far from perfect, will prohibit dropping people from coverage when they get sick, will offer tax credits to small businesses to purchase coverage, will provide immediate access to insurance for uninsured Americans who are uninsured because of a pre-existing condition and will increase Medicaid subsidies to 15 million Americans. These are all desperately needed reforms that will help people who need it the most and all can be improved upon in the future.
In conclusion, I implore all progressives currently against HCR to seriously reconsider their position and to realise the ramifications if HCR dies. 31 million Americans will continue to suffer and go without health care. The Dems will lose the House in 2010 and Obama could lose the Presidency in 2012. Do you really want John Boehner as Speaker of the House? Do you really want Mitt Romney as President of the United States? If not, support HCR.
P.S As many of you can tell from my atrocious grammar, this is my first diary so any feedback would be very welcome.