TIME TO ADD THE PUBLIC OPTION!
If it's going back to the House anyway...
If Reid has 50 votes for the public option, this is the best opportunity we've had to get this done. The last time, they were going for 60 votes in trying to include it in the main Senate bill. Now that the threshold is 50 for the "fix" bill, I would expect and hope that he has the votes. Now the question is does he have the WILL?
In my opinion, once there is a mandate to purchase insurance, there must be some mechanism for controlling rate increases and exorbitant initial premium quotes. Whether it's regulation addressing year-to-year increases in premiums or providing an alternative to the private insurance industry that will bring in some real competition for that guaranteed consumer base.
If it can get through the Senate, I'm not too worried about what the House will do. Throughout this process, Pelosi has delivered the votes time and time again. Doing most of the heavy lifting. And even pocketing a few "yes" votes by allowing Dems in conservative districts to vote against the legislation. She should have no problem getting it done... again.
TIME TO MAKE CALLS FOR THE PUBLIC OPTION!
If the votes aren't there... fine. We can take it up later, as Reid promised. But the Senate should not fail to consider adding in the public option because they don't know the public opinion on it. It's our job to make our voices heard.
PS - I apologize for the brevity... but not sure there is more to say. GO GO GO!