The Senate says it will add a weak public option feature to health care reform as the outcome of this effort turns towards reconciliation with the House bills. The state "opt out" provision decidedly weakens an already weak bill. None of the proposals really solves the health care crisis but attempt to put band aids on a hemorrhaging system. Allowing individual states to opt out will hurt millions of Americans. It is bad enough few people will actually be able to the government option but now even fewer will get coverage.
I'm still amazed the Senate has not repealed the filibuster rule and passed real reform. Since only the GOP uses the filibuster (Dems don't have the balls) why not kill it? This takes only 51 votes then actual progress can be made on the serious issues facing this nation. Climate change and immigration are next on the agenda and if this is what we can expect from those efforts we're in serious trouble.
Meanwhile wasn't this great?
As Blue Dog Democrats waver on supporting the people's needs and wants we need to examine whether to challenge them in primaries next year. Jason Altmire and Tim Holden refuse to say they will support HB 3200 as written. I say let's get rid of Jason and Tim. This might get the attention of others in Congress oblivious to the importance of real reform.
