Some Health Care Reform Light

Commentary By Ron Beasley

Is it possible that the Democrats may be listening to the American People?

Democrats May Unite On Public Health Plan

 Emboldened by polls that show public backing for a government health insurance plan, Democrats are moving to make it a politically defining issue in the debate over the future of medical care.

Behind-the-scenes attempts to get a deal with Republicans on nonprofit co-ops as an alternative to a public plan have led only to frustration, complains a key Democrat. He and his colleagues may have to go it alone, said Sen. Chuck Schumer.

The co-ops were seen as perhaps the last hope for compromise on a contentious issue that threatens any remaining prospects of bipartisan support for President Obama's sweeping plan to remake the health care system.

"I don't think I could say with a straight face that this (co-op proposal) is at all close to a nationwide public option," Schumer, D-N.Y., told The Associated Press on Sunday. "Right now, this co-op idea doesn't come close to satisfying anyone who wants a public plan."

This is perhaps the first hopeful sign we have seen for several weeks.  Are we beyond the quixotic foolishness of bipartisanship?  The American people voted for change and the Republicans won't move beyond the same old failed policies.  The health care oligarchs and their friends in congress and the media can't even come up with new arguments and for the most part their old arguments are the same ones that people experience with the for profit insurance companies.  Do you want government bureaucrats making your health care decisions?  It's better than insurance company bureaucrats who make money when the deny care.