Reply #55: Why I Think Everybody Here is Wrong [View All]

[DrFunkenstein]

First of all, I am not fond of the "my way or the highway" mentality, even in liberals. Before we enact real reform, we must first change the political center of gravity - which is not at a single-payer system. As much as it may be the CORRECT idea, it does not represent the most strategically smart course.

No President can shove major health care change down the throats of Congress unilaterally. What Obama is presenting us represents a major step forward - NOT the end of the road. And sometimes the fastest way between two points is not a straight line.

Obama's proposals are, for the most part, very much in line with what Kerry was presenting in 2004.

Here are some of the key features that few here have bothered to pick up after they folded their arms over the single-payer plan:

1. A special pool to remove the catastrophic illnesses out of the general premium coverage. That's a biggie.

2. A major focus on preventative healthfulness. Some have mentioned the need for this without saying that Obama is focusing on the issue.

3. Updating the records.

4. Exempting the smallest businesses from participating - this removes a major talking point for the GOP.

5. The fact that the coverage is choice-based (this is where the political center of gravity remains).

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Once people realize that health care is their right as a citizen, THEN we can lean upon both parties in Congress to press even farther into a more just health care system.