Can any of you political brainiacs please explain to me why the Dem Party...

[Bread and Circus]

doesn't make single payer a plank?

The majority of Americans support it. The majority of physicians support it.

Why doesn't the Dem Party?

[Eric J in MN]

1. The insurance companies don't support it. NT

NT

[gateley]

2. I have the same question -- and it's never been sufficiently answered to my satisfaction.

On one hand, the insurance industry is huge and there could be ramifications of making it essentially null and void, but doesn't Dennis have a plan that would ensure a relatively painless transition?

A Canadian DUer said it took years to work out the bugs in their system, which is understandable -- but why at least aren't we saying this is what we can do NOW as we work toward a goal of single payer? Why can't this just be a first step, instead of being presented as a solution?

[EmperorHasNoClothes]

3. A massive misinformation campaign by the republicans and insurance companies

I can't count the number of people I have met who think single payer means the government is going to pick your doctor or you will have to wait 6 months to see a specialist. :eyes:

[Name removed]

4. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[glowing]

5. If we get Obama and a Dem majority in Congress (both houses)..

There's a bill sitting there that is similar to a single payer.. So, that is the bill that will probably be pushed through to the Presidents desk... Obama is NOT going to go against a good bill reforming healthcare.

The reason why Obama cannot just embrace this notion is because those that bitch, do not vote. Many of those that do vote "don't want no socialized medicine".

[DailyGrind51]

6. This present incarnation of Democrats also receives money from the insurance lobby.

"When you dance with the devil, your feet get burned!" Old Irish Proverb