It was a great speech that advanced the cause for meaningful reform

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

President Obama was quite detailed about the plan, he defanged the critics of reform in general, he called out the obstructionists and the liars in both the media and the Republican side.

As you know,I have been a fierce critic and I was pretty well satisfied. I thought he did a great job of being diplomatic, educational and adversarial all at the same time.

I realize that the public option he describes is not the one I envision, Medicare for all, since he did say it had to be funded from premiums (something that I manintain is impossible for a viable public option, especially one that will be the policy of last resort, but that is for another day.)

He said that cancellations of policies would be stopped as of day 1, not sure about prior conditions, hopes that falls under the same banner.

[sharesunited]

1. Universal coverage cannot be made both self-funding and affordable.

That's why it does not work at the state level. A monetary printing press is absolutely required, which is the exclusive domain of the federal government to provide.

[C_U_L8R]

2. absolutely

I have never heard a more earnest speech from a President (or pretty much anyone)

[justinaforjustice]

3. It Was a Great Speech About a Very Bad Policy

It reveals that President Obama is prepared to jettison a really effective public option for one that only covers 5% of the people -- those who don't have any other insurance. His watered down version will not reduce health costs because the private insurers will not have any real competition from a public option that would be open to everyone to choose. His plan will mandate that everyone but the very poor will be required to buy insurance from private companies, thus insuring that the private insurers makes loads more money. There seemed to be no control over what the private insurers can charge their windfall mandated customers for their policies.

Folks, President Obama is a brilliant writer and speaker, which camouflages the fact that he is selling out all those who worked so hard to get him elected. His plan will not insure quality health care for all citizens, which was what the 2008 Democratic Party platform promised and what presidential candidate Obama promised.

We need quality health care for all at an affordable price. Opening up Medicare for All would do that. Obama's plan will not. We need Doctor Howard Dean in 2012 to bring meaningful health care reform.

[Laelth]

5. k&r for the truth, however hideous.

Good post. You nailed it, and I am very disappointed.

:dem:

-Laelth

[Laelth]

4. I was deeply disappointed by the speech.

I am, frankly, quite surprised by your reaction. I wish I shared it.

:dem:

-Laelth