It's a telling sign when Senators...

[SHRED]

...threaten their vote in order to weaken the HC "reform" bill yet who really threatened to hold out in order to strengthen it?

:grr:

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[cali]

1. Bernie. n/t

[SHRED]

2. What did he get?

I mean not for his District but what did he get in the bill?

---

[rucky]

3. link:

http://wwww.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/12/21/817467/-14,000-Kennedy-Sanders-Cardin-ClinicsHow-Senate-Rules-KILLED-Public-Option

[cali]

5. He got 10 billion for CHCs that will provide primary care including

dental, prescription and mental health services for millions across the country. It's not single payer but it's a very big deal for a large number of people. And a tiny percentage of those funds will go to VT, no more than enough to fund two new CHCs. (100,000 in VT receive their primary care from CHCs now)

[tekisui]

4. Benie did it right.

[rucky]

6. He's not getting enough credit on DU

maybe people are too unglued to notice?

[tekisui]

7. I think you are right.

In what other scenario could Sanders have gotten such a bill through. He knew it was going to pass, and that his vote would be needed, so he got a critical concession. He should get more attention for it.

[cali]

8. frustration with the process and the legislation is

what's preventing that.

[tekisui]

10. Yeah, I can understand that.

But, it comes to a point where you have to let go of yesterday's fight and look for what we have to work with today.

The bill is how it is. It is as good as done, now. Fighting the actual bill at this point is futile. Just as fighting against the decision to escalate in Afghanistan is futile.

It is better to put energies in focusing on what is possible and building on what, if any, good can be found.

[cali]

11. yes, I agree with you

but there are quite a few people here who have only one gear: perpetual outrage and anger. I don't think they know how to move beyond that are harness it.

[spanone]

9. the media is way too busy accentuating the negative impacts to show anything positive