Change is scary, I get it

[nadinbrzezinski]

but the system as it existed until now was very broken. Now it is just broken. But for all of you screaming... but, but, how are we gonna help those that can't afford them insurance? Folks that's why the program INCLUDES subsidies. I know this is hard to understand, but although it does not reach 100% coverage, it is much better than it was.

You got no idea it is to see a family going... we cannot afford 5,000 dollars to get our son to a US Hospital... because their INSURANCE would not cover that critical care run.

You have no clue of the horror that it is to see people literally at my hospital door because we gave charity care and they could not find that care in the US.

If the health care clinics did nothing to open your eyes to this reality, I don't know what will.

But realize many of the people who went to the clinics that Keith helped promote will have the OPPORTUNITY to get REGULAR care.

Hell, I see it even with my niece. She WILL be able to get on mom and dad's policy now, until 26... that gives her four years to find a job WITH a health insurance... and trust me, SHE NEEDS it... ah the glory of them pesky pre-existing.

So you know what? This is NOT about me... and to me it did not mean one iota of a difference... it is about THEM.

I have seen the faces of desperation over the last two years as well, dad going in and out of hospitals (in two countries and two states mind you)... and as a medical provider in a border town, I SAW IT TOO!

So it is not perfect. No bill of major import in the US is Perfect, there is always a fight that needs to continue, but realize for a few million this is already making all the difference in the world.

[bigtree]

1. and change is hard

you are correct. It's not as if all of the existing constructions of the 'New Deal' and Great Society' have somehow been dismantled, as some critics suggest. This bill enhances the ability of Americans to access health insurance. Now the challenge is to make it more inclusive and provide a check on arbitrary rate increases by providing either competition or regulation; or a combination of both. I wonder at the folks who are declaring the process dead on the arrival of this bill.

[nadinbrzezinski]

2. They did the same in 1935

and 1965

And the other side screamed it is the end of the world as well.

So I am not shocked.

This bill is FAR FROM PERFECT... I mean my ideal bill would be single payor, but in the US, that ain't gonna happen any time soon.