Two good reasons I want this healthcare bill passed NOW.

[secondwind]

LAUTENBERG and BYRD. They are not going to live forever, and we may never pass this way again. And my impression is that we can take this awful bill and start to add and/or revise it little by little.

[silverweb]

1. Ditto that.

This is a foundation we can build on. In time and with a lot of work, it may even be worthy of the name "health care" and we can actually join the rest of the civilized world.

[elocs]

2. Good, bad, or otherwise, I think like Clinton this will be Obama's only chance.

If this is lost now I fear it will be downhill for the Obama administration because the Republicans will have figured out how to thwart it and be a constant thorn in his side. All of this aided and abetted by those who call themselves Democrats or make pretense of supporting Democratic causes or ideals.

[Laelth]

3. One VERY good reason for this bill to fail.

California will probably pass single payer on its own in 2011. All they need is a Democratic Governor. The legislature has already passed the bill. Schwarzenegger vetoed it. Once California has single-payer, most (if not all) states will follow suit.

It's likely that if we pass a new law now, the new law will preempt single-payer, i.e. the Federal law will preempt state law and prevent states from enacting a single-payer system.

THIS is what the health insurance companies fear. THIS is what brought them to the bargaining table. THIS is why they are not fighting Obama's tepid reforms, and THIS is why it is extremely important that we do not pass any health insurance reform bill this year.

Let's not settle for a bail-out of the health insurance industry. Let's insist on the eradication of it. In all likelihood, California will lead the way in 2011 ... if we can just give them time.

Canada got its single-payer system one province at a time, and it looks like that's the only way it can happen in the United States.

I don't think the Federal Government is capable of reforming the system right now. If this bill is the best the Federal Government can do, then the Federal Government should do nothing. It's time to let the states try.

:dem:

-Laelth

[PBS Poll-435]

4. ...

:rofl:

[Laelth]

7. If that's the only argument you've got, it's pretty weak.

:hi:

Kill the bill.

Forcing people to buy insurance is no more the answer to a failed health care system than forcing people to buy houses is the solution to homelessness.

:dem:

-Laelth

[PBS Poll-435]

8. Pass the bill, and build on the foundation

Or derail reform for another 40 years.

[Laelth]

11. Complete nonsense. The current system is unsustainable, and everyone knows it.

Explain to me why the Kucinich Amendment (which would have allowed states to enact single-payer) was stripped out of the House bill by Nancy Pelosi? If you can't, I'll tell you why.

The purpose of this bill is to prevent any state from enacting a single-payer system.

Given a little time, the states will fix this on their own. The current bill shows the Federal Congress is more interested in protecting insurance companies than the American people.

:dem:

-Laelth

[PBS Poll-435]

14. Because it was proposed by

Kucinich.

[secondwind]

5. you're kidding....how come I haven't heard about this ? I will write to my BFF in San Fran now!

[Laelth]

6. Not kidding at all, sadly.

The purpose of this legislation is to prevent single-payer.

Kill the bill.

Forcing people to buy insurance is no more the answer to a failed health care system than forcing people to buy houses is the solution to homelessness.

:dem:

-Laelth

[FrenchieCat]

9. California will not be getting a single payer plan.....

cause they can't afford it.

However, perhaps if you hold your breath, it may help!

[Laelth]

12. California has had no trouble selling bonds to cover its deficits.

If California is prevented from getting a single-payer system, it will be because of this horrible bill that our party is trying to pass right now--the bill that will prevent any state from enacting a single-payer system.

:dem:

-Laelth

[treestar]

10. How do you know they will get a Dem governor?

What if they don't?

Are you sure it would prevent the states from doing single payer? They usually can do more than the fed does and that would be more. The federal government merely legislating doesn't preempt the entire field, does it?

[Laelth]

13. Three states have applied for ERISA waivers to enact single-payer systems.

If California doesn't lead the way, another state will ...

... UNLESS we pass this disastrous bill that is designed to prevent any state from passing a single-payer system.

Kill the bill.

Forcing people to buy insurance is no more the answer to a failed health care

system than forcing people to buy houses is the solution to homelessness.

:dem:

-Laelth