Video: The Public Plan Deception
posted at 2:14 pm on June 12, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
The guys at Verum Serum strike again with this new video of Democrats and their think-tank allies talking about the real goal of the “public plan” in ObamaCare, the new health plan getting rolled out in Congress this month. The White House says the plan will “keep private insurers honest,” but it seems the dishonesty comes from the Oval Office and Capitol Hill:
The people who designed this approach were very honest about it, as you can see in the above video. None of them talk about “keeping private insurers honest”; instead, they’re openly scornful of private insurance and want to rid us of them as soon as they are politically able to do so. The one couldn’t even bring himself to call the public plan a Trojan Horse, so obvious is its intent.
The entire premise of the public plan, as designed by its originators, was to crowd out the private insurers by undercutting them on price. After all, the government can take losses on the plan for as long as they need to drive everyone else out of the market. Once that process completes, voila! Single-payer remains as the only option.
Time to get on the phones and start telling your Senators and Congressment to vote no on the public plan. We will start next week on The Ed Morrissey Show. Get ready for some activism.
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That’s like saying patriotism is robbing someone, with a gun to their head.
capejasmine on June 12, 2009 at 4:10 PM
So why don’t you do this in your own state? Leave the rest of us alone! Prove your ideas are good before imposing them on everyone!
JohnJ on June 12, 2009 at 4:10 PM
So if you don’t like something here, the solution is to go live elsewhere?
mycowardice on June 12, 2009 at 4:10 PM
I’m all for government health care as long as it is the same as our elected corruptocrats have.
To fund it, we would have to do away with: The Dept of Education, any funds to community organization groups, the IRS, probably Social Security, and about 80% of the rest of the Federal government.
If we can abolish most of the rest of the Federal programs, and get the same care as the corruptocrats, I say Ok.
riverrat10k on June 12, 2009 at 4:11 PM
My humble opinion is that health care has reached such a critical level that only a federally led initiative can fix the problem.
mycowardice on June 12, 2009 at 4:11 PM
I have been an MD since 1985. I have done some traveling and observed health care systems in 17 other countries. I predict that six months of socialized medicine in this country will destroy Obama and everyone else who votes for it. Shut up and let them do this. The sooner the better, (2010 is just around the corner). It can all be undone.
doctormom on June 12, 2009 at 4:11 PM
That’s better than forcing your ideas on everyone else.
JohnJ on June 12, 2009 at 4:11 PM
I thought one tooth was actually AP, pulling our legs. No one could be this darn stupid. But, then I thought, obama did get elected. One tooth is breeding and the stupidity spread like wildfire in 2008.
One tooth makes AnninCa look like a genius. Ann, come back. I’m sorry I questioned how often you sit on your fingers…
HornetSting on June 12, 2009 at 4:11 PM
That’s a lot of things, but “humble” it ain’t.
JohnJ on June 12, 2009 at 4:12 PM
What you want, is already being done, and rejected in Europe…so why do you want it here? How is it, you think they can do this any better, when everything else they touch, falls apart, or costs us more out of pocket?
Bottom line is, you want others to care for you, so you don’t have to worry. That still won’t happen under this plan. If you think it will, you’re only kidding yourself.
capejasmine on June 12, 2009 at 4:12 PM
So if you don’t like something here, the solution is to go live elsewhere?
mycowardice on June 12, 2009 at 4:10 PM
DING! FRIES ARE DONE. DING! FRIES ARE DONE.
Ghoul aid on June 12, 2009 at 4:13 PM
Their ideas aren’t bad to them, they just know how reprehensible average people find their goals and objectives. That’s why they cloak everything they say and want to do.
The progressive/socialist/communist/leftist has only one true goal, and it’s all about them.
darwin on June 12, 2009 at 4:13 PM
There are many things I do not like about USA’s system and wish to change. Basically all the general criticisms that everyone has. High cost, profiteering, pre-existing conditions clauses, etc.
SouthernGal on June 12, 2009 at 4:03 PM
Regarding pre-existing condition clauses:
1) there are no pre-existing clauses when starting or changing jobs
2) pre-existing conditions in individual coverage prevent anti-selection. In other words, if you don’t have insurance, then get a serious illness and get insurance that illness is not covered. Explain how this is evil?
Regarding high-cost and profiteering:
1) Each state must approve all individual contract forms and the health insurer must include claim and expense studies.
2) so where can the profiteering come from? And why didn’t 50 state regulators spot it?
About 20 years ago California voted in legislation mandating the cost of auto insurance to be (I think) 103% of claims and expenses. This was to combat the perceived high cost of aut0 insurance. Since margins were about 2% the auto insurance rates actually increased as a result of this legislation.
Jed_Eckert on June 12, 2009 at 4:13 PM
Your Dear Leader is sure is helping costs stay down.
It’s a good thing his wife isn’t involved in any profiteering with Hospital managment.
I have no idea what you mean by “pre-existing conditions clauses”. Perhaps you mean pesky things like our constitution and the rule of law.
shick on June 12, 2009 at 4:13 PM
ThackerAgency on June 12, 2009 at 3:47 PM
I think you mentioned the other day on another thread that part of the motivation for nationalized health care is that the unions won’t be able to carry the health costs of their membership going forward. In effect then a nationalized plan for all is another bailout for the unions.
mph on June 12, 2009 at 4:14 PM
Yes, that is what you are meant to believe. And not just on health care, either. Only the federal government can fix X, Y, and Z. And A, B, and C, too while we’re at it. Only the federal government.
Never let a crisis go to waste, right Rahm?
aero on June 12, 2009 at 4:14 PM
Last I checked, a majority of Americans elected Obama. If anyone is forcing their ideas on the others, it would be the minority on the majority.
mycowardice on June 12, 2009 at 4:14 PM
My spouse asigns that book for 10th grade English class.
myrenovations on June 12, 2009 at 4:14 PM
I think we’re both right.
JohnJ on June 12, 2009 at 4:15 PM
I’m inclined to agree with you, doctormom. I think this will sink our ship, but the thing is, look what is happening to our economy now. 2 million odd jobs lost, billions lost in 401ks, government take over of private industry….and all we hear is how awful CEO’s are and how the economy is improving.
Six months of government healthcare will be hell, but I see the State Run Media making it out to look like paradise. You just don’t get your seventy two virgins.
HornetSting on June 12, 2009 at 4:15 PM
The government has created the “crisis” by imposing reams of regulation on the insurance industry while neglecting to regulate the trial lawyers that routinely cost the health industry billions in malpractice insurance alone, not to mention the money they make by fraudulent lawsuits.
darwin on June 12, 2009 at 4:16 PM
Wow. A majority, by virtue of majority status, can never impose its ideas on a minority. I guess that’s why you have no problem with bringing back slavery.
JohnJ on June 12, 2009 at 4:16 PM
those “problems” as you see them, can be addressed without changing what is one of,if not the best, health care system in the world. Want to lower costs? Start by changing the tort system,introduce loser pays. Profiteering?Other than political rhetoric for votes,what is your evidence of excessive profits. We have our good health care because the companies involved realize that to remain competitive they need to invest in research and development. without the profit motive there is no need to improve their products. With the government running the system aggressive research will grind to a halt.
Contrary to the PC opinion, profits are not evil
oldernwiser on June 12, 2009 at 4:16 PM
Maybe we can start by agreeing that some problem are better handled by the Federal government. Do you agree with this general concept or is it never the case?
mycowardice on June 12, 2009 at 4:16 PM
doctormom;
If your post is on the up and up, you give me some hope for change.
riverrat10k on June 12, 2009 at 4:17 PM
If you don’t like something here you don’t force your solution onto everyone by government dictate.
darwin on June 12, 2009 at 4:17 PM
Very revealing statement my friend. Sounds like pure communism. Stop trusting in fallen men. Instead trust in your own sweat and hard work. It’ll always pay off more.
shick on June 12, 2009 at 4:18 PM
Oops…You need to recheck. A majority of votes elected Obama.
oldernwiser on June 12, 2009 at 4:18 PM
In response I’d just recommend you reread what I wrote and strive for improved comprehension of the point about the political insulation of administrative agencies. Maybe pick up a little Kenneth Arrow, too. Social Choice and Individual Values is a tiny sliver of a book. It’ll change your life!
DrSteve on June 12, 2009 at 4:18 PM
Sure. Foreign policy and interstate regulation.
JohnJ on June 12, 2009 at 4:18 PM
They’ll take my blue cross over THEIR cold dead bodies.
I will not take part in any ‘state solution’ to
genocidehealth care.Obama is asking for a shooting war with the REAL American public. At this point I think a lot of people are getting itchy and just waiting for the right person to come along to incite them all at once and say ‘go’, then the real trouble begins.
Spiritk9 on June 12, 2009 at 4:20 PM
So why don’t you do this in your own state? Leave the rest of us alone! Prove your ideas are good before imposing them on everyone!
JohnJ on June 12, 2009 at 4:10 PM
My humble opinion is that health care has reached such a critical level that only a federally led initiative can fix the problem.
mycowardice on June 12, 2009 at 4:11 PM
Oh yessss….that same idea has worked soooooooooo well for the recession.
Seriously, what planet are you living on?
Bloo on June 12, 2009 at 4:20 PM
What personal experience do you have with any of these things, or are they just convenient talking points?
txmomof6 on June 12, 2009 at 4:20 PM
JohnJ,
I am not the one that suggested SouthernGal leave the country. So maybe we can all agree that SouthernGal and everyone else has a right and is encouraged to stay…
mycowardice on June 12, 2009 at 4:20 PM
Yes, mycowardice, if the majority rules, as you say:
1. Why are we no longer a Christian nation? 2 million odd muslims and suddenly, I’m looking for a prayer rug for my husband to match my burqa….according to dear leader.
2. Why are we allowing gay marriage in certain states? The majority of Americans don’t believe in it.
3. Why is prayer banned from schools, the ten commandments removed from court houses, and idiots suing to remove In God We Trust from our money and Under God from our pledge. One guy is doing this…in a majority of people that want these rights.
Majority rules…not quite.
HornetSting on June 12, 2009 at 4:21 PM
Only the military, which I’ve already stated in this thread. I cannot think of any other thing that the federal government does better than the states, private industries, or individuals can do without federal interference. The federal government can facilitate activities among states, like transportation and commerce. But it would not do it better if it took over the whole enchilada like you guys want it to do with health care. You are insane if you think it can.
aero on June 12, 2009 at 4:22 PM
And interstate commerce which this would fall under.
mycowardice on June 12, 2009 at 4:22 PM
hi Ann! Well don’t know if you are familiar with the CalOptima plan in Orange County that was designed to bring managed care to medicaid members. The problem they discovered was that folks were using the ER as their “family doctor” hence getting them on an HMO type plan to cut costs. And a lot of medicaid members hate it. They hate being told where to go, who to see, the authorization process, blah blah blah. I too loved my HMO in CA but I also knew how the system worked so it worked for me. However I sincerely doubt this public plan will be anything like the HMO model that’s in use in CA. People want this? Knowing how insurance members think, they will hate it.
Annietxgrl on June 12, 2009 at 4:23 PM
Sure, Americans have a right to stay. Americans also have a right to not be forced to support other people’s bad ideas, either morally or financially. How about only those who support the public system morally be the ones to support it financially? Compromise! Middle ground!
JohnJ on June 12, 2009 at 4:24 PM
Exactly my point, Hornet. We have no time to waste. The MSM will not be able to whitewash this mess. As you can see from this thread, people are passionate about their health care. Americans will not tolerate what they are wishing for now.
doctormom on June 12, 2009 at 4:24 PM
1. We were never a Christian nation.
2. Because preventing gay marriage is a violation of constitutional rights
3. Because of separation of church and state
If you think you can make a constitutional argument against the federal health care package, please feel free to do so, but my guess is that it will pass constitutional muster.
mycowardice on June 12, 2009 at 4:25 PM
So let the majority pay for it, and dwell in the happy land of nationalized health care, and see how well it works out for you?
capejasmine on June 12, 2009 at 4:25 PM
Buying locally does not fall under interstate commerce.
JohnJ on June 12, 2009 at 4:25 PM
Do not go there. The commerce clause has been misused for decades. Used to give powers to the fed that are not legally recognized by the constitution.
I’ll comment no more on this in this thread.
oldernwiser on June 12, 2009 at 4:26 PM
Fail. Explain how if I get a cold and go to my doctor in my hometown, it becomes interstate commerce, such that the feds can regulate it.
txmomof6 on June 12, 2009 at 4:27 PM
They’re not the same thing. Federal involvement in diversity cases is a long way from e.g. Raich.
Keep talking though, you might get something right eventually.
DrSteve on June 12, 2009 at 4:27 PM
I see your point, but the bottom line is that there is an executive branch, and a legislative branch. In November we voted for a particular direction. All that is happening today is a continuation of that effort. I am not saying everyone should like it, but you have to let the “election” speak out.
mycowardice on June 12, 2009 at 4:29 PM
1+1 = 2
Now that I got something right, the rest will be all wrong :).
mycowardice on June 12, 2009 at 4:30 PM
I don’t encourage her to stay. She votes to get my government to forcibly take money from me and give it to her. She’s a thief, and yes I’d like her to leave my country. There’s nowhere for me to go to get away from her theft — we’re the last unsocialized country with this high of a standard of living.
There are, however, plenty of socialist states for SouthernGal to choose from, some with very high standards of living for her to enjoy at a mere 50% tax rate. There is only one America. One minimally-socialized industrialized nation left in the world. One place where we can still make choices for ourselves and spend more than half of our own income. We’re the last bastion of freedom, and there’s nowhere else for freedom-lovers to go. So, yes, she should go where they’re already doing the glorious socialist things she dreams of. She has choices. America is it for us, and we don’t want to lose it.
aero on June 12, 2009 at 4:30 PM
Sorry but things need to change. We who support reform are an unstoppable army. The private insurance corporations that profit off of our illnesses will not succeed this time.
We will provide healthcare for all, to the chagrin of people who lack empathy.
SouthernGal on June 12, 2009 at 4:31 PM
As I recall this public plan option was not on my ballot.
txmomof6 on June 12, 2009 at 4:31 PM
We’re being as quiet as the left has been for the past 8 years. Why is it good when lefties question and debate but bad when the right does it?
Mojave Mark on June 12, 2009 at 4:32 PM
It violates the tenth amendment, as well as areas of traditional state control under the commerce clause, as well the right to property and equal protection under the 14th amendment.
JohnJ on June 12, 2009 at 4:33 PM
Have you come to this position, er, recently?
By the way, the AMA’s recent political contributions and current opposition to the public option give the lie to this idea of yours that a vote for Obama was a vote for everything he campaigned on. Even though much of what he campaigned on vis-a-vis health care was a lie.
DrSteve on June 12, 2009 at 4:33 PM
That didn’t stop Democrats from opposing Republicans for six years.
JohnJ on June 12, 2009 at 4:34 PM
Here it comes.
House Health-Care Bill to Include $600 Billion in Tax Increases
Brat on June 12, 2009 at 4:35 PM
1. you can’t write a check with my money except at the point of a gun
2. Besides putting on a bandaid and some neosporin, I doubt you have the ability to treat anyone for any healthcare problems.
txmomof6 on June 12, 2009 at 4:35 PM
And I promise you that this is not the direction most people thought they were voting for.
JohnJ on June 12, 2009 at 4:36 PM
But, we’re talking about majorities, cowardice.
Here we go:
Find where healthcare is a RIGHT in the constitution.
HornetSting on June 12, 2009 at 4:38 PM
Damn! I wanted everyone to die, as miserably as possible. Foiled again by those meddling kids.
aero on June 12, 2009 at 4:38 PM
How trite. Do you have the sheet music to that tune?
And how dare you assume that those who disagree with you have no empathy! We disagree with you because we believe we already have the best system and don’t want to see it changed. Believing based on the governments past performances, that government care will leave many poor souls wanting.
You have shown your true colors. A know it all elitist. I’m done trying to have a discussion with you.
oldernwiser on June 12, 2009 at 4:38 PM
I will gladly bet a dollar that any health care plan passed won’t be found unconstitutional.
I bet that if we went down the list of everything the federal government does or regulate, that you would use the same logic to argue the item was unconstitutional when in reality the Supreme Court allowed it.
mycowardice on June 12, 2009 at 4:39 PM
I am still waiting to hear how SouthernGal reconciles “health care is a right” with demonstrable rationing and denial of care in universal systems.
Oh, and whether Australia’s denying citizenship to a family with a son with trisomy might make her prouder of their system than ours.
A gap just opened in your flank.
DrSteve on June 12, 2009 at 4:39 PM
Right after you find me the right to regulate marijuana growing in California.
mycowardice on June 12, 2009 at 4:40 PM
Ooooooooooooooh. You’re ACORN!!!
capejasmine on June 12, 2009 at 4:40 PM
aero on June 12, 2009 at 4:38 PM
LOL
txmomof6 on June 12, 2009 at 4:41 PM
Why do you think health care has reached such a critical level? I think it’s because the Federal Government is involved in the first place:
GAO report number GAO-08-847T
only a federally led initiative can fix the problem
The Government’s own accounting office is telling us the Federal Government’s current health care programs (Medicare and Medicaid) have basically failed. They promised more than they could ever deliver.
What makes you think a federally led initiative is the only way to fix this?
Xiphos on June 12, 2009 at 4:41 PM
that or the dumb argument that it needs to be done on a ‘larger scale’ to work
gatorboy on June 12, 2009 at 4:42 PM
That is thanks to your liberal friends, cowardice. You’re liberal judges don’t follow the rule of law or the constitution……
You didn’t answer my question, coward:
Where in the constitution does it list healthcare as a RIGHT?
HornetSting on June 12, 2009 at 4:42 PM
Yes, I was going to point that out, too. Polling shows that moderates who voted for Obama are starting to react negatively to the headlong race to the left he’s initiated since he took office. Obama the Alinskyite fooled a great many, and I don’t consider a tricked, regretful population to be a majority mandate for socialism. The true believers knew all along that they were voting for socialism. But I contend that a huge proportion of Obama voters didn’t really think he’d actually socialize us when it came down to it. Not really. They were just swept up in the historic nature of voting for the first black President and throwing Bush out on his keister.
aero on June 12, 2009 at 4:42 PM
Since I believe that more people will have better access to more efficient medical care by not socializing it, I will continue to support my plan over those who lack empathy.
JohnJ on June 12, 2009 at 4:43 PM
Sure, taking on another trillion in debt isn’t going to bother anyone, right Charlie? We’re already so many trillions in the hole, what’s one more?
These people are certifiable.
AZCoyote on June 12, 2009 at 4:43 PM
Obama is the biggest liar in the history of the world.
kahall on June 12, 2009 at 4:44 PM
I don’t think it matters that in the constitution it says it is a right.
What matters is if the Federal government can, within its constitutional powers, regulate it or pass legislation implementing it.
mycowardice on June 12, 2009 at 4:45 PM
Right. We know what you want, but you’ve provided no examples of why anyone would want a single-payer system is better than our current system. You might want to read up on your talking points before jumping into a discussion. Maybe some of us might be a little more empathetic if you might try being a tad more persuasive.
Vera71 on June 12, 2009 at 4:45 PM
If you think Health Care is bad now, just wait until it’s ‘free’.
My God, socialized medicine is failing everywhere it’s been tried; Canadians and Brits are dying under it and fleeing to other countries in droves to avoid the years-long waiting lists and the asshats in Washington can’t wait to bring this single payer thingy over here.
How about we wait and see if the auto industry survives all this government meddling going on before we hand off all our doctors and hospitals to them?
The trolls here don’t care one bit how state-run health care is performing in places like Canada, Britain, Cuba or anywhere else. Performance doesn’t matter; it’s the FAIRNESS of the idea that has them enthralled.
Whether actual people get better care or not is besides the point.
manofaiki on June 12, 2009 at 4:45 PM
For some, it just doesn’t matter. He’s got pecs! UGH!!!
capejasmine on June 12, 2009 at 4:46 PM
You might be surprised to find a lot of people agreeing with you there.
DrSteve on June 12, 2009 at 4:46 PM
Wrong. They are all charged with upholding the Constitution, as is. Not changing it, to fit your medical needs.
capejasmine on June 12, 2009 at 4:47 PM
Just like the true believers opposing him knew all along this is what he was after, and tried but failed to convince those blinded by the ONE. If it didn’t have to ruin everything for all of us, I would be laughing at those people who are now having regrets and whose eyes are being opened.
txmomof6 on June 12, 2009 at 4:47 PM
No answer, typical.
HornetSting on June 12, 2009 at 4:47 PM
Is anybody else having troupble getting their comments to come up?
manofaiki on June 12, 2009 at 4:48 PM
Since I oppose the federal government regulating both marijuana and health care, I think I’m the only consistent one here.
JohnJ on June 12, 2009 at 4:48 PM
Yep. Lotta libertarians in the room. We mean it when we say less government.
aero on June 12, 2009 at 4:48 PM
I take that as the highest compliment.
SouthernGal on June 12, 2009 at 4:49 PM
If you think Health Care is bad now, just wait until it’s ‘free’.
My God, socialized medicine is failing everywhere it’s been tried; Canadians and Brits are dying under it and fleeing to other countries in droves to avoid the years-long waiting lists and the clowns in Washington can’t wait to bring this single payer thingy over here.
How about we wait and see if the auto industry survives all this government meddling going on before we hand off all our doctors and hospitals to them?
The trolls here don’t care one bit how state-run health care is performing in places like Canada, Britain, Cuba or anywhere else. Performance doesn’t matter; it’s the FAIRNESS of the idea that has them enthralled.
Whether actual health care provided to ALL citizens improves is NOT the point; the point is that a certain level of health care be provided for ‘free’ to EVERYONE.
And as we have seen all over the world where this has been tried until now, the level of ‘free’ care that gets provided to everyone is of the SAME quality:
INCREDIBLY POOR.
But remember- they KNOW this. The QUALITY of the care is NOT the point – it’s the universality of it’s availability.
manofaiki on June 12, 2009 at 4:50 PM
I want the corrupt socialists Bawney Fwank, Pelosi, and Obama making my medical decisions for my family.
elduende on June 12, 2009 at 4:50 PM
Again, I have to point out that socializing health care will result in worse health care for everyone. That’s why I oppose it. I have empathy.
JohnJ on June 12, 2009 at 4:50 PM
To quote you:
Oh my g-d.
aero on June 12, 2009 at 4:51 PM
If they can’t fix Medicare why give them more power??????
elduende on June 12, 2009 at 4:51 PM
Funny, but most Canadians like their system and wouldn’t change for 1 second to the US one…
mycowardice on June 12, 2009 at 4:51 PM
Quit trying to make sense, elduende! Dammit.
HornetSting on June 12, 2009 at 4:52 PM
Until they need REAL healthcare and they slink over to the U.S. to get said needed REAL healthcare.
HornetSting on June 12, 2009 at 4:53 PM
Read the Constitution and tell me where it authorizes health care, not to mention 99% of the bullshyt the fed is doing right now.
States have much more flexibility, by design. If states want to implement some type of health care plan then the people of that state can decide. We are left with no choice by the fed.
darwin on June 12, 2009 at 4:53 PM
That would be right next to the sentence that asserts that abortion is an inalienable right, and that sentence is found in the imaginary section of the constitution, written by the Founding Fathers in invisible ink.
The special rights enumerated in invisible ink in the imaginary section of the Constitution “emanate” from the page in a way that only whacked-out liberal loons are able to detect.
AZCoyote on June 12, 2009 at 4:53 PM
Someone has to… ;-)
elduende on June 12, 2009 at 4:53 PM
Maybe, but you wouldn’t be consistent with the SCOTUS!
mycowardice on June 12, 2009 at 4:54 PM
My Dr. says I’m not getting enough tar in my system. I agree, but who will pay?
kahall on June 12, 2009 at 4:54 PM
To be perfectly honest, I don’t care if healthcare isn’t explicitly stated in the Constitution.
SouthernGal on June 12, 2009 at 4:54 PM
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