Oh my: It’s time to kill the Senate ObamaCare bill, says … Kos
posted at 10:00 pm on December 14, 2009 by Allahpundit
This is how the 2007 amnesty bill died, you may recall. It wasn’t Republicans who killed it, it was Republicans plus big-labor Democrats plus a few pro-amnesty liberal Dems who thought the bill didn’t go far enough. Ultimately, the 60-vote needle was simply too narrow to be threaded. And now here we are again. From Kos’s Twitter feed:
Insurance companies win. Time to kill this monstrosity coming out of the Senate.
Remember, the overwhelming nutroots CW to this point has been that something must be passed. What, precisely, gets passed is important but ultimately secondary to the task of passing something and thereby avoiding a reprise of the left’s 1994 post-HillaryCare nightmare. I never bought that CW for reasons articulated here by Karl, but it was a fact of life. Maybe no longer, though. If Kos’s thinking is representative of other progressives, then the lefty base may be so dispirited by the public-option meltdown that the anticipated turnout boost next year from passing a bill never materializes. Which, if so, would be catastrophic for Dems: It was Kos’s own poll, after all, that showed a giant 25-point enthusiasm gap between Republican and Democratic voters last month. If Obama signs a bad bill into law, conservatives will be even more energized and liberals will be enervated. The reckoning is coming, albeit a year too late to derail this clusterfark.
To celebrate our new bipartisan consensus that the bill sucks, and in honor of the left’s festive holiday attack on Joe Lieberman’s wife, I leave you with this special yuletide treat.
Update: Good point from the comments. As the left gets ready to turn on Obama and Reid for their “betrayal,” can the media at least try to be evenhanded with the civil war/party purity meme?
Blowback
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And who is having the civil war again?
Holger on December 14, 2009 at 10:02 PM
Any government run or regulated service taken out of the private sector alters the very nature of the service from what it is or can attain if allowed to remain in the private sector where it is subject to market forces. Government involvement removes the the profit and benefit motivated reasons why the service exists and changes the very nature of the service into a provider expense. Take health care as an example.
People will pay for the health care they need or desire, and the health care industry will thrive on the services they provide. Even the introduction of the health care insurance industry has stifled the availability of health care for those needing or wanting certain services. When you pay for an insurance policy, you strip yourself of money you might need to pay for a medical service not covered by the plan you’ve purchased. Health care providers are also limited by the insurance industry’s “usual and customary fees”, and burdened with clerical staff just to keep up with the paperwork needed to get paid for the services the insurance industry will pay for.
That said, there is still some profit motivation for the doctor and some benefit motivation for the patients under the current umbrella of the insurance industry.
In steps government. It starts as “regulation” of the health care industry and the insurance industry. Regulations place onerous burdens upon both doctors and insurance providers, either raising health care costs or limiting profits, or forcing non-traditional medical services to be paid for by the insurance industry – that would normally be elective or as a result of bad behavior – thereby raising the cost everyone must pay to receive coverage.
The final blow comes with government takeover. Once the government becomes the sole provider of health care, health care morphs from a benefit and profit motivated industry into a government expense and social tool. We all know how well government cares for us don’t we, and we all know how well government treats us as equals, and we all know of the preferences those in government provide for those who vote for them.
Another example is how the auto industry has suffered onerous regulation, such as CAFE standards and mandatory safety features. Autos are priced so high that people can only afford them in the best of times. A stripped down basic auto would be available to most everybody in all times, and an unleashed auto industry would provide the well-to-do with what ever their hearts desired.
So, do you really want government involved in your health care? Do you really want government involved in your banking choices? Auto choices? How about government control of your thermostat? The ignition system in your auto?
Just say no. Don’t let them disarm you, either. Right now you do have a say. Unarmed, anything you say can land you in jail or worse.
Woody
woodcdi on December 14, 2009 at 10:03 PM
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
Joe Caps on December 14, 2009 at 10:04 PM
Giddy up leftists!
KILL THE BILL(s)!
elduende on December 14, 2009 at 10:04 PM
I don’t see the progressives submarine(ing) this bill.
If you demand the sun, the moon, the outer planets, 2/3rds of the Milky Way Galaxy and the three nearest galaxies, then accept, after protests, temper tantrums, threats, court fights, and fisticuffs merely the sun, moon, outer planets and only half the local galaxy, would you not call that a win?
Skandia Recluse on December 14, 2009 at 10:06 PM
hehe .. Beaker.
the enemy of my enemy is my friend…. Kos…?
ted c on December 14, 2009 at 10:06 PM
This bill is still absolutely atrocious. It is one of the worst things to come down from the hill in my lifetime. It will increase taxes, limit choice, and still ultimately lead to single payer by forcing insurance companies to accept people with preexisting conditions. Overall, I would grade it a good, solid B+.
Jeff M (Formerly Jeff_McAwesome) on December 14, 2009 at 10:06 PM
This bill pisses everyone off. Really, it does nothing for either side. Higher taxes, higher premiums, mandates, and it does nothing for Americans, poor or well off. Just kill the bill.
El_Terrible on December 14, 2009 at 10:06 PM
Mickey Kaus is still predicting its passage. We need to hold on until ALL Democrats can weigh in.
vinman on December 14, 2009 at 10:07 PM
The Congressional Marxist Caucus in the House will not vote for this Senate bill. They are to heavily invested in their socialist power grab to compromise.
KILL THE BILL!
elduende on December 14, 2009 at 10:07 PM
You got to love any post with the Muppets
gophergirl on December 14, 2009 at 10:08 PM
I’m loving the B+ jokes.
El_Terrible on December 14, 2009 at 10:09 PM
Oh please Brer Fox, whatever you do, please don’t throw me into the briar patch.
Brer Rabbit on December 14, 2009 at 10:10 PM
I love how the Kos Polls are always included on the “non-partisan” website http://www.pollingreport.com, but when you look for a Rasmussen Poll there you come up empty.
Del Dolemonte on December 14, 2009 at 10:10 PM
Robert Gibbs (a.k.a. “Beaker”) never sounded so good…
Seven Percent Solution on December 14, 2009 at 10:10 PM
In a live action portrayal of the above muppets clip, the part of Animal will be played by simplesimon.
Holger on December 14, 2009 at 10:11 PM
Unprecedentedly Historic.
Fletch54 on December 14, 2009 at 10:11 PM
Not a chance, it will all be blamed upon the right.
bluemarlin on December 14, 2009 at 10:11 PM
Obligatory.
Rebar on December 14, 2009 at 10:12 PM
Smart move going after Hadassah Lieberman.
Stay classy, dems.
1921 C DRUM on December 14, 2009 at 10:12 PM
I think Rush was right about this…Tort Reform,bring down the state barriers(so you can buy any Insurance you want),and just pay the 15 B$ or so to cover those who TRULY cannot afford it.Its a heck of a lot better than anything coming out of washington.And cheaper.
theTarCzar on December 14, 2009 at 10:13 PM
Need. More. Popcorn.
HornetSting on December 14, 2009 at 10:13 PM
I doubt it. But if you must, go for one with reduced butter.
simplesimon on December 14, 2009 at 10:17 PM
If this bill is killed – wonder how Gibsy will spin this for the press. Should be very interesting. Will it be to vilify Glen Beck or Rush or just the Republicans? If this thing does die it really will be a great Christmas present for the nation.
johnnybgood on December 14, 2009 at 10:18 PM
So Smeg, did your mom have any children that lived?
thomasaur on December 14, 2009 at 10:20 PM
Your mother called~she needs her toenails clipped.
HornetSting on December 14, 2009 at 10:20 PM
Even if you were rendered for your mineral content, and sold, and used to reduce taxes, you would be of no value here.
massrighty on December 14, 2009 at 10:20 PM
I think that was the point of a post by “mcjoan” (I could be wrong here) that I read earlier on DKos. Essentially, the reason all polls are showing an enthusiasm gap for Democrats is due to the inability to pass anything. In that vein, there was even some support of Lieberman running around DKos — give him something, since no bill means the 10% (or even 20%) of the Left stay home next year to begin the purge.
LastRick on December 14, 2009 at 10:20 PM
LMAO!
HornetSting on December 14, 2009 at 10:21 PM
Well, they claimed, during the campaign, that Obama was the “Great Uniter”. How foolish was I to have doubted that, although I don’t think this was the unity they had in mind. His leadership has been, well, I guess “extraordinary” fits.
mr.blacksheep on December 14, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Y
Mother jokes? Weak. Must be hard being a shut-in and trying to be witty.
simplesimon on December 14, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Naw. Lot’s of butter, salt, and maybe some cheddar. I want to enjoy this to the fullest. ; )
ElectricPhase on December 14, 2009 at 10:23 PM
This was coming,the ObamaVoterBot Insurrection,the Liberal
Betrayel of Team Obama to all who voted him in!
Zero change,zip and zilch hope!!
The Leftys are smelling a rat,politically!!
canopfor on December 14, 2009 at 10:25 PM
GoldenEagle4444 on December 14, 2009 at 10:25 PM
Good stuff, coming from a guy who goes to the NASCAR well for about half his material.
Is it fun being a walking, talking stereotype?
BadgerHawk on December 14, 2009 at 10:25 PM
Yes, as many recognize, even this stripped down bill will eventually lead to universal coverage/single payer because it will make existing private insurance so much more expensive. More salami tactics. Keep enacting more slices – expand medicaid here, Schip there. Increase cost of private insurance this time around. Currently 50 to 60 percent of entire population is on government health care – add medicare plus medicaid plus veterans.
In another couple of years the people who can’t afford private health insurance as a result of this bill, combined with high number of folks out of work will cry “uncle” and single payer will be imposed. The handwriting is on the wall. We’re screwed.
chris999 on December 14, 2009 at 10:25 PM
Isn’t it obvious? The Republicans are in disarray!
uknowmorethanme on December 14, 2009 at 10:26 PM
I’ll bet your mom has to lock up her KY jelly, doesn’t she?
Did you get your new kneepads from Axelrod yet? We all heard your other ones were worn out!
HornetSting on December 14, 2009 at 10:27 PM
Hey, stop that! I like Animal!
SagebrushPuppet on December 14, 2009 at 10:29 PM
I’m not buying this at all. The liberals will cave and vote for whatever.
Afterall the narrative of ‘if this fails so does obamas presidency’ is out there.
Bernie Sanders might go through with it but no doubt the Maine twins will now vote for it to cancel him out.
kangjie on December 14, 2009 at 10:30 PM
See Karl’s post in the Green Room about what CBO said about ObamaCare on Sunday. Scary stuff.
deidre on December 14, 2009 at 10:31 PM
This should be interesting. With the far lefts propensity for histrionics and public temper tantrums any break between the various factions of the Democrat party could result in a spectacular meltdown. I wonder who the media will side with though? Do they turn on Obama or do they turn on the far left, or do they just end up turning on themselves?
Hellrider on December 14, 2009 at 10:31 PM
So, did they actually kill the medicare buy in and the public option?
A lot of the pundits seem to think that something will pass, just because these people will look so completely incompetent if it does not, but then again…who would have thought the Democrats would have screwed up with such a majority in the first place?
Terrye on December 14, 2009 at 10:31 PM
That wasn’t even a burn, that was a napalm!
BTW, Muppets do awesome cover songs.
Rightwingguy on December 14, 2009 at 10:32 PM
I really don\’t understand the Left\’s hatred of insurance companies or capitalism in general. Would they suggest Google, Apple, Starbucks, Whole Foods, Ben & Jerry\’s, or some other private companies be forced out of business and that the federal government start making software, MP3 players, coffee, ice cream, etc? The why the animus towards insurance, oil, banking, et al?Are they completely ignorant of the government\’s success record with entitlement programs?Are they aware of the enumerated powers?WTH?
DerKrieger on December 14, 2009 at 10:32 PM
You’re a good example of why some animals eat their young.
You’d have been an obnoxious person if you had lived.
SagebrushPuppet on December 14, 2009 at 10:33 PM
KILL IT
KILL IT
KILL IT
Skywise on December 14, 2009 at 10:33 PM
kangjie on December 14, 2009 at 10:30 PM
Yes, if Tom Harkin’s enthusiasm is any indication. He’s as leftist as they come. Iowans, WTF is the matter with you people? This guy is a fricking socialist.
chris999 on December 14, 2009 at 10:34 PM
And yet, Kos and his pals do not see it that way. They think they are the ones who are screwed, by Lieberman and Reid both.
Terrye on December 14, 2009 at 10:35 PM
If the factions would of hammered each other in
re-create 68,in Denver,then,they would of ended
any possibility of a civil war!
The only thing,the Leftys have done,is postpone
the bloodshed from within their own Party!!
Imagine,the Inaugral night,Liberals were in a
political orgasmic mood,a Liberal President,and
controlling both Houses,the world was theirs for
the taking,their agenda,was within striking distance!!
And then,reality is now,they can`t pass the HealthCare!!!
canopfor on December 14, 2009 at 10:35 PM
If the public option is gone, a bone is thrown and public funding for abortion banned, and this stinking commy monstrosity passes, I don’t see how Pinnochio survives!
Its’ just like the Afgahan thing by tryin to play both sides and the middle, by not fighting for victory, rather sending in more troops not long enough to win but promising to surrender, Pinnochio pissed off left and right and his numbers show it.
Same thing here! Leftist commies think they have the commy takeover of their dreams only to be denied with a 60/40 majority and the middle and right know for sure their healthcare will cost more will be worse and they will be paying for the porch sittin, quart drinkin, professional baby makin New Orleanians.
Bloodbath for the Dims if this passes in any form currently on the table, but especially the one being talked about now!
Only a batch of commy leftist morons could botch something so badly when all it took is tort reform, flexible spending accounts and subsidies for the poor!
dhunter on December 14, 2009 at 10:35 PM
The holy trifecta: Swedish Chef, Beaker and Animal. Sahweet!
GinaE on December 14, 2009 at 10:36 PM
???
The American people win. WTF is wrong with these guys?
DerKrieger on December 14, 2009 at 10:36 PM
That is exactly right, Obama plays both ends against the middle.
And in the end, he will lose everyone.
Terrye on December 14, 2009 at 10:38 PM
This bill has more lives than Freddie Kruger…They “will” pass something…Let’s hope we can do away with the most egregious elements.
Nozzle on December 14, 2009 at 10:39 PM
Robert Gibbs (a.k.a. “Beaker”) never sounded so good…
Seven Percent Solution on December 14, 2009 at 10:10 PM
Seven Percent Solution:The impending train wreck!!:)
canopfor on December 14, 2009 at 10:41 PM
I think we might actually see some humpbot before the new year.
HornetSting on December 14, 2009 at 10:42 PM
DerKrieger on December 14, 2009 at 10:32 PM
I don’t think the left wants direct ownership of means of production a la USSR or NoKo. That would involve too much accountability. Not yet, at any rate. They just want control of industry, or state corporatism. Complete control of industry. Hmm, I seem to remember a term for that … Oh,yeah, fascism!
chris999 on December 14, 2009 at 10:42 PM
Gibbs: “This administration inherited this mess from the previous administration. Even though we campained for the job, including all the heartache that comes with it, in the end it’s Bush’s fault!”
glennbo on December 14, 2009 at 10:42 PM
I agree. For people who think they’re so high brow, elite, and intelligent, it really shows their true colors, and lack there of, of class, intelligence, and demeanor. So sad.
capejasmine on December 14, 2009 at 10:44 PM
Terrye on December 14, 2009 at 10:35 PM
Kos and company are impatient. They want it and they want it now.
chris999 on December 14, 2009 at 10:45 PM
Oh no, I think it will be laid at the feet of the same ignorant Americans who are clinging bitterly to their guns and their religion. I think we will hear a lot about these stupid people, and their callous lack of concern for those who don’t have insurance. Remember, Obama is all about creating divisions. He’ll be looking to sharpen whatever black/white, male/female, upper class/lower class divisions he can get his hands on. Of course the “fat cats” of various industries (not Big Pharm, of course), will get their share of the blame also.
smellthecoffee on December 14, 2009 at 10:46 PM
canditaylor68 on December 14, 2009 at 10:46 PM
Pass the sweet, sweet sodas! :-D
SouthernGent on December 14, 2009 at 10:48 PM
Don’t believe the hype. A liberal would not be a liberal unless it whined.
Do not take your eyes off the ball.
voxpopuli on December 14, 2009 at 10:48 PM
I’m predicting that Harry Reid releases a new version of the Senate Bill shortly after the CBO scores his latest plan a budget-buster. The new plan will be one page and do nothing more than mandate that “health” now be spelled “helth.” Barry will sign it and claim a victory by reforming helth care.
BKeyser on December 14, 2009 at 10:49 PM
Your mother called~she needs her toenails clipped.
HornetSting on December 14, 2009 at 10:20 PM
HornetSting: From Throw Mama from the Train!!!
O W E N, git in here,and trim my nails!!:)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1900A_ktEg
canopfor on December 14, 2009 at 10:49 PM
Yes, they are impatient, but I think they honestly feel as if they won’t get the public option if it is not in there. They are not looking at it like you do. Different perspectives, they actually believe what the Democrats are saying and if they say the public option is gone, then they believe them..and they do not like it.
Terrye on December 14, 2009 at 10:52 PM
How funny Mary Landrieu cheated on her faithful constituents, went to bed with that creep, now has a “social disease” and no “300 million” to show for it.
Marcus on December 14, 2009 at 10:52 PM
I still say the ultra-leftist Harkin is a key, here. He’s willing to accept half a loaf, knowing that government control over insurance policies will eventually lead to single payer. So my guess is the left will accept this bill. Plus they like the federal “health board” or whatever the hell it’s called, which will dictate “best practices” for doctors, and so control the practice of medicine. What Sarah correctly calls “death panels”. This bill is too tempting for them. They will pass it.
chris999 on December 14, 2009 at 10:52 PM
Nothing on this earth matches the joy and exuberance of the humpbot. Nor the quiet, yet dignified tragedy of the melting chocolate bunny.
Rightwingguy on December 14, 2009 at 10:52 PM
Simplesimon goes to a doctor and says, “Doc, you’ve got to help me.
My penis is orange.”
The doctor pauses to think and asks simplesimon to drop his pants so he can check. Damned if the moron’s penis isn’t orange. Doc tells the guy, “This is very strange. Sometimes things like this are caused by a lot of stress in a person’s life.”
Probing as to the causes of possible stress, the doc asks the twit, “How are things going at work?”
Simplesimon responds that he was fired about six weeks ago. The doctor tells him that this must be the cause of the stress. The guy responds, “No. The boss was a real asshole, I had to work 20-30 hours of overtime every week and I had no say in anything that was happening. I found a new job a couple of weeks ago where I can set my own hours, I’m getting paid double what I got on the old job and the boss is a really great guy.”
So the doc figures this isn’t the reason. He asks the guy, “How’s your home life?” The guy says, “Well, I got divorced about eight months ago.”
The doc figures that this has got to be the reason for all of the guys stress.
But the guy says, “No. For years, all I listened to was nag, nag, nag. God, am I glad to be rid of that old bitch!”
So the doc takes a few minutes to think a little longer. He inquires, “Do you have any hobbies or a social life?”
Simplesimon replies, “No, not really. Most nights I just sit at home, post stupid things on the internet and munch on Cheetos!!!”
Aviator on December 14, 2009 at 10:53 PM
Shhh. Sugar is verboten. Enjoy!
HornetSting on December 14, 2009 at 10:53 PM
Any post with the Muppets on it, Allahpundit, I’m game. That show should be brought back. I had the tape with Star Wars cast, and Paul Simon which was hilarious as well.
Imagine Miss Piggy as Princess Leia.
ProudPalinFan on December 14, 2009 at 10:53 PM
PS – What’s with the “Fox All Star Panel” and despite the worsening news EVERY DAY Dr. Krauthammer and his continual “oh, it’s going to pass” chorus?
Marcus on December 14, 2009 at 10:53 PM
Yes, the humpbot brings a smile to even the saddest soul. I’m not too keen on the melting chocolate bunny~maybe if I saw a melting Nancy or Harry…..
HornetSting on December 14, 2009 at 10:54 PM
Fixed it for ‘ya…
Seven Percent Solution on December 14, 2009 at 10:55 PM
Yeah. I dunno. There’s something about the chocolate bunny’s doe eyes at it looks it you as its face melts…like in The Lost Arc.
Hmm. I think Nacy Pelosi’s face already is melting.
Rightwingguy on December 14, 2009 at 10:56 PM
In my minds eye, I envision ‘simplesimon’ as being a doppelganger for that mincing, pencil-necked, snotball ,’Kos’.
Dr. Carlo Lombardi on December 14, 2009 at 10:56 PM
I almost launched my refreshing adult beverage into my laptop when I read your “Beaker” comment! Thanks for the humor. BTW, spot on the comparision!
Rndguy on December 14, 2009 at 10:57 PM
Is it time to break out the “done” to stick in the bill, because it’s forked? Dare I hope?
Sekhmet on December 14, 2009 at 11:00 PM
This would be the translation from all the “Beaker” type beeps from Gibbs…Caught with his finger in the light socket, sparks flying, lights flickering and smoke pouring out his ears…
Rndguy on December 14, 2009 at 11:01 PM
As opposed to the paragon of wit who repeats the same Walmart joke.
Chuck Schick on December 14, 2009 at 11:01 PM
HA! You just read my thoughts. I also suggest fireworks from the 4th of July from NYC, or Australia’s New Year. Any fireworks will do.
ProudPalinFan on December 14, 2009 at 11:04 PM
Hey. Dont be fooled by any of this crap. They are trying to save Obamas a$$ right now. SOmething is better than nothing in thier eyes. Those who said they would vote no without a public option are now going to be held to the fire. Somehow I think they were bluffing. And then this has to be merged with the house bill and voted on again. Its just going to get uglier. Kos is thinking of the reconciliation route now. Now, for those of you in all your glee, and the guy who thinks its wonderful that preexisting conditions are a wonderful reason top deny coverage, answer me this. After 22 years of Blue Cross Blue SHield through my union, I started my own company. I applied for a personal plan, with BCBS, to replace my existing and expiring coverage. I could afford it. I was denied, because I have a prescrition for high blood pressure, cholesterol, and basically a sore back from 22 years of manual labor. Now, I have never asked anybody to give me a damned thing, but I would like to buy insurance for me and my son, who is in college, which I am paying for out of pocket. So tell me, is it right that after they covered me for 22 years to deny me for a pre existing condition just because I went from a union job to self employed??? Thats bullshit in my eyes. So what are my options? Get back in the union because the mandate their is all are covered equally, and further deteriorate my back, or let my fellow taxpayors subsidize my “hi risk” which is in the eye of the beholder. Im actually in prety good shape, maybe ten to 15 pounds over weight, and get check ups regularly. Ithink I would be a higher risk if I didnt take my meds. And guess who is gonna get stuck if I have the big one? The taxpayers. ANd I cant stand that shit. I can afford insurance and they wont give it to me. This is a problem we have to find a way to deal with my friends, and it matters not which ideology you subscribe to. SOme of society is higher risk, will cost more than others. It is a noble and may I say very AMerican idea that as a community we take care of each other. However, I dont want a free ride, or to be denied. What i do loathe is the Big G, run by the Big Ls, who waste 50% of every dollar they touch. Actually, all governmnet does. SO I am against a government takeover. But we have to do something because one way or another, we will all pay for those that cant, or in some cases, arent allowed to. SOrry for the rant, but the pre existing condition situation is our of hand. They are using even the most minute reasons to exclude and cherry pick even those they have covered for long periods. Soemthings got to give.
CriticalUpdate on December 14, 2009 at 11:05 PM
K-hammer’s been all over the map on this. At various points he’s predicted passage, fall back to little bill, failure, and passage again. Goes for some of the others, too.
CK MacLeod on December 14, 2009 at 11:05 PM
KILL THAT MONSTROSITY!!!!
GarandFan on December 14, 2009 at 11:07 PM
Del, who told you that clownishly liberal pissfarm was “non-partisan”?
Jaibones on December 14, 2009 at 11:08 PM
Leftists are control freaks.
They have to control something. Anything. Everything.
justltl on December 14, 2009 at 11:12 PM
FIFY
joejm65 on December 14, 2009 at 11:13 PM
Great news! Since Obowma needs something out of this to save his presidency I suspect by the time this is passed it will only contain the pre-existing illness clauses.
I can live with that.
FireBlogger on December 14, 2009 at 11:15 PM
Imagine an island somewhere on earth whose citizens were prosperous, free and happy.
Imagine further that the islanders had no contact with anyone else on the planet- they neither harmed nor interfered with anyone outside their happy little island.
Now, leftists would find this to be an intolerable situation.
They would hiss and seethe and whip themselves into a frenzy, never resting until they infiltrated and destroyed that little island society.
Kill the bill.
Kill anything that the left proposes.
Whatever it is, it is meant to control and harm you.
justltl on December 14, 2009 at 11:22 PM
“No preexisting conditions” sounds good, but it will put private insurance out of business. Its like finally looking into and buying a cheap homeowners insurance policy two weeks after your house is destroyed in a fire.
Marcus on December 14, 2009 at 11:23 PM
Goners!
Americannodash on December 14, 2009 at 11:24 PM
I think an important legal distinction needs to be made between chronic, intractable pre-existing medical conditions for which insurance companies might find themselves on the hook for maintenance and its associated medication (diabetes, previous injury, etc) versus those pre-existing conditions likely to be suffered by those who are seeking insurance this late in the game as a sucker to pay the expensive medical bills (like cancer, heart disease, etc.).
I fear the issue is that it is hard to for an insurance company cover one without some shyster finding a way to put them on the hook for the other. If all pre-existing conditions are denied across the board, those who intend fraud have nowhere to rest a case against the insurer.
Sekhmet on December 14, 2009 at 11:25 PM
I’d go one step further and suggest that without government interference, prices would reflect market reality and insurance would hardly be necessary for most people.
In any case, health care should be viewed like auto care. You pay cash for regular maintenance (checkups, tests, medications) and use insurance for more catastrophic care (surgery, cancer and other life-changing events). Without the massive cost displacement programs like Medicare and Medicaid cause, “routine maintenance” would most likely prove very affordable even by the poorest people.
TheMightyMonarch on December 14, 2009 at 11:27 PM
If you want to peer into the darkness that is the mind of the leftist, present that little scenario above of the happy, little, free, totally isolated, capitalist island society to your favorite leftist, stand back, listen, and observe the derangement.
Passing any health care bill that the left proposes is akin to watering a gremlin.
justltl on December 14, 2009 at 11:34 PM
I don’t know that anyone with a shred of sensibility should celebrate.
It’s a horrible story of the quality of our government.
And that rests on all of us.
AnninCA on December 14, 2009 at 11:36 PM
There is a big difference between preexisting conditions and insurance companies being forced to cover everyone. Something has to be done for cases where someone has always been covered but their health has gradually gone down. Yes there is a problem that someone would want to trade up to a better plan when they need it, but they should at least be able to maintain their previous level of coverage, with perhaps a reasonable age adjustment in premiums.
Republicans should jump out in front of the parade and call for reasonable reforms and tort reform.
pedestrian on December 14, 2009 at 11:40 PM
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