Health Care Reform

We have waited since 1994 for a chance to change the way health care is delivered in this country. We are now tantalizingly close to seeing it happen. Up until this afternoon, the Blue Dogs had sided with the Republicans in trying to dismantle the program as envisioned by the President. How anyone who calls him/herself a Democrat could possibly stand against the wishes of their own leader, not to mention the nation as a whole, is mind boggling.

So why would they take such a stance? Money, baby. Lots and lots of money. Given to them by the insurance companies who stand to be the ultimate losers in the new scheme of things. Even now television ads are already being launched into homes of millions by all sorts of groups you never heard of, mainly funded by the insurance companies.

One specific silly assed ad calls upon viewers to ask their representatives when they arrive home on summer break if they have read the Reform Bill. The whole Reform Bill. Of course any jack ass knows that most bills are not read by the representatives, but rather the staff. Who then bring things of import or specific interest to the rep's attention.

A better question would be, have any of those calling for this action read the bill? The Whole Bill? Hell no they haven't. What they know is that if there is any meaningful reform, they will lose money. They don't want reform of any sort. What they want is things to continue as they have. With insurance companies deciding who will get what care and for how long.

We will have a public option. And what that really means, is that people will have the opportunity to have the same kind of health care that the representatives have. Health care is not a luxury. It is a necessity. Every industrialized country on the planet has it in one form or another. It is time we joined the rest of them and placed our people before bridges to nowhere.