What is this shit about reforming health care in secret?

[eridani]

http://www.truthout.org/050909E?n

Senators are considering three different designs for a new government health insurance plan that middle-income Americans could buy into for the first time, congressional officials said Friday. Officials familiar with the proposals said senators plan to debate them in a closed meeting next week. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because details of the controversial plans have not been released.

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

1. Right. Nothing has been learned from the Clinton healthcare defeat

What are they keeping from us? Don't Americans have the right to see the debate on a topic that affects every single one of us IN THE OPEN?

I am more than disgusted.

[scarletwoman]

2. Our betters know what's best for us. We need to just shut up and let them take care of this. (nt)

[AndyA]

3. Shhh...secrets...more secrets...

It worked so well for that Bush Energy Policy, didn't it? Oh...wait a minute...that only benfitted the oil companies, and royally screwed the American people.

After seeing Baucus and Kerry and gang laugh at their meeting last week at those who were there protesting the lack of single payer being an option, I think we need to get all new people to discuss this. Such hatred and contempt for the American people, and yes, that included John Kerry.

Their solution was to have more police to haul people out who spoke up about this travesty.

I think they all need to be hauled out and we need to get new ones who remember what they're supposed to be doing. Any American who saw that video of this should be outraged and insulted that members of Congress have such little consideration for what they're supposed to be doing. :mad:

[LWolf]

4. K & R nt

[BanzaiBonnie]

5. If it's a secret...

It must mean it's a national security issue.

[stray cat]

6. They're not doing it by polling DUers!

:sarcasm:

[KharmaTrain]

7. People Here Need A Civics Lesson

It's called "negotiation"...not a new concept nor "secret". Most bills that are proposed are ammended and a lot of it is done in "secret" between negotiators from various sides affected by the legislation. There are mark-ups and reconciliations atop of that where even more "secret" negotiations go on...it's how congress works. Now, if the bill were written and rammed through the House and then Senate without the final version being approved (what happened in 2006)...now there's a lot of room for concern as that was a rigged deal from the outset. I don't see the health care debate turning out the same way.

While many would wish them away...the insurance companies, doctors and lawyers lobbies are going to have their say in this debate...and they should. This isn't a simple issue or fix. The more options available the better and then put them all out there...debate, discuss and then negotiate for the best deal.

It's long said that governing is the politics of the possible. The healthcare system needs reform, but there's no my way or highway here. Everyone has to give something to get something. The hopes are a newer system that provides coverage for all, but also leaves options for supplemental or self-insurance...the bottom line is to provide the care and, through competition, reduce costs overall. It also means tort reform to lower malpractice costs, stronger regulation and enforcement of the insurance industry and a more efficient system that doesn't turn a doctor's visit into a paper shuffling game. If a person is not feeling well, they should never have to be concerned about seeing a doctor and a doctor shouldn't have to constantly look over his/her shoulder to keep costs down or turn away people cause of the liabilities of treating them.

This will take lots of negotiations. The key here is to have as many people and voices at the table. If everything is negotiated in the open (which would be all but impossible) in front of cameras, look for granstanding and stalemate. In the end, it's what's in a final bill on the House floor (that will be part of the public record) and how a final bill is crafted between the two houses and the White House.

[eridani]

9. So, why are single payer advocates not invited to the table to give up something?

They fucking well do NOT want our voices at the table, so we'll just have to break down the doors.

[Stinky The Clown]

10. Here's some civics ......

..... the senators meeting in secret can all the police, have single payer advoctaes thrown out of the room, and then laugh about it.

That's allowed, too.

[Coyote_Bandit]

8. Our corporate financed politicians

must work the deal in secret lest it be made too obvious just how little interest they have in protecting and advancing the interests of the rest of us.