Ok - I request a do-over - On the issue of healthcare and the Public Option

[mdavies013]

First off...I will have to admit that I was ranting in my last post and probably crossed the line. I guess I need to work on my skills so that I can post all of what I mean to say rather than just a portion and assume everyone knows where I am coming from.

I am not, have never and never will be a republican. I am in no way a straight party ticket voter...I chose who I support.

My concern right now is what I see as a slow walk away from the public option (which I feel was already a compromise from single-payer healthcare).

Yesterday, Obama did not stand up and fully support the public option at this press conference...then today I see a story at the huffington post that "Obama open to Dropping Public Option" <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/24/dems-obama-open-to-droppi_n_219979.html>. Perhaps it is only one post in one place...but I have often found huffingtonpost to be ahead of the curve on this.

Healthcare is my issue...something that I am very passionate about...something that I feel needs to be rescued...something that if we fundamentally change it - removing most or all of the profit motive...would do more for the economy and for everyones lives than any other measure that is being discussed.

Perhaps I have a different view...I am uninsured right now. We cannot afford it. The only plan premiums that I can afford are ones where I still can't afford to go to the doctor. We had to make a decision on whether to have food/electricity or health coverage. I'm am glad to say that the rest of the family does have coverage through my wifes employer...but we cannot afford another $400 per month to add me.

So yes, I do get upset with the President and many in congress. And I still stand behind my original post, that I will not donate money, time, and my vote to ANYONE who does not deliver on a public option. That is my line in the sand. I have often conceded to compromise in the past - over energy policy, the stimulus package (that was stripped down), environmental rules...and yielded to the President's wisdom. Many times I have read posts and felt...hey calm down...give them time...the Dems will come around.

I just hear on a dialy basis the amount of money and lobbying that is going on...where for every member of congress there are 6 lobbyists working to buy their votes...and then see a tepid comment from the President about the public option, followed by the story in the Huffington Post...and it makes me want to scream.

This issue is too important...it is ruining peoples lifes...all of us are not getting the care that we deserve...and we are paying far to much money for it. I guess this is my downer day - where I see signs that money and greed will win over the people again...and I can't help but lose HOPE.

UPDATE:

Huffington Post Recalling the Story - Senator Denies The Bloomberg Story

<http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/24/dems-obama-open-to-droppi_n_219979.html>

Can I say this...I want the President to come out all guns blazing on the Public Option...I want so badly to win this one.

Again...sorry for the previous rant...I re-read it...does it quailfy for cyber-bullying?...Delete.

[Lifelong Protester]

1. I am with you

we must demand a public option. I want single payer universal, I stand with you and Dr. Dean on this. I have written repeatedly to my representitive and senators about this. The Representitive reiterated the bit about 'if you have insurance from your employer, we don't want to take that away" line. Well, duh. Hasn't Washington gotten the message that more and more folks don't HAVE insurance from and employer as they don't have an employer????


Coverage for all NOW, I say. Quit dabbling around the edges.

[mdavies013]

2. I understand that they can't go straight for single payer....and we need to be patient on that...but

if there is no public option...then nothing has changed. You might get a couple dollars knocked off your premium and then a banner saying what a great job was done...but nothing will change.

Even with the kids being covered...it is difficult to afford going to the doctor. My son had an accident with his bike that required stiches. He is covered...but we still paid $600 between the hospital and doctor visits. Things have to change.

[sharesunited]

3. Medicare for All is the battle cry. It cuts through the fear and noise and it resonates.

Medicare is a well-known and popular program. Let's expand eligibility to all Americans. That would be a major victory toward achieving universal healthcare.

[Lifelong Protester]

4. This is what I clumsily was trying to get at

I think sometimes I mangle my terms, but Medicare for All is what I mean. Thanks for the reminder.