I’m not suggesting we let up, but here’s my take on it.
Obama has lost. Now the best he can do is co-op the conservative platform of insurance reform and adding increased competition to the mix. It’s actually a shrewd move...kind of like what Bill Clinton did to save his Presidency by signing welfare reform.
So before we say no way, we should see what it really looks like then either claim Obama caved or fight against it if it’s not going to make anything better.
But politically speaking Obama may be pulling one out of his arse that really pulls the rug out from underneath us...we need to be careful. Let’s just focus on what’s best for our country and we will always be on the right side.
I think they know they’ve lost and now they are trying to get “anything” to pin a victory on.
It is pretty clear that there are issues with our current health care system. Insurance companies have too much discretion in who they insure. Doctors are so afraid of malpractice suits that they order frivolous tests. People without insurance use emergency rooms as primary care facilities. Doctors “treat as taught” - a doctor who knows how to do bypass surgery really well will tend to diagnose patients as needing bypass surgery. The list goes on and on.
Real “reform” will only come when:
There are limits placed on punitive damages in malpractice cases.
Doctors, not the government, codify treatment regimens.
Patients are made aware of ALL their treatment options.
Insurance is made portable.
Competition is restored to the business of medicine.