So, I've sat here most of the day checking out my usual sites for news: The Huffington Post, TPM, Politico, the Daily Beast and of course Daily KOS. Most if not all of these sites are quoting a supposed anomynous source that the Public Option is dead.
And an anonymous White House official tells Politico "We have been saying all along that the most important part of this debate is not the public option, but rather ensuring choice and competition."
IF that is the case the WH is making a very big mistake.
I am so angry about this because we are informed and educated activists. For me this is the first time I've been active (outside of voting) since the campaign of President Barack Obama. I don't like the fact that our own party seems to be trying to marginalize progressives/liberals because I believe that healthcare is a right and not just for people who can afford it AND I believe without a Public Option there is no point to this legislation. I wish they would stop these trial balloons if that is what this supposed quote is all about. If it is not then I wish they would stop thinking "who else would I vote for" and therefore ignore my desire for a robust Public Option. I'm willing to vote for those who will stand and FIGHT for what is right not those who don't. I'd rather lose fighting than win what exactly?
What exactly are the price controls of this legislation without the Public Option? Why was the HELP committee's version that included a strong public option priced out by the CBO at 611 Billion CBO Score with nary a word about it from the Dems? Where was the strategy to win the debate? I wonder if that was not one on purpose.
There are those who say it is better to get half a loaf than get no loaf at all well...my answer to that is this? Big insurance already knows how they are going to drop those with pre-existing conditions. They are going to price them out of the insurance that way they can say the customer voluntarily gave up coverage. On top of that individuals will be mandated to purchase insurance (what's the penalty for that) on top of not being able to afford the insurance in the first place. What this sounds like to me is one big mess. Like we are going to get a bigger deficit with the same problems just more exaggerated and the insurance industry will make out like fat cats. 47 million Americans uninsured and counting....
This leads me to show my displeasure by registering as an independent maybe then SOMEONE will take my opinions seriously because it seems the Democrats do not. So, please Organizing for America, DCCC, DNC, President Obama don't ask for my sweat equity or my money until you show me that my opinion counts. I am hoping that you will stand up and be Democrats!!