Questions Remain Over How to Reform the Reform Bill

In a nod to sheer lunacy, progressives are now discussing ways to reform the Senate health care reform bill. Sen. Harkin stated the reform bill is "not a mansion but a starter home"--a $1 trillion dollar starter home. Senator Nelson stated with pride in announcing his support of the bill after concessions made by Senate Democrats--of his effort to kill a public option. This was the compromise in lieu of single payer, one which Sen. Baucus killed early on.

Health care is a deeply personal issue for every one of us. I am sorry to see it handled in such an impersonal and calculating manner. Our voices were blocked in August when Sen. Baucus, as leader of the Senate effort--all but shut down public debate on this issue. Since then, we have been forced into a life of being screaming schill. It is degrading.

The Senate Democrats have momentarily fought off a kill the bill effort. This is a momentary pause before the bill goes to conference. I am vowing as almost the lone voice in my state to continue on in the war. I am asking the American people, if we have to put up with a badly thought out, bought out, insurance reform bill that is in need of massive reform while it is under consideration--the least the Democrats we have elected can do is insert on amendment a single payer trigger.

A SINGLE PAYER TRIGGER NOW

As part of the need to reduce the federal deficit--a single payer trigger should automatically kick in and people can opt into it--if it is evident the Baucus reforms have not worked and create deficit spending within a fixed period, no exceptions. This current bill is not a win/win but a lose/lose scenario. How did this happen?

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I cannot envision this Senate bill going forward without a public option. I do not support it in its current state--I don't believe the House progressives will pass a final bill without a public option. Should this bill go forward--it will be on the Congress to extend tight regulation of the health insurance industry. This will be costly to implement.

I agree the changes proposed for 2014 will likely cost Democrats the White House, the Senate and the House in the interim. All for Senator Baucus' political career, and personal gain. I reject this--a public option or Medicare buy-in is needed NOW, not five years down the line. America is too poor for this bill. I do not know what reality President Obama and Senator Baucus live in; but the average family cannot afford this kind of reform. The President can simply tell Congress he will not sign a bill without at least a public option.