NEWS JUNKIE POST
Aug 18, 2009 at 10:45 amSome Democrats In Congress Stand Firm On The Need Of A Public Option
Despite the White House’s shifting views on health care reform over the weekend, starting with Secretary of Health & Human Services Kathleen Sebelius telling CNN on Sunday that a public option is not “an essential element,” some Democrats in Congress (aside from the usual progressive members) want you to know that they will NOT go along with eliminating a government run plan.
On Monday afternoon, Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold released a statement to the media saying that he is for a public option and that it is a “fundamental” part for any kind of health care reform.
The statement is a refreshing and encouraging sign that not all senators are up for sacrificing a public option over the fear-mongering being spread around by the GOP and centrists Democrats.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also continues to remain firm on the fact that Americans need a real alternative to for-profit health insurance plans.
This is what Pelosi said yesterday:
“There is strong support in the House for a public option. All three of our bills contain a public option, as does the bill from the [Senate's Health] Committee. A public option is the best option to lower costs, improve the quality of health care, ensure choice and expand coverage. The public option brings real reform to lower costs over the 10-year period of the bill.”
And, here is Feingold’s statement:
“A public option is a fundamental part of ensuring health care reform brings about real change. Opposing the public plan is an endorsement of the status quo in this country that has left tens of millions of Americans uninsured or underinsured and put massive burdens on employers. I have heard too many horror stories from my constituents about how the so-called competitive marketplace has denied them coverage from the outset, offered a benefit plan that covers everything but what they need or failed them some other way.
A strong public option would ensure competition in the industry to provide the best, most affordable insurance for Americans and bring down the skyrocketing health care costs that are the biggest contributor to our long-term budget deficits. I am not interested in passing health care reform in name only. Without a public option, I don’t see how we will bring real change to a system that has made good health care a privilege for those who can afford it.”
I hope they prevail. I am getting really worried about the Dem’s total lack of balls. I was so psyched to see Obama elected and my friends overseas think he’s so refreshing. I just don’t get why – with such a HUGE majority in the senate – Karl Rove is gone – no more jock administration – but STILL this manipulation goes on and on. Obama should have just pushed for the single payer system from the get go. Personally this was my fervent hope but a public option is the next best thing (kind of like a civil union instead of a marriage…it’s a start) If we lose that it just shows how easily manipulated people still are.The corporate writing is in huge letters on the wall. What a roller coaster! Let’s hope it doesn’t fall off the tracks.