That title up there, it turns out, is a little bit misleading.
Yesterday a “public option” – comfty code for nationalized health care – seemed almost an anachronism. At least that’s what Kathleen Sebelius appeared to think, and she of all people should know – she is America’s “health czarina,” after all.
Today, though, nationalization – that “option” to the public – is right back on the table, with several cabinet officials fiercely backpedaling on behalf of Sebelius.
We’re sure few will see it this way, but the fact is that a public option is, at this point, a conservative position.
Barack Obama is certainly going to do something about health care. He has to! He has a mandate to reform health care, but further, he’s mandated to it.
It’s going to happen, and it’s going to happen during this administration. That’s a sure thing. It might as well be that there’s a public option.
Otherwise, the “option” – and the burden – goes from public to private, with businesses bearing the brunt of health care costs.
Which ought not sound so bad to Obama – he fully insures the un- and underinsured without spending a penny! – but it should scare the hell out of businesses large and small, as well as conservatives who claim to care about those businesses.
Don’t get us wrong: Businesses will have to pick up the tab either way. It’s merely a matter of degree.
With a public option, the private sector will be on the hook for a good deal of the health care burden via tax increases. Without a public option? Count on Obama to saddle the whole mess on the backs of businesses via required employer-funded health care.
What does it say that the conservative position – the capitalist position, actually – is nationalization? Especially when it’s fully one-seventh of the economy that’s being nationalized … ?
Point of no return, people. Point of no return.
By liz shepherd August 18, 2009 at 8:10 am
We have two very bad choices. I believe every single citizen of the United States of America should DROP insurance now.
What can ” they” do… hell, let’s help em break everything~!
( Break is a FAMILY word- and this FAMILY loves and lives for control)
By rick August 18, 2009 at 8:48 am
I hate getting up in the morning, going into work, dealing with people….it’ll be good to be unemployeed, lying around on the couch all day drinking beer and eating potato chips, having my rent, food bill, electric bill, etc paid for by all those industrious people out there that believe we owe health care to the poor miserable downtrodden that failed to do what was necessary to provide for themselves. Yep, can’t wait until the other rights follow this health care right…just make sure that the beer distributor and the pizza place down the street still delivers…after all, I’m entitled.
By henryyoung August 19, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Why can’t just those why pay taxes get health benefits…how b’out that Obama and the rest of the health care reform starters??? NO seriously, this I could be in favor of, but not just letting any old person that comes to America, even the illegal’s to get health care and our taxes go up the roof???? No, sure, I will cont. to fight this…