Barney being Frank

windoggi · Joined: 22 Feb 2002 Posts: 2743

I guess what I was saying is that I don't presume to understand the complex issue that is health care. I only know it stinks. But we already know that. It was just a comment from the Peanut Gallery. I'll shut up now.

MalibuGuru · Joined: 11 Nov 1993 Posts: 9300

Until Obama took office, it was the best health care system in the world. However it is getting more expensive as we age, and there are people who just won't take care of themselves. Big brother must do the job.

For working folks who have insurance, it is the best. Why don't they just provide a minimum plan for the bums, and leave the rest of us alone.

I don't defend insurance companies here. However, why should a doctor study so many years and sacrifice, just to have the govt tell him what he can charge? I am in awe of doctors.

swchandler · Joined: 08 Nov 1993 Posts: 10588

Bard, maybe it hasn't dawned on you yet, but with passage of the ACA, folks will be able to shop for the best plan that serves their needs. So, if you want a minimalist plan, you will be able to get it at a competitive rate. Many younger folks will benefit with that plan model, yet still have catastrophic coverage should the unexpected happen.

Rather than imagine a boatload of negativity, you should look a bit closer at the positives associated with the ACA. Also, you have to remember that the original concept for the ACA was conceived at the Heritage Foundation.

feuser · Joined: 29 Oct 2002 Posts: 1508

Oh, Bard....

coboardhead · Joined: 26 Oct 2009 Posts: 4303

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

MalibuGuru · Joined: 11 Nov 1993 Posts: 9300

I don't think it takes a genius to figure out that they should have had a bi-partisan plan. Many dems are sorry they voted for this monstrosity. I assume the court will knock it down. If not, WELCOME TO CANADA OR CUBA.

swchandler · Joined: 08 Nov 1993 Posts: 10588

You know Bard, the Republicans really didn't have a plan, and they still don't. Look at all the years where they controlled Congress during both the Clinton and Bush Administration, they offered nothing while they had the power to do so.

When you look how the idea of healthcare reform evolved during the Obama Administration, it went from a single payer concept to a arguably conservative plan that was predicated on the private market based insurance model. I believe that this evolution occurred because there was a strong desire on the part of the Obama Administration and the Democrats to find bi-partisan support from the Republicans. Yet predictably, the Republicans didn't want any part of it. The only vague ideas that they could muster was tort reform and interstate insurance markets. While they whined about being shut out of the process, I believe that they had no real intent at all to pass significant healthcare reform. Their goals were to simply wind off time and try to kill any progress. In the end, the Democrats had no real choice other than to steamroll the final version of the ACA through.

Since the passage of the ACA, what attempts have the Republicans made to improve it? We all know that the ACA is far from optimum, and that things can be done to change it for the better. Yet, after control of the House for a year and half, nothing has been done. Their sole goal is to kill the ACA with nothing to replace it. What kind of vision and leadership is that?