General Discussion

amounts to trolling. And if so-called supporters of the bill can't engage in substantive discussion with other Democrats, they don't stand a chance in hell of getting it passed. In fact, it seems clear that they are far more interested in hardening divisions, proclaiming the great majority of Americans the enemy, than in ensuring access to healthcare for American citizens.


We've seen this before. A group is more concerned with proclaiming their own superiority than issues, getting votes for their candidates, or passing legislation. It's a losing tactic, a disastrous strategy that has already been proven a failure. It's noticeable that the same people who preach understanding toward the white male Trump voters can't mange to discuss issues with Democrats. Ordinarily I wouldn't care about such disastrous tactics, but I happen to care about healthcare, and I support single payer. That means I believe that legislation needs to be taken seriously, carefully written, and subject to substantive debate. Yet we see a determination that not happen. Whatever the motivation, what is clear is that such tactics can only result in undermining single payer.

We saw all kinds of post-mortem hand wringing about Clinton's deplorables comment as insulting to voters, yet for some reason we see self-proclaimed supporters of the Senate bill insulting Democrats for asking questions. That may help them feel superior, but it sure as hell isn't going to gain support or votes for legislation.

If they can't manage to talk to Democrats who support single payer, they sure as hell aren't going to convince any of the Republicans who have to be persuaded to support single payer if it is to ever become law. As for the arguments you mention, if you can't handle those, how the hell do you think you're going to convince Republicans? Or is it possible whether it becomes law isn't the concern at all?