No ambiguity -- If Obama and the Dems do not get a public plan, they should go home.

No pussyfooting about this.

By a large majority, the public wants either universal single-payer healthcareystem or at least a public health plan option for those who want it. There are a lot of ways it can be done, and alternative approaches.

But it has to be done. NO EXCUSES.

The Democrats have the majority. The GOP and their minions have been reduced to the status of the Unloyal Minority Opposition.

If Obama and the Democrats are unable or unwilling to stand their ground and steamroll over the GOP,the right-wing nutcakes and the HealthCON lobbyists to get this done, then they will have proven themselves to be irrelevant.

No co-ops or any other gifts to the insurance fatcats.

Without the ability to negotiate with health care providers and pharma for lower prices, a public option is just about worthless.

They don't... they're just trying to fool voters. Parasites.

but I am starting to believe that Obama is willing to work on this. Indications have not been good, but recent statements look better.

I think the dissension here on DU does help the administration clarify it's goals. First because dedicated progressives are indicating what they think is right. Second because the anger here over thoughts of selling out to the neocon dream is warning of falling support which will be necessary in coming elections.

Maybe we do just fling our words into a pointless cyber vacuum, but if I were president (maybe in 2016) I would want to know what my base was thinking. I would see DU as my base.

Hope our hopin' is helpin'.

they have a great healthcare plan! :sarcasm:

If our side folds, we get what the Goppers want anyway.

If the Democrats don't want to stand up and pass a real alternative, then it really doesn't matter who is in charge.

I have yet to hear of real coordinated effort like the immigration rallies or even the Tea Party rallies to demonstrate support for a public option. At best, all we have are anonymous threats not to vote for President Obama or Democrats at the next election even though President Obama has been on TV forcefully advocating for a public option.

Since there are no big rallies in support of a public option, is it reasonable to conclude that most Americans don't want it? Really, a President can only do so much. At a certain point, it is our responsibility to demonstrate support for the things we care about. If the tea baggers can hold a rally in support of an incomprehensible agenda, why can't we make a similar demonstration?

Heck, President Obama is even often organizing tips:

# # #

Calling Tips
Here are some tips:

Be polite, respectful and clear. Introduce yourself to whoever answers the phone and let them know you are a constituent – mention what city you live in. Tell them you are calling to say that you strongly support President Obama’s three principles for health care reform in 2009. Congress must pass a plan that reduces costs, guarantees choice – including the choice of a public insurance option – and ensures quality care for every American. Ask if your member of Congress also supports these three principles. Example Script for Your Calls
Hello, my name is __________ and I'm a constituent calling from __________ (city or town).

I’m calling today because I wanted to let you know that I strongly support President Obama's 3 principles for real health care reform. Any plan Congress passes must reduce health care costs, guarantee choice – including a public insurance option – and ensure quality care for every American.

Also, I think it's critical to get this done in 2009; it's just too urgent to wait any longer.

Does (Rep./Sen.) _________ support these 3 principles?

Thank you!

They are just a bunch of mouthy kids pretending to be progressives.