How many of DC's 41,000 lobbyists are, right now, calling Ben Nelson ... and Max Baucus .... and ...

.... anyone else who might, in the end, be the vote that pushes real health care reform over the top?

The enemy broke bread, so to speak, with the president today. They regaled him with tales of stemming the **rate of increase** in health care costs. These same people also funded Harry and Louise. And you can bet your sweet ass they're paying as much as is demanded by lobbyists to pony up to the Democratic Senate Fuckwad Caucus to ensure they get what they want.

There is no doubt in my mind that, after 2010, we will NOT have the opportunity we have RIGHT NOW to pass a REAL health care reform bill. But it is Not a slam dunk, even as we, on paper, control everything.

We have a president too willing for my taste to talk to the enemy (yes, the Insurance, Pharma, and Big Med people are the enemy of true health care reform by pushing cheerily, their faux reform). We have Senators who are to the right of some repubicans on this issue.

What we need is a president willing to take to the bully pulpit and name names and politically knock a few political heads to get these people **in our own party** on board with him.

You see, I think the president, in his heart, wants what I want. But I also think something is stopping him and I am not sure what. And honestly, I don't give a shit. Figure that out later. For now, show some leadership, Mr. President, or the lobbyists will again lead the way, we'll all be forced to follow as Harry and Louise EAT OUR LUNCH ...... once again.

and called Baucus (who's person is very busy answering phones today) and said my piece with them. Also called Wyden and said Single Payer must be at the table period. Told Baucus office that the people with go to war with the establishment if Single Payer is not taken seriously.

We all to need to call today.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x5631361

Baucus and Ben Nelson are working hard at it,

Real hard!

and determining what the options and language is acceptable. It will all be about Which Insurance options are available, not about getting rid of insurance companies and the inherent limitations of insurance companies.

It will be about reducing the rate at which costs are increasing, not about reducing the costs. Somehow, having the costs increase more slowly will be seen as a victory.

It will be about getting people Insurance, not about getting people health care. So giving someone insurance the option to buy insurance with an outrageous deductible and co-payment will be seen as a victory. After all, you now have insurance. But that insurance is useless because a poor person won't be able to afford to use it. The cost of the co-pays and deductibles will still keep health care out of reach.

A corporate win is not the same as a win for the people. But as long as corporations have the ear of the President and our congress members and Senators this is all we are getting. :(

that Single Payer was NOT an option.:mad:

I know you're serious.

To borrow a line from the Queen, We are NOT amused.:grr: :nuke:

he'll get another phone call from me tomorrow.