The Policy That Dare Not Speak Its Name - Medicare for All

http://www.pnhp.org/news/2009/june/the_policy_that_dare.php

"Robert Kuttner
The Huffington Post
June 22, 2009

I’m sure I’m not the only reader who noticed the juxtaposition of two front page stories in Sunday’s New York Times dealing with health care. The first article cited a new Times-CBS poll showing that 72 percent of Americans favored a government run health plan comparable to Medicare, which would be available to everyone.

The second reported on a rogue radiologist at a Philadelphia VA hospital who botched 92 prostate procedures...


However, that’s only the beginning of the story. The reform package, as drafted by the Obama administration and the House leadership, is dubious legislation even with the inclusion of a public option. Basically, it leaves the two worst aspects of the system intact. First, private insurers will continue to dominate. Second, most people will continue to get their insurance through their employers...


Indeed, the Sunday New York Times-CBS poll didn’t even offer Medicare-for-All as a free-standing option. It took the Obama position as the left edge of the debate.

As for that rogue doctor at the Philadelphia veterans’ hospital, quality control is not what it should be throughout our fragmented system. And the oases of public medicine are particularly starved for resources. Yet studies consistently find that on average, the VA does more with less than its private sector competitors. Phil Longman has written the definitive book on the subject, “Best Care Anywhere.” Here is a summary.

In this case, the offending radiologist, Dr. Gary D. Kao, was actually a contract employee and not a VA physician.

Only by having a comprehensive system can we marry quality, cost-effective care, and universal access. One of these days, a national leader will have the nerve to embrace national health insurance and fight for it. Until then, we will keep paying more money for less care, and liberals will defend reforms they themselves scarcely believe in."

a persistent, burning anger in my belly:

"It took the Obama position as the left edge of the debate."

In health care, on war and peace, on the economy, on education...

The center-right has now become "the left edge of the debate."

A knockout win by the right, over every issue.

thanks.

:)

I wish it weren't so. :(

WELL SAID. I feel betrayed--to be kicked under the table. I put a lot of hard work---walking house to house week after week to get Obama elected--only to be kicked under the table.

KEEP RINGING EM UP---LET THEM KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS--OVER AND OVER.




National Rally for Healthcare June 25th--Washington DC****


Thursday, 28 May 2009 07:31 .Join us on June 25

Download the Flyer Register Rally FAQ

Join us on Thursday, June 25, 2009 for The Great American Sickout, a National Rally for Health Care For All Now. Congress is acting. They haven't been listening to us.
Real Health Care Reform Is Health Care For All
They need to hear a LOUD voice NOW. 1 Million People Shouting, "Health Care For ALL. Not Some. Not Most. ALL."

Take the day off of work, BE THERE. Tell Congress in person, join Together.

Location

Where: Washington DC, gather at the Washington Monument on the National Mall. We'll walk to the Upper Senate Park for the Rally which is scheduled to start at 11:00 a.m. (view map)

When: June 25, 2009, 10:00 a.m.

Receive Updates
Follow 1payerdotnet on twitter to receive updates during the rally. (view instructions)


http://www.1payer.net/action-alerts/washington-rally.html



************Please get involved in this rally in any way you can.

CALL AND WRITE YOUR CONGRESSCRITTERS NOW--NO MATTER WHAT STRIP THEY ARE--AND THE WHITE HOUSE.


http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml



Here's the White House phone number.
Whitehouse.gov web site

Comments: 202-456-1111
Switchboard: 202-456-1414
FAX: 202-456-2461

……………..
Some stories:


Ed Schultz with Senator Bernie Sanders (Single –Payer/Medicare for ALL)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dr0P-MPIKRo


SEIU Healthcare 1199NW members heading to DC for healthcare
Run time: 01:55
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4DkMPPZ6Nw

"Basically, it leaves the two worst aspects of the system intact. First, private insurers will continue to dominate. Second, most people will continue to get their insurance through their employers..."

Meanwhile, politicians who support a public option are falling all over themselves to reassure the corporate media that the public option will not serve as a slippery slope that leads to single-payer.

Why the hell shouldn't it?

The corporate message crafters have turned "single-payer" into the latest scare term and are selling it as something more frightening than "terrorism," when the fact is that single-payer will certainly save lives and may even save the country, which is sliding down an even more slippery slope in a handbasket.

we all have a vested interest in making the system the best it can be...citizens speak with one voice.

I do not want to compete for funding or access to doctors with the elderly, the poor, the veterans etc.

If they can keep all of these groups fighting among themselves, while skimming off profits for shareholders, we all lose.

:hi:


"Meanwhile, politicians who support a public option are falling all over themselves to reassure the corporate media that the public option will not serve as a slippery slope that leads to single-payer."

:thumbsup: