How dear a sacrifice are we willing to lay on the altar of Compromise?

First, there is a place for compromise; in life and in politics. But, in both life and politics, there are times when compromise amounts to self-destructive cowardice; a total surrender or disavowal of who we are and what we believe. There are times when taking a stand---and risking everything in the process---is the only honorable course. And, yes, I do believe there is a place for "honor" in politics. You may believe that marks me a fool, but it only means that I am old enough to recall politicians like Adlai Stevenson, John Kennedy, Paul Simon, Paul Wellstone and Jimmy Carter.

It is being suggested---urged, actually---that we should just "keep our eyes on the prize" in the Healthcare Reform debate and try not to think about or mention that we have already surrendered single payer, a strong public option and, in the House, a couple of decades worth of progress in pro-choice protection. Does anyone believe we are finished?

How about birth control? That torques a lot of Fundie jaws. Should we kick that in?

How about all the medical expenses caused by the sinful lifestyle of those nasty gay people? Surely, we can let those drop.

And, obese people and smokers and chewers and---who else, what else are we willing to sacrifice in order to "pass healthcare"?

If compromise is so wonderful, why don't we share some of it with those in Congress who are doing all they can to stop ANY healthcare bill? Let them experience that warm fuzzy feeling that is enjoyed by those who compromise "for the good of the country".
I've had enough warm and fuzzy to last me for the rest of this term.

country that marched inevitably toward the Civil War.

But if that compromise hadn't been struck, would we be posting about politics in the United States?

Compromise is the nature of the beast.

I surely don't like what is happening in Congress right now but I know enough of politics to say it's better to take what you can get when you can get it. If nothing happens this time as far as health care is concerned, don't expect any action for a very long time.

You have to remember that a major reason we are facing such a battle over Health Care reform now is because of the bank collapse leading up to the general election. You can never anticipate events and very often have to deal with issues that suddenly arise that are beyond the control of those dealing with legislation.

very long time."

My fear is that we pass "something" that is so half-assed and cobbled together that if fails and serves only as the club with which the teabag brigade will swat down any progressive idea for the next couple of decades. There is, for example, a "criticl mass" when it comes to participation. If enough participants are allowed to "opt out", the numbers don't work, prices continue to rise and Glen Beck and Bill O'Reilly go on a national "I told you so!" tour.

Single payer now.

I wish we could get rid of Employer based health care and open up the market with a strong public option.

That would allow people to chose a job because it is where they want to work instead of being frightened that they will loose their health care.

and welfare and food stamps and civil rights and just about everything else.

The Constitution did not prohibit slavery, yet it left room for those who were opposed to the practice to abolish it (in their state.) Today's democrats would have written "a right to own slaves " into the Constitution just so we could "move forward.'

:kick:

Health insurers will continue being exempt from anti-trust laws.
Probably, based on this:

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2009/11/with_...

"And, to address one of (Senator) Ben Nelson's concerns, (Senator Harry) Reid stripped out a provision that would have overturned the insurance industry's anti-trust exemptions."

was a regular swashbuckler!

while busy seeing to it that the antitrust exemptions stays and that states be able to opt out, they neglected to add a clause that would allow states to pursue real solutions like single payer on their own?

I just cannot understand how anyone thinks either of these insurance protection bills can be called reform.

and just kick the nonsense to the curb and pass responsible policies aimed at solving the core problems, nothing meaningful will be accomplished.

You can argue all day with some of these idiots and corrupt fools to no end. And the longer one does- the more likely that they'll win.

Wait...that's surrender, not compromise...never mind.

except law enforcement knows better than to give into the hostage-takers demands.

They almost literally have a gun to the heads of the sick & uninsured - which is the most immediate issue that any form of this bill should address. They're threatning to kill the bill - which will quite literally lead to the preventable deaths of thousands of people, and financial devestation to thousands more. This has been the underlying threat every day that these petty negotiations go on.

When one concession is met, they demand another, and another - all the while, the gun is to the hostages' heads. If Congress were a SWAT team, they'd be smart enough to know where this is going. Eventually they'd have to make some tactical move to regain control of the situation. This I haven't seen yet. I think Reid needs to consult a professional hostage negotiator to plan the next move.

How could the corporate agenda be shoved down our throats if they did that?

Our "leaders" would lose all their ability to be paid exorbitant sums and give billions of taxpayer dollars to their contributors, friends, and relatives and everything would stop!

You crazy man!
:scared:


















(some):sarcasm:

sorry pops, couldn't help myself for a minute there....

:hi:

happen again, well, Boo IS still around.

Now, up to bed with you. I'll be up later to hear your prayers.