I support this bill, realizing that perfection is a goal that many times won't be met. However, it's a start. And with all social programs, you have to start somewhere and it almost always gets better as the years go. So yes, I agree with Vicki Kennedy. We need this bill. I'm happy for the president on this success and I'm happy for Mr. Reid as well. I'm mostly happy for the millions of Americans, like myself, that will benefit from this bill. It's not perfect, but it's one hell of a start! And that's better than nothing at all.

You work for Blue Cross?

There is too much poison in this bill to make it worthwhile for the few goods things in it. This is like having to vote for a war bill in order to extend COBRA benefits, but that is what those idiots usually do.

Kill the bill!

bill. So, who, what organizations, of the Democratic base, remains in support of this crappy legislation?

I heard Unions are against this bill. Pro-Choice groups are against this bill. People who don't want to be controlled by corporations are against this bill.

So, who exactly is left supporting this? The Republicons?

But I am not celebrating it either.

They all plan to vote for this bill - SO - I also give thanks to Obama and Reid.

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A) i thought the Pony meme was banned

B) I thought PARTY PLANKS were you know supposed to be supported, so i guess in that regard I'm more of a Democrat than you.

:hi:

Fooled me.

:applause:

Kill the bill.

Forcing people to buy insurance is no more the answer to a failed health care system than forcing people to buy houses is the solution to homelessness.

:dem:

-Laelth

Something that shows hypothetical families and how they are hurt or benefitted by the bill. Also, a comparison of costs and the impact on the deficit.

Anyone have a link? The NY Times usually does one, but it is not up yet.

Passing the bill will prevent state action on this issue. California will probably pass single payer on its own in 2011. All they need is a Democratic Governor. The legislature has already passed the bill. Schwarzenegger vetoed it. Once California has single-payer, most (if not all) states will follow suit.

It's likely that if we pass a new law now, the new law will preempt single-payer, i.e. the Federal law will preempt state law and prevent states from enacting a single-payer system.

THIS is what the health insurance companies fear. THIS is what brought them to the bargaining table. THIS is why they are not fighting Obama's tepid reforms, and THIS is why it is extremely important that we do not pass any health insurance reform bill this year.

Let's not settle for a bail-out of the health insurance industry. Let's insist on the eradication of it. In all likelihood, California will lead the way in 2011 ... if we can just give them time.

Canada got its single-payer system one province at a time, and it looks like that's the only way it can happen in the United States.

I don't think the Federal Government is capable of reforming the system right now. If this bill is the best the Federal Government can do, then the Federal Government should do nothing. It's time to let the states try.

Kill the bill.

Forcing people to buy insurance is no more the answer to a failed health care system than forcing people to buy houses is the solution to homelessness.

:dem:

-Laelth

Also, California has had a Republican governor for most of the past 20 years. Finally, California has a 2/3 vote requirement for tax hikes, term limits, and Prop 13. California also passed Prop 103, which banned government aid to illegal immigrants. California is a bastation of anti-tax zealots. I wish you were right, but all the right wing has to do is attack single payer as a tax hike, and the Prop is dead. California is on the verge of bankruptcy, and it is not due to its liberal leanings, but its morass of right wing ballot propositions and Republican governors.

Fox likes to draw attention to California's troubles and argue that its a pre-cursor of President Obama's economic policies, but this is BS.

That speaks for itself. I don't care whether or not you call that liberal.

Kill the bill.

Forcing people to buy insurance is no more the answer to a failed health care system than forcing people to buy houses is the solution to homelessness.

:dem:

-Laelth

California has also had propositions to reform health care, but they were voted down. The fact of the matter is that California does not have single payer, and Prop 186 was defeated the last time we tried to adopt single payer. So, I would not start running a victory lap for single payer just quite yet.

This reminds me of folks who simply pointed to polls showing the defeat of Prop 8, then stayed home, as Prop 8 was passed. It is a mistake to assume that single payer will be adopted in California any time soon. We tried before with Prop 186.

What about people living in more conservative states? Screw them cause they don't live in California? It would take decades for all 50 states to pass single payer.

It didn't take long for the other Provinces to adopt single-payer once Saskatchewan started the ball rolling.

Kill the bill.

Forcing people to buy insurance is no more the answer to a failed health care system than forcing people to buy houses is the solution to homelessness.

:dem:

-Laelth

It will only take until 2050 to get my state to have single payer. (At the earliest)

Hopefully these angry folks will come to their senses one of these days..

you apparently do not understand.

and are still denied the care.