So here's a real surprise: Max Baucus's health care reform plan sucks.
It's exactly what you'd expect from the guy who's further in the pocket of the private health insurance lobby than anyone else on Capitol Hill (to say nothing of the ineffectual walking punchline who gave us this gem of a quote a couple of months back). Namely, it would install auto insurance-like mandates without offering an alternative public option; in other words, it would force you to pay the rates of private health insurers -- the same ones now gouging the hell out of Americans while often making it difficult or impossible to get the coverage they need without a fight -- by imposing hefty fines on anyone who goes without full medical coverage. We're talking penalties starting at $750 a year for individuals and $1,500 for families, up to $950 for individuals and $3,800 for families.
There's another word for this kind of thing: a protection racket. It's what the mob does.
In theory, Baucus's plan will cost taxpayers less than they're paying now -- which as we know is what's required to get the perpetually obstinate minority party to begrudgingly give it the okay -- but there's much more to consider here. Like this: Do you want to be told that you have to pay the robber barons currently running the healthcare-for-profit scheme in this country? It's ironic, given how the right has been bitching up a storm about the supposed erosion of our liberties and how the government is imposing its will on average Americans, that the Republicans will likely, to some extent, embrace the Baucus plan. And why shouldn't they -- it's a merciless free market wet dream. A win-win for both the the lobbyists and the private insurers compliments of a guy who knows exactly which masters he serves.
This is why, above all else, the public option is now being called a choice of conscience (and that's one of those words I typically try to steer clear of). It's not simply a cheaper, better alternative for millions of Americans -- it's a means of taking a stand against the very people who've been making their lives impossible (in some cases, literally) for years.
But will President Obama demand it?
I guess we'll find out.
Related:
DXM: Your Money or Your Life/6.22.09
No comments:
Post a Comment