Reply #11: Maybe the question shouldn't be "are we as Democrats better off..." [View All]

[LooseWilly]

Maybe the question that would better serve as a starting point for "thinking this through" should be "Are we, as citizens, better off if the current Democratic Party legislation does not pass?"

And likewise the converse should be considered. Are we, as citizens, any worse off if it doesn't pass? It's beginning to sound like we may in fact not be terribly much worse off if something like the House bill in its current form does not pass.

The exception, of course, is those who are insured through a nice middle-class job's benefits who might otherwise be thrown off when a need arises to use that healthcare. Is mandating that all independent contractors, self employed, etc. buy crappy private insurance, or a crappy half-ass public option in order to provide a virtual "payoff" to private insurers to stop denying benefits really a public policy option that "we" are willing to endorse? Or should the fight continue until there is meaningful reform for all citizens?

And, of course, there is the question of whether or not "leaning left" and providing a robust public option might not actually be a boon, rather than a drag, on Democratic electoral prospects.

Just saying.