Here's how the GOP plans to defeat health care reform

[babylonsister]

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/opinion/story/78849.html

Commentary: Here's how the GOP plans to defeat health care reform

By Barbara Shelly | The Kansas City Star


Something as sweeping as health care reform, we're being told, should have bipartisan support. The creation of the interstate highway system did. And the Civil Rights Act. Ditto the Social Security Act of 1935.

Well, no kidding. Of course health care reform should have bipartisan support — just as so many of our Republican congressmen are insisting. As they work feverishly to keep any trace of bipartisanship from seeping into the vote counts.

snip//

Meanwhile, House Republicans reportedly are planning to participate in as many "town hall" type gatherings as possible over the next three weeks, seeking to bring the tea party kettle back to a full boil.

In a lengthy piece published in the Washington Monthly magazine in 1994, writer Jon Meacham, now editor of Newsweek, described Kristol's plan for deep-sixing health care reform and wrote, "That it worked is a classic example of how Republicans buy off the vast middle class with appealing polemics and short-term fixes."

Fifteen years later, the GOP has refined the art of polemics. Short-term fixes have resulted in an even more costly and less efficient health care system. We spend $2 trillion a year on health care, and achieve poorer results than nations that do a better job of controlling costs.

We do need comprehensive health care reform, and the best vehicle for achieving that is the bill passed by the Senate Finance Committee.

How crafty of Republicans to now cite lack of bipartisanship as a fatal flaw in President Obama's health care reform effort, when that's been their plan from the outset.

[Ava83]

1. I get so confused by

the logic of the Republicans. I may be living in a parallel universe but haven't there been numerous calls for bipartisanship? If they claim they did not support the bill...could it not be said their involvement was always welcomed...they just chose not to be involved and raise a ruckus?

[babylonsister]

2. There is no logic where rethugs are involved. They are invested in

defeating health care reform at all costs, regardless of what their constituents want. Their goal is to deny success to the Dems.

And welcome to DU, Ava83! I see from your profile you took a break.

And I just moved to Savannah. I'm enjoying it here so far.

:hi:

[Ava83]

5. Hi!

I have a logical mind...to me this makes no sense and I have no clue how people can buy it? When one can prove something...why would it not be believed? But I must remind myself daily that there are people out there that cannot see past what they want to believe and will shape their reality to match what they want. Forgetting everything but themselves. (ugh that makes me sad)

Thank you for the welcome! I have only spent a few hours in Savannah walking around and whatnot and I thought it was beautiful!

[dgibby]

4. They keep saying that they have tried to work with the Dems,

but that they are being shut out. Of course, the only proposals they have are the ones that got us into this mess in the first place. They also conveniently neglect to mention that all of the bills have been amended to include some of their less onerous ideas. If the Dems brought a Republican bill up, those idiots would vote against it.

[Ava83]

6. I know

I just wish they would define "working" I would think Republicans define it as "throwing up obstacles and making baseless claims"

[Bitwit1234]

3. I think most of the problem about support or lack of

is the media. They are not pushing or even reporting that the republicans are refusing to support any part or any thing at all about the health care bill. And are trying to undermine it.

Then they are going out to the stupid people who formed the tea bags and getting them to scream and rant. It is a shame that the democrats do not have some company or organization that backs them so they can counteract this outrageous behavior. A few people in this country are trying to set the policy that will effect most of us. I just do not understand democrats.

If I were having the town hall meetings this summer. A sign would be posted at the door. "You cause a disruption and you will be thrown out" Simple to the point. And then the sgt at arms would just escort these paid thugs out the door. If this was bush he wouldn't let anybody in that disagreed with him in the first place. Remember all his selective rallies.

[unpossibles]

7. they want bipartisanship the same way FOX is fair and balanced

if they can't get their way, they throw tantrums.

[freebrew]

8. It seems to me...

they have already defeated any sort of meaningful reform, with the help of several DINOs.
Unless we get single-payer all this is just smoke-screen and a bone for the middle-class.

[Demeter]

9. It's Dead, Jim

This baby died in the womb of congenital birth defects.

[CrownPrinceBandar]

10. Babylonsister.........

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