But, hell Harry, why are you there, anyway?

[handmade34]

from Robert Reich. An Open Letter to Harry Reid on Controlling Health Care Costs

"Dear Senator, I know you’re in a tough spot. It would be bad enough if you only had to get Ben Nelson, Evan Bayh, Mary Landrieu, and Blanche Lincoln on board, but anyone who has to kiss Joe Lieberman’s derriere deserves a congressional medal of honor. But Harry, you really need to take on future health-care costs...So what do you do?

First, try for the “reconciliation” process, which requires only 51 votes. Every one of the reforms I mention above would fit under the Byrd rule. If that doesn’t work, wrap these reforms together — a public option open to everyone (allow states to opt out of this if they dare), Medicare-negotiated drug benefits, no 12-year monopoly for new drugs, and a major squeeze on Medicare reimbursements for doctors — and have CBO score the savings. I guarantee you, the number will be large. Then you should dare anyone, Democrat or Republican, to vote against saving Americans so much money in years ahead. How is Ben Nelson going to face voters in Nebraska who would have to pay, say, 20 percent more for health care in the future if Nelson refuses to go along?

If neither of these tactics work, then take whatever bill you must to the Senate floor. But then introduce this reform package as the very first amendment to the bill. Call it the “Ted Kennedy Amendment for Helping Middle Class Families Afford Health Care,” and whip the hell out of the Democrats. Get the President to help you. Surely Joe Biden will. If you can’t get 51 votes out of Dems for this, publish the list of Dems who vote against it, strip them of their committee chairs or sub-chairs, and make sure the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee gives them zilch when they’re up for re-election."


http://wallstreetpit.com/12097-an-open-letter-to-harry-reid-on-controlling-health-care-costs

[Andy823]

1. I am with Reich

The problem is that Reid doesn't have what it takes to do this. If something isn't done, democrats are going to pay dearly next year come election time, and I sure as hell hope that Reid is the first one to get the boot out of office!

[saracat]

2. feeh, They can't even get rid of Stupak, I betcha.And They will include it in the

Senate Bill. As for other stuff. i disagree with the opt out but the rest is great. But reid will never do this. Just like pelosi cavedand put out crap, so willthe senate and i will be truly suprised if Mr. bipartisanship takes any real active role. it might offend the GOP, and we can't have that.