In his Friday column, New York Times columnist Paul Krugman said the following:
"A message to progressives: By all means, hang Senator Joe Lieberman in effigy. Declare that you’re disappointed in and/or disgusted with President Obama. Demand a change in Senate rules that, combined with the Republican strategy of total obstructionism, are in the process of making America ungovernable.
But meanwhile, pass the health care bill."
Here is the link to Krugman's article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/18/opinion/18krugman.html?_r=1
What do you think?
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Krugman makes a good point. I''s not cmpletely what it should be, however, it is better than nothing. If not now when?. Will the opportunity to get even a weakened bill be available in the future if the country takes a dramatic turn to the right?
ReplyDeleteFrom what I have heard, all of the other great entitlement programs like social security and Medicare were somewhat limited when they were first enacted; however, over the years they were strengthened and expanded. Let's hope that this is the beginning to the path to single payor universal Medicare for all.
ReplyDeleteAfter I'm done hanging Senator Joe Lieberman in effigy, declaring my disappoint in Obama and demanding a change in Senate rules that, combined with the Republican strategy of total obstructionism have made America ungovernable, then I might consider Krugman's point.
ReplyDeleteForget hanging Lieberman if effigy, let's hang the traitor for real.
ReplyDeleteI know,too strong. But we need to do all that we can to put an end to this Senator from Aetna's career in Congress.
Harry Reid went on TV again today and said that now that Ben Nelson will vote for the bill, it will pass the Senate. Why do I still remain very skeptical? Is it because I have heard essentially the same statement many times before? Just wait. Lieberman will appear tomorrow morning on some Sunday talk show and come up with yet another reason why he will filibuster the bill.
ReplyDeleteYes we need more and more government intervention. Liberty be damned! In fact let's abolish all the rules and make Obama president for life. Then we can send all those opposed to gitmo,now that the poor Muslims will be vacating it.
ReplyDeleteAs the late, great Senator Ted Kennedy said before his death, we cannot let desire for the perfect be the death of the good (or something like that!). I would love to see Lieberman defeated next time (have you heard he is contemplating running as a Republican!!!)but we have to take what we can get. I am a big admirer of Dr. Dean....but I think he is out to lunch on this one. There are lots of good things about this bill...we need to get this behind us and focus on other things...like JOBS!!
ReplyDeleteThis issue obviously brings out some strong opinions on the part of our commentators. However, in light of today's developments, it appears that Krugman will get his wish and Congress will "pass the bill."
ReplyDeletei have always been a single payer guy.krugmans best comment was the bill is "the first serious effort to rein in health care costs". i thought the public option was a guding light at the end of the tunnel.another two ways to rein in health care costs is to place all doctors on salary and to over regulate all health care insurance companies.finally medicare should be given free rein to negotiate with big pharma. Marshall Blondy, MD
ReplyDeleteYou may contact me at mjblondy@comcast.net
I must reluctantly agree with Mr. Krugman. Like Dr. Blondy, I prefer a single-payer approach. By the way, Paul Krugman has written very enlightening books in addition to his role as a columnist.
ReplyDeleteLinda Curry, Treasurer, Livonia Democratic Club
If a lesser Bill will be more easily passed and more people immediately benefitted, I'm for it. It can be tweaked further after implementation, after the inevitable bugs are discovered, and those ultimately addressed. Health care reform is crucially needed, even at less than full speed.
ReplyDeleteI read it, and like others, I was angry with what I thought was a bill that helps the HMOs make more money and does not really change the rotten system, but I agree with my Guru, it is a foot in the door and hopefully we can improve it as we go along.
ReplyDeleteKrugman says it well. I like his analysis.
ReplyDeleteOf course the quandry is pushing for the best bill that will pass vs. pushing for something based upon principle that will go down to defeat. Both avenues have supporters and detractors. Health care reform, and universal coverage, have been battleground subjects for several administrations. Pushing for the best bill that will pass means taking what progressives can get for now, and to keep working at it in future legislation. This is not the first nor the last effort at health care reform.
Same thing goes for immigration reform. The reform has been tweaked every so often since the major reform of 1965. The Gutierrez Bill at 844 pages is only the latest. The immigration reform packages now introduced will not be the last.
Krugman is "right on the money". I do feel sold out by Obama and company. This country continues to be in control of the greedy who can apparently "buy" politicians with impunity.
ReplyDeleteI am new to this blog and find myself stunned and saddened for you people. The reason this bill is struggling is that a majority of Americans do not support it. The "we just need to pass something" mindset is complete insanity. Feel free to follow Reid, Pelosi, Krugman, Obama over a cliff, but pardon me if I do not choose to line up in this parade.
ReplyDeleteDr. Blondy - if you choose to be "put on salary" then more power to you. In fact, why not have all MD's provide all of your services pro bono for the benefit of society? But excuse me if I choose to opt out and find other ways to exercise my freedom and liberty to earn money for the services I provide to others.