I'll get right to it -- HR 3200, or "America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009," is not reform or change I can believe in.

Many anticipated the President's address the other night.  Many were waiting for a clear definition and/or endorsement of the mysterious 'public option.'  I pretty much got what I expected.  I was amused that the "Republican Response" came from Rep. Charles Boustany, (LA), firmly in the pocket of the 'health' industry.
http://thepoliticalcarnival.blogspot.com/2009/09/boustany-to-deliver-republican-response.html

In case that idiot from South Carolina distracted your critical ear to the speech, here is a link with the text of the President's speech last night.

http://ushealthcrisis.com/2009/09/text-of-president-obamas-speech/

Mr. Obama's quotes are in italics.

"...an additional step we can take to keep insurance companies honest is by making a not-for-profit public option available in the insurance exchange.  Let me be clear – it would only be an option for those who don’t have insurance.  No one would be forced to choose it, and it would not impact those of you who already have insurance.  In fact, based on Congressional Budget Office estimates, we believe that less than 5% of Americans would sign up."

That is at most, in the neighborhood of 10 - 15 million people.  Keep in mind, this is not universal health care, even for these people.  And Obama informs the rest of us: "under my plan, individuals will be required to carry basic health insurance – just as most states require you to carry auto insurance."

At the end of his speech, President Obama touched on a public option again:

"It’s worth noting that a strong majority of Americans still favor a public insurance option of the sort I’ve proposed tonight.  But its impact shouldn’t be exaggerated – by the left, the right, or the media.  It is only one part of my plan, and should not be used as a handy excuse for the usual Washington ideological battles.  To my progressive friends, I would remind you that for decades, the driving idea behind reform has been to end insurance company abuses and make coverage affordable for those without it.  The public option is only a means to that end – and we should remain open to other ideas that accomplish our ultimate goal.  And to my Republican friends, I say that rather than making wild claims about a government takeover of health care, we should work together to address any legitimate concerns you may have.

For example, some have suggested that that the public option go into effect only in those markets where insurance companies are not providing affordable policies.  Others propose a co-op or another non-profit entity to administer the plan.  These are all constructive ideas worth exploring.  But I will not back down on the basic principle that if Americans can’t find affordable coverage, we will provide you with a choice.  And I will make sure that no government bureaucrat or insurance company bureaucrat gets between you and the care that you need."

emphasis added.

Obama Backs Off Public Option
"The public option, whether we have it or we don't have it, is not the entirety of health care reform. This is just one sliver of it. One aspect of it," he said in a town hall meeting.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gTr5O4fuwyG7ZK-ASPrSb_A4YvAw


And the Democrats are the ones that blocked price caps and even price negotiations on prescription drugs.

Democrats Say No to Cost Cap for Drug Makers

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/07/health/policy/07lobby.html

“You Do Not Cut Deals with the System that Has to Be Replaced”: Ralph Nader on Secret White House Agreements with the Drug Industry
http://www.democracynow.org/2009/8/14/you_dont_cut_deals_with_the


Finally, for those that missed these videos:

Obama's latest backpedaling should come as no surprise.  If you think his 'public option' changes are something, check out his single payer evolution.

Here's Obama in 2003 telling union members he believed in a single payer system. We just need to take back the senate and white house, he said:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpAya...

Here he is denying what he said in that exact clip, saying it was somehow taken "out of context"  Unfortunately, Joe Wilson's remarks would not have been out of order here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDAPL...

And finally, here is Obama saying last month that the only way to cover all Americans is through a single payer system:
http://www.democracynow.org/2009/7/2...

It's important to see things as they are, not as we wish them to be.  I truly wish the Obama of today was the same Obama in the first video above.  I don't have time for "I support single payer, but I'll settle for whatever piece of junk the President comes up with.  But if its too big a piece of junk, I'll tell him no!"  Nothing personal, but count me out.

But if anyone sees the bill for what it is -- and more importantly for what it is not, and believes in universal healthcare: let's make "Everybody In, Nobody Out" happen in our lifetime!

HR 676 in the House 

S. 703 in the Senate

United States Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121. A switchboard operator will connect you directly with the Senate office you request.