What to expect in 2010
Yesterday I spoke with Republican Rep. John Shadegg. Today, he announced his retirement. I’ve got to try that trick more often!
Anyway, Shadegg is not one of the dumb ones and notwithstanding his retirement, I have a feeling his political future will work out pretty nicely for him. He’s that sharp.
Anyway, I’ve been thinking that if Democrats pass anything like the Senate’s version of health care reform, the Democratic brand will suffer horribly. You simply cannot have a mandate without a public option. The idea that people will have to turn over nearly 10% of their income to a private insurance company isn’t something that is going to sink in until people start seeing it happen in real time. And then, when these insurance companies deny claims… well, the federal government (Democrats) will be seen as the accomplice and handmaiden to the private insurance rip-off industry.
With things so bad, I’ve begun to believe that Republicans must secretly be hoping this thing passes with as much of the Senate language intact as possible. That’s what I asked about.
Shadegg confirmed my worst fears. Republicans can’t wait to get started.
Democrats can’t say they weren’t warned.
It never fails to amaze me that the obtuse Democratic leadership cannot or will not see this concept for what it is – the selling out of The People to Big Business.
Yes, our country desperately needs reform of how we provide healthcare to our citizens.
Yes, it will take the inclusion of all Americans to create a Risk Pool large enough to bring down costs.
No, it should not be done via capitulation by Government to the wants of Big Business.
Capitalism does reward societies which employ it’s economy model – but it is not the answer to all of societies needs. In fact, basic needs of citizens should never be held hostage to the machinations of the capitalists – because their only goal is to increase profits, not to provide service.
It’s why Police, Fire, Library, Sewer and other basic needs are provided through public services, and not private industry (although in many cases Trash removal and other ancillary services are contracted out by governments to private companies).
The penultimate question then becomes, “Is healthcare a basic need or just an ancillary service”?
Angie in WA State
14 Jan 10 at 3:27 pm
Great work Mike. I’m not normally a fan of yours, but you’ve been getting some excellent, respectful, substantive, and exclusive news out of these interviews.
I’m a right-winger, and I completely agree with you on this. Although I think this would hurt the Democratic party to pass it, I would still far rather not have it passed.
Brian Cobbs
14 Jan 10 at 4:03 pm
[...] with Snyder (the talk was brief; he was hurrying to catch his plane), I crossed the street and talked with Shadegg. of course, the next day Shadegg announced his [...]
The magic touch at StarkReports.com
16 Jan 10 at 11:27 pm