Even getting a public option would require either a 60 vote supermajority, which is exceedingly unlikely, or a leader willing to invoke the nuclear option on ALL bills which could set a disastrous precedent, not to mention all the wrangling and favor trading that it would take to get all those conservative Democrats on board, and endless debates all over the news and social media. And if we are going to have to do all that work anyway, why settle for a half measure, why not just go for the whole nine yards? And it's highly probable that a public option wouldn't even work since only people who couldn't get private insurance would choose it, meaning they'd likely represent the most risky patients, and trying to find a way to subsidize those skyrocketing premiums would be a whole another battle.
I am of the opinion that there is no amount of tweaking of the current health system can save it. The drug companies are already stuck having to negotiate with national health systems in nearly every other country, and it is only here that they can charge whatever exorbitant prices they wish, which means that we are effectively subsidizing the drug costs for everyone else, and the companies simply cannot afford to lose this market too because that would mean the end of their profitability entirely. On top of that, we have all of these doctors who took out massive loans to take years of schooling in the hope of becoming well-paid, high status professionals, not overworked public servants little better than teachers or firefighters. Then on top of that you have the insurance companies, hospitals, equipment manufacturers, all these people whose entire livelihoods depend on health care remaining an expensive luxury that people are willing to shell out their bottom dollar for, and there is simply no way to make sure that all of their concerns are addressed while simultaneously providing sufficient care for everyone regardless of their ability to pay for it. Other countries managed because the health care industry knew that, at the very least, there was still plenty of money to be made in the United States that would offset their losses elsewhere, so they will fight tooth and nail to retain this last profitable market.
Last edited by PwrdOn; 03-18-2020 at 11:03 PM.
We should absolutely engage in filibuster reform and voting reform rather than allow Republican Senators to have a stranglehold in perpetuity on the ability to effect governance. I don't have an idea of what could replace the filibuster that is actively fair to protect the minority or prevent future abuse by the majority, but the current senatorial status quo is unsustainable. Mitch McConnel has proven that.
I'm also for repealing the permanent apportionment act of 1929 in the House. Freezing the number of Reps at 435 has had a deleterious effect on the House. While it can't be 20k:1 rep, we can sure increase the number of representatives to create better representation, broader expertise, more diverse voices, and a House more closely aligned with the demographic reality.
Last edited by Tendrin; 03-18-2020 at 10:56 PM.
Trump Signs Coronavirus Aid Bill
The legislation, which House Democrats authored last week, modestly expands sick leave and makes testing for the coronavirus more widely available.
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Coronavirus Bailouts Shouldn’t Reward Investors And CEOs, Democrats Say
They want strings attached to any taxpayer dollars given to major industries suffering from the coronavirus-fueled economic crisis.
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How South Korea Succeeded Where The U.S. Has Failed On Coronavirus Testing
The difference in the development of COVID-19 tests is a tale of many contrasts in the two nations’ public health systems.
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Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart Is First Member Of Congress To Test Positive For Coronavirus
The Florida Republican was voting on the House floor but is now self-quarantined. Rep. Ben McAdams, a Utah Democrat, also tested positive for COVID-19.
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Maryland GOP Governor: ‘No Question’ Donald Trump Made A Mistake With Coronavirus Response
Larry Hogan criticized the president’s initial downplaying of the threat.
Avatar: Here's to the late, great Steve Dillon. Best. Punisher. Artist. EVER!
Because all you've done is spread bile and shit on people when its readily apparent that Bernies gone. When Warren was out did I sut here and shit on everyone else ? No.
As for Corbyn, yeah the media was an issue. Unlike you though I don't start spitting conspiracy theories and lashing out at people. I actually think about things and have accepted thar Corbyn fucked up. Instead of being agressive about the anti-semetism claims he again and again let the right make the narrative, then he sat on the fence with Brexit which (like it or not) wasnt going to sell even if his "Redo the vote, make it less corrupt" angle made sense too many saw it as a "We didnt get our way" idea. So my guy fucked up. On his own.
Now if the Corbyn element wins the next leadership election, nice. Hopefully they can be agressive and focused. If Starmer wins and we get Neo-Blair, well his stats are still ok (Iraq War aside) and it'll be a damn sight better then Boris and Co.
But if I was like you I'd hope that Starmer utterly failed my girl wins and if that fails utterly abandon them and casually allow the right to continue ruining everything.