Public option isn’t optional

tonchou_hotmail.com says...

This public option debate is a tragic distraction from the real issues. Of course we need a public insurance option, and of course it's going to mean some or most private insurance companies will go out of business. Why are people even arguing over that, and why is anyone (except politicians who are heavily bribed -- I mean funded -- by insurance lobbies) worried about it? Right now, the health insurance industry is a money pit. You've got a few huge corporate conglomerates raking in profits from families, businesses, and the public coffers. Why is health insurance so profitable? Because the insurance companies control both the supply and the demand for a commodity that is literally a life necessity.

Why do people defend the right of these corporations to exploit American families and hold their life and health hostage? This isn't about freedom, or the free market. These corporations aren't making a product or performing a service. They are simply opportunistic fences, worming their way into transactions where they are not necessary. If the healthcare system in the United States is going to become robust and sustainable again, the insurance companies have to go--at least to the extent that they underwrite policies for routine, non-catastrophic medical care.

We need to be talking about cost, and holding our lawmakers accountable for their promises that healthcare reform will not increase our deficit. We need to examine all 1,990 pages of the Pelosi plan with fine-toothed comb, because I guarantee you someone in her constituency is profiting immensely.

November 4, 2009 at 6:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )