Catfood Commission: Include public option

[Alcibiades]

http://www.fiscalcommission.gov/sites/fiscalcommission.gov/files/documents/CoChair_Draft.pdf

Page 36
Add a robust public option and/or all-payer system in the exchange

Of course, this is a triggered option, which begs the question: if the cochairs really think this would save money, why wait?

Also, be aware that a lot of the stuff that's being posted simply isn't true, or is only one of several proposals. Also, some of the most outrageous stuff, such as stealing from Social Security (mainly from people who are currently young, BTW), and the capping of federal income are true. The defense cuts are a joke. The special minimum benefit for low-wage workers could be progressive, if we actually had details. Reinstating college benefits for child survivors would be good. Imposing social security taxes on employer-sponsored health care plans is in there: this is pretty bad. And there are tax cuts for the rich and corporations that are simply inexcusable and make a bad joke out of the whole project.

For something that is supposed to be the result of a long conspiracy against the American people, this looks as cobbled together as an essay written by a college freshman the morning it is due after a big frat party. Also, folks are claiming that the commission is rigged, but if that's the case, why have the cochairs had to poop out this "proposal," which was apparently only done because the commission itself could not reach consensus?

And if the commission itself, which is loaded up with white rural republicans, cannot reach a consensus on what is, overall, a pretty regressive package, why would the lame duck Democratic-controlled Congress pass this?

Anyway, read the damn thing before you freak out about it. Because you probably will.

[bobbolink]

1. Would you please remove the "r" word from your post? It violates the rules.

And insults people whose lives are already difficult enough.

Thank you.

[cliffordu]

2. "robust"?

[bobbolink]

7. .

[cliffordu]

8. Didn't see that word.

my bad.

[Alcibiades]

4. My brother's retarded

It's a clinical term. Nonetheless, I'll change it.

[bobbolink]

6. You used it derogatorily, as I'm sure you're aware. If your brother is truly challeneged, then I'm

also sure you know how the term hurts.

Thank you for changing it, tho.

[ProSense]

3. There is no report. The co-chairs

threw out a kitchen-sink proposal that included every idea ever discussed, including every lunatic conservative proposal.

[Alcibiades]

5. Yep

That's what it looks like. Explains why it looks like the work of a hung-over freshman.