Do we really believe that this bill will go into effect?

[quakerboy]

Its set not to start for 4 years, till 2014. Its going to get beat to shit in the media for 4 years, tax increases and deficits blamed on Democrats, and we will suffer electorally from the right and the left, and maybe the middle. Weak dems will get bumped off. Republicans will join the body of legislators on the platform of repealing this bill.

But I bet the mandate won't be the part that gets repealed. Anyone want to bet me?

[tridim]

1. It could go the other way just as easily.

I bet it has a real PO before it goes into effect.

The insurance companies aren't going to play nice during the next few years, and people will notice.

[dflprincess]

3. And they'll throw more of the ill gotten gains at the politicians

and nothing will happen.

Except the Republicans will make a come back by reminding people they didn't support this scam (while never mentioning they don't support acutal refor either) - not that they'll do anything to change it. They're not going to cut into the insurance companies' profits any more than the Democrats will. And, the Republicans, will also point to the bill as "proof" that "government interference" in health care is costly and doomed to fail.

[Laelth]

5. Astute observations, I am sorry to say. n/t

:dem:

-Laelth

[quakerboy]

6. How?

What impetus will it have for that. The crew here who is satisfied with having a paper victory will be satisfied that we "won". The liberal left won't be coming out to support the politicians that made this happen. The GlenBeckians will be out in force to end it though.

You are right that the insurance companies are not going to play nice. But because the bill will be publicly labeled "Obamacare" and his will be the signature that makes it law, The news people will hear is that the Democratic bill failed. The insurance companies may or may not even have to hire a few more PR flacks to divert attention. Democrats, Obama, that is where the anger will focus, because we are the ones who will have made the crisis our own.

[tridim]

7. I'm not going to give the Republicans and the Conservadems a pass.

Nobody should. Make it stick, be creative.

[quakerboy]

9. You are actively participating in the discussion

As am I. We are here, so we are engaging at some level. DU has how many participants?

Most of the 308 million people of the good ol USA are not overly engaged. And I feel quite certain that the media will be giving the pubs and blue dogs a pass. Of those that have engaged and know better, I suspect that an unfortunate number will take this bill to mean that their engagement is meaningless, and will not engage in the future.

From 2007, when I made my first political donation ever, to Barack Obama, I have had a strong sense that this is a historic and pivotal moment for our country. That has never gone away. But whether it will be the turning point to a great future or the last moment before oblivion no longer seems clear to me.

[BlueIdaho]

2. No Bet Here

If JoeBamaCare passes it will be dismantled shortly after the Republicans take control of the congress in 2010 - except for the mandate part. Republicans like unfunded mandates.

[quakerboy]

4. They like ones paid by the working poor better

[timeforpeace]

8. Not really. You bring up good points. That long for this POS to be looked at? May not survive the

scrutiny, and in the meantime it won't be the Repukes who have the onus of responsibility for it. Classic cutting off of the nose to spite the face, just to say they passed something entitled HCR. Good OP.