Reply #18: I voted no

[ladym55]

But I have carefully read all of the arguments here ... and it's good to read an actual discussion about the issue instead of hype and silliness. I have seen many good points here from many different perspectives, and I have some ideas to consider and contemplate now that I hadn't before.

I will explain why I voted no. I'm with Howard Dean on this. We need the public option to make this reform viable. I am a single-payer supporter, but each time I've contacted my legislators I've told them I would love Medicare for all (which I think WOULD work), but a viable public option is needed to get the insurance industry under control. Insurance and Big Pharma control too many of our legislators (who themselves have a LOVELY public insurance plan, and they seem pretty happy with it) and these groups also control MSM. All of the cards are stacked against Obama and the Democrats because the corporations are controlling the conversation, and they are playing dirty. This tells me just how terrified they are that this will work. To me, letting the insurance companies control the reform is like letting putting the fox in charge of the hen house, and I have images of another Medicare Part D.

For the JK constituents in this group, could you give me your thoughts on the plan that Massachusetts has put in place? Do you think it's working? I read a very positive editorial in the Globe recently, but I've also read stories that were far more critical. I'd be very interested in hearing your perspective.

As always, I come to this group to read good ideas and reasoned, thoughtful discussion. Thanks, everybody! :hi: