Clear, concise and right
From Robert Reich's Blog, on what he hopes Obama demands from Congress:
Most importantly, he'll need to be specific about what he wants -- especially about three things. I hope says the following next Wednesday, and makes clear to individual members that he means business.I agree with all of this. Obama's speech is tomorrow at 5:oo Pacific. It will be very, very interesting to see how he plays it.
1. I will not stand for a bill that leaves millions of Americans without health care. It's vitally important to cover all Americans, not only for their and their childrens' sakes and not only because it's a moral imperitive, but because doing so will be good for all of us . . . .
2. The only way to cover all Americans without causing deficits to rise is to require that the wealthiest Americans pay a bit extra. The wealthy can afford to make sure all Americans are healthy. The top 1 percent of earners now take home 23 percent of total national income, the highest percentage since 1928. Their tax burden is not excessive . . . .
3. Finally, I want a true public insurance option -- not a "cooperative," and not something that's triggered if certain goals aren't met. A public option is critical for lowering health-care costs. Today, private insurers don't face enough competition to guarantee low prices and high service . . . .
Secretary Reich is right as to the crucial components of real reform. Cover everyone, raise taxes to pay for it, and include a hearty public option. I despair, however, because none of these three pieces has, up to now, been included as essential, non-negotiable to legislation that the President will accept.
ReplyDeleteI think the part that is most at risk is the public plan.
ReplyDeleteThe other two pieces are likely to occur. I am very concerned about the structural result, however, if you get 1 and 2 without 3.