These blue dogs are starting to really piss me off. If they permanently derail the Democrats' efforts to reform health care in a truly meaningful way, I will not forgive 'my' party for a long time. Like Alan has written, the Democrats control everything, if they can't get it done, they will have no one to blame but themselves (and a lot of answering to do). I am not in Matheson's district, but if I were, I would not vote for him for reasons that precede and include his current positions. Those blue dogs must also face a reality: state nominating conventions are often dominated by the more extreme elements of their parties, they could get shot down in convention.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
These dang blue dogs!
These blue dogs are starting to really piss me off. If they permanently derail the Democrats' efforts to reform health care in a truly meaningful way, I will not forgive 'my' party for a long time. Like Alan has written, the Democrats control everything, if they can't get it done, they will have no one to blame but themselves (and a lot of answering to do). I am not in Matheson's district, but if I were, I would not vote for him for reasons that precede and include his current positions. Those blue dogs must also face a reality: state nominating conventions are often dominated by the more extreme elements of their parties, they could get shot down in convention.
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5 comments:
I think that the blue dogs do not want a single payer government option which unless I misunderstood, you were not in favor of either.
I do not mind some reforms within the programs we have but I do not believe it should in any way touch those who are happy with the status quo or their current insurance I should say.
If they want the uninsured to be insured by the government why not just reform the stiff eligibility requirements for medicaid/medicare to cover those not presently covered?
I must applaud Doug for his consistent and principled defense of his position. Doug's feelings toward the blue dogs is pretty much the feelings conservative have about the likes of Lindsey Graham, John McCain, and other middle-of-the-road Republicans. When Republicans were in control, I was upset that they couldn't get their act together on important issues (balance budget amendment, judges, etc...)
As for the health care bill, my main objection (among others) is the cost. The deficit estimate has just been boosted by $2 trillion dollars to $9 trillion dollars. This is a catastrophic level. We are reaching the point that we cannot tax enough to pay it off, and even if we did boost taxes in an attempt to pay the debt, the economy would sink and revenue would dry up. When will the hoi oligoi finally understand what we, the hoi polloi, already understand. Cutting taxes always results in higher economic activity and higher tax revenue.
Brian is right, I am not in favor of single payer, and I think it is fortunately way off the table now. I am most concerned that the public option is being jostled about and diluted by the b-dogs. I would be very pleased to see medicaid/medicare expand to become the vehicle through which the public option would function. At first blush, that sounds like a terrific idea.
I would like some clarification from Alan on his comments: $2 trillion added to the overall debt is what I think you must mean.
Yeah! Taxes, I love to talk about taxes.
I think that Alan is right, reductions in taxes do spur the economy, but I believe that those reductions are only (especially) helpful when applied to income and property taxes. I encourage an increase in those hidden taxes that are tied to consumption with the exception of tax on raw unprepared foods and medicines. Beer, cigs, soda pop, restaurants, hotels, luxury items regardless of price tag ought to be federally taxed and at higher levels. No one will hesitate to buy soda pop, beer, cigs, or eat out if there is a small tax plopped on top, after all, the reduction of their other taxes allow them to consume more and therefore increase the demand side of the equation. I, like everyone, will not reduce my consumption of diet drinks if I must pay a nickel more per container, beer if a quarter more container, nor will I hesitate to visit wherever if I must pay the feds $3 per night to stay in a hotel. Even a national sales tax does not put me off.
Actually, I agree with all Doug just said! Not often that happens but refreshing none the less.
Brian, you know what they say about great minds...
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