[Peace-discuss] Corrupt Democrats killing the public option

[C. G. Estabrook]

[Obama & the Congressional Democrats made it clear that they were working for 
the insurance companies & against the interests of the populace by not simply 
making Medicare available to all.  But here the excellent Jane Hamsher describes 
how they'll manage to brier-patch even the "public option." --CGE]


November 23

The Senate starts debating health care next week.  But if it passes without a 
public option, there's only one person to blame: Harry Reid.

As the majority leader of the Senate, the power to pass a public option is 
squarely in Reid's hands.  Will Reid let three or four corrupt Senators owned by 
the insurance industry hold the public option hostage?  Or will he use the 
reconciliation process to allow a simple majority vote on a public option?

The choice is Reid's and Reid's alone.  Let's make sure he knows it.

Sign our petition to Harry Reid: Get lobbyist-owned Democrats in line, or use 
reconciliation to pass a public option.

Click here to sign: http://action.firedoglake.com/reconciliation

During debate in the Senate this weekend, a handful of corrupt Democratic 
senators like Blanche Lincoln and Mary Landrieu, who have taken big donations 
from insurance companies, promised to vote against health care if it included a 
public option.[1]

If Harry Reid can't get them in line for a simple procedural vote, then he can 
use "reconciliation" and call for a majority vote on the public option. 
Otherwise, Harry Reid is using his power as Majority Leader to allow a handful 
of corrupt senators thwart the democratic process.  We can't let that happen.

Let Harry Reid know the public option rests on his shoulders.  Click here to 
sign our petition:

http://action.firedoglake.com/reconciliation

We know who the corrupt Democrats are working for -- the insurance companies 
want to kill the public option once and for all.  Goldman Sachs expects 
insurance stocks to rise by 59% in 10 years if there is no public option, but 
drop by 36% if there is one.  That's what happens when nobody likes your 
product.  Their fat profits depend on being the only game in town.[2]

The American people understand that.  That's why 72% support a public option, to 
end insurance monopolies, increase competition and control the crushing burden 
of health care costs for American families.[3]  A majority in the Senate 
understands that, too -- that's why 51 have said they will vote for a bill with 
a public option.[4]

It comes down to a simple question: will Harry Reid allow for majority rule?  Or 
will he let corrupt members of his own caucus block a majority of the public and 
Congress who want a public option?

Sign our petition to Reid: whip the corrupt ConservaDems into line, or use 
reconciliation to give Americans what they want and pass a public option.

Click here to sign: http://action.firedoglake.com/reconciliation

Thanks for all you do.

Sincerely,

Jane, Ben, Eve, Jon, Lowell, Michael, Noelle, and the rest of the FDL Action team
_______
Sources:
     1. Campaign Contributions From Insurance Companies to Senators Blocking the 
Public Option
     2. Goldman Sachs: Insurance Stocks Would Drop 36% By 2019 With House Public 
Option
     3. October 27 NBC News Poll: Public Option Has 72% support
     4. Jon Tester Would Vote For Schumer's Public Option: That's 51