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To Socialize, or Not to Socialize, Health Care

By Doug Bandow on 4.30.09 @ 5:05PM

We know where the Progressive Caucus stands.

The Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) met with President Obama for one hour in the East Room of the White House yesterday.

CPC Co-Chair, Congressman Raúl Grijalva, said that 50 of the 77 Caucus members attended, and they honed in on two major issues: their commitment to only supporting a healthcare reform bill that includes a public plan option that is "more than a gesture"; and the $83 billion war supplemental.

"It was a serious meeting," Rep. Grijalva said. "It moved quickly, there was a lot of candor from both sides."

Presenting the Caucus' case for healthcare reform were Representatives Yvette Clark, Tammy Baldwin, Jan Schakowsky, and Jim McDermott. Congressman Dennis Kucinich spoke with the President about a single-payer system.

Rep. Grijalva said members made it clear that the Caucus' support for any healthcare bill hinges on a public plan option that is "robust... [and] competitive with the private sector." President Obama called himself "an ally", but said it was up to Congress to deliver him the kind of bill to which the Caucus is committed.

Rough waters ahead. But one bit of good news--it sounds like the Prez doesn't want to put his credibility on the line pushing a plan that fails. So there's still a chance to beat it,

View all comments (3) | Leave a comment

Alan Brooks| 4.30.09 @ 5:18PM

doesn't matter much anymore, there's little personal responsibility by past (conservative) standards, therefore public policies-- whether healthcare or anything else-- are almost unimportant. virtue can't be much of its own reward when it is on the verge of extinction, can it? 'Do as thou wilt' is now becoming the rule.
what good would have been Roman govt healthcare in the early fifth century?

Alan Brooks| 4.30.09 @ 5:19PM

...I don't know what to do, and don't think any of you do.

Becky| 4.30.09 @ 9:41PM

No one does know what to do, or what they are doing better than individuals acting with their own money on their own behalf.

No Alan, virtue or the ability to act with honor, duty and integrity are becoming more and more foreign to anyone in a position of authority and responsibility. Even free market CEOs have capitulated to accepting blame instead of fighting back. We need people like Alan Mullay of Ford. Notice that he went to one Congressional hearing, went quietly back home to do what was in his authority under the current laws and economic system, and everyone is admiring him today. If Ford gets near bankruptcy, I have a feeling, the President of the US will not be making the announcement. As it should be.