Public Option IS just a "sliver", but a CRUCIAL sliver.

[johnaries]

I think Robert Reich nailed it on Stephanopoulis' panel. Paraphrasing: The Public Option is a modest part of the program. Is it essential? No. But it is CRUCIAL.

I still believe that Obama is not "backing away" from the Public Option. Statements from the WH this week back me up on that. What he was trying to do was redirect those opponents of the Public Option to the rest of the various bills and proposals and all the good things that they propose. However, the Public Option is CRUCIAL to making sure all those good things happen.

So, I'm sorry angry Progressives, Repuke obstructionists, and MSM flame-fanners, but Obama is NOT backing away from the Public Option. So stop the lies and the absurd speculations.

Let's focus on passing real, effective Health Care Payment Reform. Including the crucial Public Option.

{donning flame retardant suit}

[polichick]

1. I agree with Maxine Waters - it's not a sliver, it's a BIG CHUNK. nt

[lapfog_1]

2. Like the capstone in an arch.

Public option is just a sliver... just as the capstone in an arch is just a sliver of the entire arch. But, without it, the arch will not stand.

[johnaries]

4. Exactly. But everyone needs to understand what the arch supports.

Once they concentrate on the benefits, then they can understand the importance of the capstone. They need to stop focusing on the capstone, alone.

BTW, good analogy! May I use it?

[lapfog_1]

9. Feel free... it's an obvious analogy. - n/t

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

8. That is the single best analogy and image I have seen. Kudos!

No public option, no real reform. Single payer is best, public option is second best, because they are the ONLY 2 methods that will actually contain costs and prevent healthcare from becoming the parasite that eventually completely consumes the USA, it's host.

There is no arguing that point. The "free market" has had decades to prove its so-called "efficiency" and it has FAILED.

(Of course you have to have a public option that is :government funded, open to all, and capable of negotiating with all healthcare component industries (duh!))

[lapfog_1]

12. Anyone with Photoshop and a modicum of skill

string the words "Health Care Reform" on the arch, and then put "Public Option" on the Capstone itsself.

And then email the results to your favorite political cartoonist with full rights to use the concept, perhaps with a caption like "Kinda important sliver, wouldn't you say".

Or, better yet, make a railroad bridge with the arch, the train having the label "US Economy"... and the arch has fallen because the capstone (labeled "Public Option" is on the ground, broken). And the caption reads "I guess it was an IMPORTANT sliver of Health Care Reform afterall".

Or something like that.

[johnaries]

14. That is an excellent idea! I wish I had the skills to do it. You should

start a new thread proposing that, since it looks like this one is going to drop like a stone.

[MarjorieG]

3. Or it may symbolize beyond actual benefit, but line in the sand against lobbyist takeover. A start

for competition, and a necessary one; it's all we have.

[johnaries]

6. Yes, it's pretty obvious that lobbyist influence is the problem on

the Dem side, just as a desire for "Obama to fail" is the driving motivation on the Repuke side. But to change perspective in the public eye we do need to get them to look at all the benefits.

[mmonk]

5. Don't tell us, tell Rahm and the Senate Democrats.

[johnaries]

7. Good point! If you have a Blue Dog Senator, please write them!

Unfortunately, I'm stuck with Alexander and Corker. Alexander might actually listen, but Corker is a useless, stinking turd.

The main reason I posted it here is for the "Obama abandoned us" crowd.

[ldf]

10. it may be a sliver, but it's the most important sliver

you know, like the tire valve that keeps the air in the tire.

without it you have nothing.

[johnaries]

15. Yes, but people focus on it instead of the "tire". We need to get

them to see the tire, not the valve stem.

[tj2001]

11. Define sliver

Why did they even use that word???

[johnaries]

13. Well, as I said, I think Obama was trying to get people to refocus

on the rest of the bill. I noticed both Krugman and Reich used the term "modest", which is a better term IMHO. But it is obviously referring to the "size" of that portion of the bill in proportion to the rest of the bills. Not it's importance. However, I think Obama is trying to play up the importance of the rest of the bills in consideration which are getting lost in the noise.