The Congressional Progressive Caucus DOES NOT support the Opt Out.

[saracat]

And there is no congressmen I respect more that Raul Grijalva!



"Grijalva’s office statement“The CPC totally disagrees with the opt-out position in any form.”

[rockymountaindem]

1. That's too bad

That looks like one compromise that might have otherwise put it over the line.

[saracat]

2. Put what over the line? Fake HCR?Something is better than nothing?

[rockymountaindem]

6. A public option of whatever sort that would have been ultimately available in at least 40 states

figuring liberally as to the number of Republican-dominated states which would have had the guts to take the PO away from their citizens once it was enacted nationally.

The "opt-out" doesn't have a bearing on the kind of public option we would eventually get, but whatever ends up in the bill it seems like it would be much easier to pass with the opt-out rather than without it.

[Nikki Stone1]

7. It would also be easier to pass a trigger as opposed to any kind of public option

But "easy" is not necessarily what is right for the American people. Sometimes, you've gotta do the right thing and not press the "easy button."

[rockymountaindem]

9. But a trigger would be far, far worse

It would probably never be triggered. It would set the public option to "off" waiting to be turned on by the trigger. On the other hand, opt-out would set the default to the "on" position, and would basically dare solid Republican states to risk the ire of their citizens by taking away something they would otherwise have access to. I don't think too many of them would do that, and it would result in a net gain for all or the vast majority of the country, whereas the trigger would probably result in nothing.

[Nikki Stone1]

10. Of course. That's why you don't do what is EASY, you do what is RIGHT

:)

[rockymountaindem]

12. On the other hand, doing what you define as "right" might not work

If we can do it with neither an opt-out or a trigger, I'd be enthusiastically for that. If we can't, the opt-out would be far superior to trying to ram through your definition of what is "right" and failing. As coach used to say, "better to win ugly than lose pretty".

[Nikki Stone1]

16. My first choice is no opt-out, no trigger.

But, I see your point. I just can't believe we aren't getting single payer and that we're even worried about a tiny public option passing. :(:(:(

[mvd]

18. Even an opt-out public option..

maybe could be a stepping stone to single payer. The insurance companies don't want the PO in ANY form. :hi:

[AllentownJake]

13. whatever sort?

Come do you actually believe that? The Public Option has become a marketing term. It is like All Naturual. At this point congress can throw the word Public Option on anything and people will be happy with it because we got a Public Option.

[rockymountaindem]

17. Well friend, I have no illusions about this so-called reform

It will most likely either totally fail in its objectives or at the most tap the breaks on the runaway cost of health care, leaving everybody bitter and disappointed 10, 15, or 20 years from now. Then we can try again and work for real reform. My big hope is that this will move the ball forward toward some real reform down the road. And no, that is not what I voted for. That said, I think having the PO, regardless of what form it takes now, is a plus, because it can be more easily expanded and enlarged later on as long as it's in this bill.

I know you and I are about the same age, AllentownJake. I believe it will be our generation who will finally give real, affordable health care to this country. It will probably take that long (30-40 years).

[AllentownJake]

19. Honestly

Depending what happens in the next 2-3 years Healthcare reform is going to be the least of our worries but it is the issue du jour. This country is in a very bad position economically and even worse economically going forward.

This debate, while important to me, is secondary to what is happening and has had to this country over the past 30 years economically and if it isn't stopped and direction doesn't change...well like I said this debate will look silly in 10 years.

[Clarkansas]

3. It is better than the trigger

that is for sure.

[madrchsod]

4. opt-out is cover for the cowards in the senate and house

if they pass a opt-out the public option is dead.

[Nikki Stone1]

5. That's not a big surprise.

Thanks for posting this.

[saracat]

8. Well, as all the celebrating about the opt out takes place I noticed the biggest champion of the

Public Option for all was silent and though he derserved some notice for his and the CPC position.Interesting, because Raul hasn't been silent , except here on DU. I guess he doesn't fit the narrative.

[Nikki Stone1]

20. I agree.

I am still hoping for a strong public option, but I don't really see it happening.

[SIMPLYB1980]

11. Link?

[saracat]

21. Phone number for Grijalva DC office. This is their CPC statement

ph [phone]

[AllentownJake]

14. Some on here think the Opt out is genius

There will be states that opt out because their governors are asses and there are DUers and good people in those states.

[onestepforward]

23. That's my biggest concern. n/t.

[ProSense]

15. Pelosi seems to think she could get support for it.

Pelosi

[saracat]

22. She doesn't speak for the CPC.