Take a deep breath, folks. The gov't option might "be doomed" as you say, BUT

[secondwind]

we tend to ignore the fact that just MAYBE Reid, Pelosi and Obama are intent on getting the same RESULTS as if there were a gov't option, without putting this entire HCR bill at risk for being challenged as "unconstitutional".

They are trying to get us the SAME RESULTS (basically), and yet preserve the integrity of this enormous package, and protect it from the barrage of lawsuits and challenges that will be sure to pop up now and in the future.

Just sayin'.

[HereSince1628]

1. That's a month old meme. Is that what's getting recycled on the TEEVEE today?

The part that I find grabbing my curiosity about this is

1. Its appeal to faith in authority, a conservative characteristic.

2. And the appeal to undefined possibilities even as the portal of opportunity is mostly closed and is still narrowing. That seems like a version of the old "opiate of the people thing" which was applied to belief in an institution of authority.

Both of those characteristics appeal to conservative personalities.

[Lerkfish]

2. they're playing hyperdimensional chess!!!!!! I'm SERIES!!!!

[Clio the Leo]

3. The chances are slim, and I dont think it's Reid and Obama...

.... but what you're describing is the very thing House Progressives were suggesting a couple of weeks ago. We shall see...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=433x98632

[ChicagoSuz219]

4. I've been thinking the same thing...

...a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.

And, speaking of constitutionality... at least one of the bills (I think the House's) has something that says if one part is challenged for being "unconstitutional" it won't affect the rest of the bill.

I hope someone remembers to include that in the final bill.

[secondwind]

5. wasn't aware of that........jeez.

I've just started reading anything I can about this "unconstitutional" angle, I am not a lawyer, but I don't want to see all of this work go down the drain.....Ted Kennedy must be turning over in his grave.

I have faith that Obama (a constitutional lawyer) will make sure every single 'i' is dotted.

[ChicagoSuz219]

17. Isn't it a great feeling...

...to have a smart President again?

The only thing that got me thru the Bush years was watching The West Wing & pretending that Pres. Bartlett was my President!

I wish I could say I was kidding... ;-)

[Lost4words]

6. Remember how effectivly they defied Bush???? HCR is doomed

[Vinca]

7. I keep hoping there's a secret bill that will be introduced

immediately after this pathetic piece of legislation is signed and then is run through reconciliation at the first possible opportunity.

[Lerkfish]

8. and I want a pony

[secondwind]

9. I want a pony AND a secret bill!

[Lerkfish]

10. I want a pony, a secret bill and this paddle ball game!

http://www.allanstanglin.com/wp-content/uploads/jerk.bmp

[natrat]

11. amazing there are people (op) who still trust these crooks, amazing

[secondwind]

12. go post on The Heritage Foundation on FB....more your style, I would think?

[chimpymustgo]

13. Okay. Don't believe your LYING EYES. Believe in a SECRET PLAN!!!!

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

14. Take a deep breath... and hold it, cause there's a load of bullshit nearby you don't want to smell

[Armstead]

15. Um, if you start out with a lemon and tyr to fix it -- it's still a lemon

[Tippy]

16. But it tastes much sweeter when you add sugar....