HCR has become a class issue

[IndianaGreen]

While the American ruling class appears divided as reflected in the 2-party system, they always close ranks when it comes to preserving the for-profit system at the expense of the working class.

This is the spectacle we are seeing unfold in Washington. The American people support universal health care, yet our political elites are selling us a bill that will enshrine the existing for-profit health insurance system and forbid the states from ever implementing a single payer system at their level.

[jaxx]

1. That's a new one.

:crazy:

[Armstead]

2. I unfortunately agree. Why is it that something as mild as a public option is "too much"?

The fact that universal coverage and mild compromises like Medicare expansion or a mild public option were taken off the table right away -- or died slow deaths at the hands of the insurance stooges like Nelson -- is ample evidence that this was driven by those who want perpetuate the system.

I do believe that many Democrats worked on this in good faith. However, they were pushed aside by the Corporatists in the Congress and White House who did want to undermine real change and to increase the hold of the status quo.

Even a tame public option would have been an opening for real public healthcare. That's why it was killed.

[IndianaGreen]

3. You are right, from the moment single payer was put off the table

and single payer advocates were kept from testifying to Congress, through the watering down and ultimate disemboweling of the public option, the few that really own our government made sure that the people ended up with the short end of the stick.

[KansDem]

4. And yet, $636 billion is instantly okayed by Congress for ambiguous wars...

Who profits? Who gets the geld?

[IndianaGreen]

5. This plan will also tax health care benefits of working Americans

the portion paid by the employer will be treated as personal income and taxed accordingly.

Health insurance companies also retain their antitrust exemption.

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/12/19/816680/-BREAKING:-Important-Changes-in-Health-Care-Managers-Amendment