Reply #4: Yup

[Proud Liberal Dem]

I think that some people have become so focused on achieving perfection (i.e. Single Payer) in one fell swoop that they are unwilling to see any progress for what it's worth- and there IS progress in several areas contained within this legislation. While I would not shed a single tear if health insurance companies disappeared tomorrow (or existed solely to sell supplemental policies), I realize that, given that so many people have become brainwashed by and steeped in anti-government rhetoric over the past 30 years, it's going to take some time to reverse that mentality and "re-sell" people on the notion of government (i.e. we the people) being able to do anything right or positive before people get to the point where they will be fully willing to accept a SP system.
As for my comments regarding 'unversality', what I think will be useful about the *mandate* is that it will get everybody used to the idea of being required to pay for health insurace (they would, after all be required to pay for SP)- which will likely create the structure for a new health care system that can later be taken over by the government (should that ultimately be legislated). Also, the more people are exposed to the private insurance system, the more incentive/pressure there might be to eventually just do away with private insurance altogether (or, as I said, reduce their role to basically selling supplemental policies) and fully embrace a government system. :shrug:
It's hard to say, of course, exactly what's going to happen. Maybe the private insurance industry will reform itself (just after monkey's fly out of my butt I imagine ;-)) but I think that the current health care legislation moves us forward- even if by inches. Any improvement is worthwhile IMHO. I just hope and pray that we don't squander this golden opportunity to do SOMETHING.