Reply #15: Consider the present situation for a moment.

[Akoto]

What's currently being pursued is, among other reforms, a public option. It would be very helpful to many people (myself included), but it basically remains a form of insurance. The fact that it's controlled by the government ensures a degree of fairness not found with insurance companies.

This, as you are no doubt aware, has been a hard sell. We're engaged in a heated conflict with our opponents, many of whom are swayed by the MSM over whether or not this is socialism/gubmint control. This, over a plan which will benefit many of its fearful detractors.

Consider what the reaction would be to a single payer system, in light of the firestorm over a mere public insurance plan. It'd be an even more drastic change in how things are done. I'm not saying it's a bad system (it works great elsewhere), but if we're ever to go single payer, it will be through steps like the PO. We just won't get there otherwise.

I don't see how the President sold us out for not seeing people whose cause is presently hopeless -- setting aside the fact that he never promised single payer in his campaign. If that were the case, then he'd have sold you out.