Sen. Rockefeller outspoken for a public option: "do you want to be non-partisan and get nothing?"

[Better Believe It]

Rockefeller wants to cut private health insurance influence
By Paul J. Nyden
Staff writer
Charleston Gazette
June 25, 2009

Today, Rockefeller is an outspoken political leader seeking to create a public health plan and cut the profits made by private insurance companies.

"To me, there is nothing that ultimately makes more difference to Americans than health care.

"We can't count on insurance companies. They are just maximizing their profits. They are sticking it to consumers.

"I am all for letting insurance companies compete. But I want them to compete in a system that offers real health-care insurance. I call it a public plan," Rockefeller said.

Earlier this month, Rockefeller introduced the Consumers Health Care Act that would give all consumers the option to participate in a government-run plan competing with private plans.

"I think the anger against insurance companies is going to spread," Rockefeller said Thursday. "But a public plan, run by the government, will make sure doctors get paid, hospitals get paid and people get good health care.

"Today, an extra 15 percent, 20 percent or 25 percent goes to pay private insurance companies. In a public plan, you just pay for what you get. There are no marketers, no people shuffling paper, no one making television ads."

On Thursday, Rockefeller admitted he expects little bipartisan support.

"There is a very small chance any Republicans will vote for this health-care plan. They were against Medicare and Medicaid . They voted against children's health insurance.

"We have a moral choice. This is a classic case of the good guys versus the bad guys. I know it is not political for me to say that," Rockefeller added.

"But do you want to be non-partisan and get nothing? Or do you want to be partisan and end up with a good health- care plan? That is the choice."

Please read the complete article at:

http://sundaygazettemail.com/News/200906250731

[rockymountaindem]

1. Well, there you have it

Well said. I would like to add that this demonstrates the flaws with focusing too closely one one issue. On the one hand, Rockefeller has been ripped far and wide on this board, perhaps fairly, perhaps not, over the matter of wiretapping and other associated issues. Yet, here he is laying out in stark terms the trap that "bipartisanship" presents on the crucial issue of health care.

I think this is an excellent example of why we should consider multiple issues before we consign any of our Democratic politicians into political purgatory. On balance he might be more conservative than I would like, and he could be totally wrong on other issues, but at least he's right on this big one.

[DrToast]

2. Good points. nt

[angstlessk]

4. sugar babe, they can tap my phone any time they like...IF I have comprehensive

health care...the insurers be damned!

[Better Believe It]

8. I absolutely disagree with Rocky on other issues. On this one issue we agree.

That doesn't mean he's become a saint or a progressive on most social issues and civil liberties. But, anything positive he can contribute to the fight for a highest quality universal health care system should be welcomed, not rejected.

Nothing more and nothing less.

[xxqqqzme]

7. An echo of the good Dr. Dean.

[PhilosopherKing]

3. If only we can get

Baucus, Lincoln, Conrad and (insert other douchebag, "centrist" Democrat)to say the same thing we will get a public option.

[Why Syzygy]

5. Does this mean he isn't elephant whipped like the rest of them? nt

[Skink]

6. He could should challenge Obama in 2012.

I know Obama has fiscal worries but when I saw him in 08 he talked tough like this so I wonder why he hasn't got tough yet.

[dflprincess]

11. Obama has said he'd rather get part of what he wants for healthcare with 60 votes

than all of what he wants with 51. Nevermind what we want or need, being "bipartisan" trumps everything with him.

I'm with Rockefeller on this - and I never thought I'd type those words.

[Jennicut]

13. Rockefeller?? He has hardly ever been progessive in the past.

[bvar22]

9. Surprised to hear this from Rocky.

But if he wants to sing this song.
I'll join the chorus.

Welcome to our side, Rocky.

[Lilith Velkor]

10. Rockefeller?!?2!11!?

[Umbral]

12. I suppose it was inevitable that, eventually, he would be right about something. nt