HEALTH CARE REFORM UPDATE:
Bad news today for those on the left advocating major health care reform, but good news for conservatives. Democrats and liberals are fighting again:
"Former Democratic Party Chairman Howard Dean argued Wednesday that the health care overhaul bill taking shape in the Senate further empowers private insurers at the expense of consumer choice. "You will be forced to buy insurance. If you don't, you'll pay a fine," said Dean, a physician. "It's an insurance company bailout." Interviewed on ABC's "Good Morning America," he said the bill has some good provisions, "but there has to be a line beyond which you think the bill is bad for the country"....Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y., a prominent House liberal, protested the absence of any government-run insurance option in the Senate bill. "We can't let the perfect be enemy of the good," Weiner said on CBS' "Early Show," "but we are reaching a tipping point."
It's sputtering in the senate, too.
And by the way, the public still doesn't like much of any of this:
"More than half of those polled, 53 percent, see higher costs for themselves if the proposed changes go into effect than if the current system remains intact. About as many (55 percent) say the overall cost of the national health-care system would go up more sharply. Moreover, just 37 percent say the quality of their care would be better under a new system; 50 percent see it as better under the current set-up. Even among those who presumably stand to benefit most from a major restructuring of the insurance market -- the nearly one in 5 adults without coverage -- there are doubts about the changes under consideration. Those without insurance are evenly divided on the question of whether their care would be better if the system were overhauled....Obama's domestic battles have taken their toll, as his approval ratings on key issues have sunk to the lowest points of his presidency. On health care, 53 percent disapprove of his performance, a new high. On the economy, 52 percent disapprove, also a new high mark in Post-ABC polling. Same on the deficit, on which 56 percent now disapprove of his stewardship. On the politically volatile issue of unemployment, 47 percent approve of the way Obama is dealing with the issue; 48 percent disapprove. Under the weight of these more negative reviews, the president's overall approval rating has dipped to 50 percent, down from 56 percent a month ago."
Have fun, Democrats!
And we can't be too sad that the "climate change" conference in Copenhagen is having trouble, too, can we? There too we have too many folks seeking potentially economy-busting regulations, taxes, and whatnot, all at the behest of those claiming that human action has caused global warming, a conclusion that seems less and less settled by the day. Interesting times we live in!
NBA DIARY:
The Detroit Pistons lost last night at Houston, 107-94. But the Pistons had won 5 straight before that, despite being riddled with injuries. And even last night, Detroit played with some toughness. Let's hope that continues.
