As I read the posts of those of you who are disenchanted with President's health insurance proposal, here are some of the prominent objections and concerns: 1) How this complex, huge plan has been thrown together and is being pushed at a too rapid pace. 2) That it is incomplete, less than the 100% solution, with glaring omissions like tort reform. 3) That it will probably allow illegal immigrants to be included in the 'gravy train' (my words). 4) That it will actually increase health care costs for the 'average already tax-burdened citizen.

IMHO the first three don't take enough account of our history. The last one I think is speculative and is more convincing to those who have lost most or all faith in our ability to operate as an efficient nation.

Not to belabor the history thing, but the nature of our political system is fickle and fleeting. Opportunities for real progressive action and change are too rare, with the diversity, self-centeredness and lack of vision of many of our leaders. But the health insurance 'stars are finally crossing'- the system is terribly broken, the future is frightening, a leader who was widely ridiculed has been replaced by one who seems to be representing the concerns of the people, etc. That scenario has been repeated many times in our nation's history and when it happens we've had our best opportunity to progress.
The current administration started well before the election assembling what they believe is the best health insurance plan they can come up with and one they can get approved. There were extensive meetings and some understandings reached with health care providers, insurance company and pharmaceutical companies. The result is not just 1000 pages of drivel. I believe it is not 100% complete and purposely omits certain things, especially comprehensive tort reform, because if included, that might be the ingredient that would prevent it's passage. I don't think a 100% solution is in any way possible, even theoretically.
I also believe the President is correct in thinking the chance of passing the best an most comprehensive plan shrinks each day, as momentum decreases, and opponents amass more money and influence to block it, very often for shamefully selfish reasons. I fully support the President's speed of promoting even a less than perfect plan because if it doesn't get done soon, it will not get done or will become another Rube Goldberg boondoggle.
Our history is all about immigrants, legal and illegal. They have always been with us. When we say "give us your poor..." we have meant it, (I love that about us), and most of those people became productive members of our society is a short period of time. I'm proud of my ancestors who came here with nothing. Today the new illegals make a major contribution to our economy, collecting poverty wages and working dependably at jobs we vets don't want. I'm not in favor of a wholesale opening up our borders, but I am willing to accept the way things are, those who are here and allow them to receive some care which may prevent many from simply ending up in emergency rooms and shelters, completely on the dole.
As for the last objection, I think it's time to suspend our belief the worst is what we'll get. If the plan is designed to be deficit free, paid for by current fund reallocations and a surtax on those with annual incomes over $1 million, I can live with that. I've suggested elsewhere that, I can't come up with a better formula, I haven't read anyone's suggestion which seems better, so I support this one.
But to me, this job just needs to get done. If it improves things even somewhat, it could be the stepping stone to even more progress, real tort reform for example.
I think it's time to stay positive and supportive.