Originally Posted by cabo35

Kahuna, your blanket criticism of Obamacare critics misses an important element. GNU nails it in his response. A lot of taxpayer critics acknowledge the need for reform. It may or may not come as a shock to you that I believe the healthcare system needs reform. Our difference is in the process used to achieve meaningful, cost effective reform that maintains or elevates the efficiencies of the existing system and eliminates its cost generating, ill conceived flaws and faults.

The present White House/Congress effort was designed to be "rammed" through by creating a "the sky is falling" crisis mentality. I believe the Clinton's were at the top of the list advising Obama to act quickly because Hilliary's plan faltered when the people were given too much time to absorb the details and cost implications. This speaks volumes to the contempt many in Washington have for the American people.

I disagree with you when you say "no one has a better idea." There are plenty of ideas out there including many on the superlative list you compiled. Most of them and others have been previously discussed in the forum. There are plenty of "better" ideas to work with.

Our points of view diverge over process not need. I believe Congress needs to look at a long term plan to implement reform and not a "one shot fix" or sound bite band aid that will bankrupt America. The timing for healthcare reform couldn't be worse. If you concede that premise...you may not...wouldn't it be prudent and responsible to first insure the continued delivery of Medicaid and Medicare. I leave what needs to be done in the world of finance and our economy to you and other forum finance professionals because you are eminently more conversant and articulate in that bailiwick. In the words of Dirty Harry, "A man has to know his limitations", ergo I defer.

Regarding healthcare, tort reform could be implemented without direct funding consequences to the system. The cost of practicing medicine could arguably be reduced. Further, and more important, redundant, unnecessary, CYA testing and procedures that constitute the astronomic cost of "defensive" medicine may come down. Who knows?

Efficiencies of scale could be researched, prioritized, and implemented when funding is in place.....no artificial timetables. Give the taxpayer an opportunity to weigh in. While there will always be critics, the feelings and emotions framed in the mistrust and deceit of Washington politicians and bureaucrats may be reduced enough to arrive at a consensus to move forward on a pay as you go basis. Maybe....

The push to pass this bill now....without a responsible cost projection is manifestly negligent malfeasance. It ranks with fiduciary corruption and would be subject to true tort liability consequences if committed by anybody but Congress, our fiduciary caretakers, who seem to flaunt their immunity.