Even Socialists are Against Obamacare
Politics are odd. Here are legions of conservatives, fighting daily proposals for more government intrusion in our lives. And you would think at least somebody would be happy about these developments. Like maybe avowed Socialists or Communists. But no. The Socialists at Socialist Web Zine are urging their members to protests Obamacare as it stands. Still not Socialist enough, in their minds. And it is instructive to see their reasoning. There is education to be had for us "mom and pop" type Americans who are not exposed to pure Socialist thought in our daily lives. This is what the Socialists are decrying about the Pelosicare bill:
Notice how they said "immigrants" instead of Illegal Immigrants? This is inaccurate.
I agree that the Medicare cuts are particularly cruel.
It just struck me odd to see this article. I thought they, at least, would be happy to see the proposed destruction of so large a segment of the capitalist system.
The primary problem with HR 3962 and the Senate proposals is that all of the changes they propose are made within a for-profit system. The House Bill strips the insurance companies of the right to deny coverage based on a pre-existing condition. Yet, it de-links the public option from Medicare reimbursement rates, thereby surrendering pricing to the private sector. The Bill removes the anti-trust exemption enjoyed by private insurers. However, it simultaneously mandates that all Americans carry some form of health insurance, thereby herding millions into low-coverage high-fee private plans. Each step in a positive direction is coupled with a restructuring that will enrich private insurance companies and pharmaceutical makers.
The bills lost further reform credentials as Democrats cut last minute deals with Republicans. Immigrants were removed from eligibility for the public option, abortions were written out of the proposal and Medicare funding was cut. The Medicare cuts are particularly cruel, since they will reduce an already compromised plan to bare bones coverage. Some of the cuts will limit private insurance profiteering, but others will slash necessary items such as exercise programs for seniors. Overall, these omissions signal that the reforms are not about providing comprehensive medical coverage, but about political expediency within the establishment political class. The next round of negotiations in the Senate is sure to produce even further regressive measures as campaign-donation driven legislators cut more deals.
Notice how they said "immigrants" instead of Illegal Immigrants? This is inaccurate.
I agree that the Medicare cuts are particularly cruel.
It just struck me odd to see this article. I thought they, at least, would be happy to see the proposed destruction of so large a segment of the capitalist system.
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