Robert Reich: Obama Must Take On The Giant Lobbyists Blocking Health Care Reform

[Hissyspit]

http://www.alternet.org/healthwellness/140628/obama_must_take_on_the_giant_lobbyists_blocking_health_care_reform

Obama Must Take On the Giant Lobbyists Blocking Health Care Reform
By Robert Reich, Robert Reich's Blog. Posted June 15, 2009.

This is one of those battles that define the state of American democracy.

On Wednesday, the American Medical Association came out against a public option for health care. The President reaffirmed his support for it. The next weeks will show what Obama is made of -- whether he's willing and able to take on the most formidable lobbying coalition he has faced so far on an issue that will define his presidency.

And make no mistake: A public option large enough to have bargaining leverage to drive down drug prices and private-insurance premiums is the defining issue of universal health care. It's the only way to make health care affordable. It's the only way to prevent Medicare and Medicaid from eating up future federal budgets. An ersatz public option -- whether Kent Conrad's non-profit cooperatives, Olympia Snowe's "trigger," or regulated state-run plans -- won't do squat.

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[Jeanette in FL]

1. Kicked and Recommended

The amount of money that these medical giants are spending on lobbying is unbelievable. That takes a lot of customer premiums to have that kind of access.

As a small business owner, medical insurance has been out of reach for many years now.

Yep, we shall see where all of our representatives alliances are.

[madrchsod]

2. obama does`t have the guts to do so

he`s has rahm whispering in his ear... pay no attention to the great unwashed. they believe in everything you say.

[Triana]

3. my guess is, Obama won't n/t

[QC]

4. I hope Bob's not holding his breath. n/t

[Wednesdays]

5. K&R

:kick:

[kenny blankenship]

6. This is what LEADERSHIP means

You want to admire the Great Communicator? Want to be a "transformative" leader like him?
Show you can get out front and communicate greatly.

Or you can just sign any piece of shit that comes out of committee, and go quietly into history as a custodial President.