And btw, if healthcare is a right, then single-payer, by denying my right to choose my own healthcare providers and insurers, is a denial of healthcare rights. Single-payer is collectivist nonsense.

Bitchy Virgin is now closed, and a darn nesting Peregrine Falcon plus rockfalls have closed off some of my weekend climbing warm-ups in the Gunks. I do not do serious technical climbing, but I like to know how to handle rocks. I am headed for Banff (…

I guess somebody forgot to tell Boehner:

July 23, 2009: “Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) said on Thursday afternoon that Republicans will have an alternative healthcare reform bill to offer but did not say when it would be ready.”
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/boehner-says-gop-health-alternative-is-coming-2009-07-23.html

Since he made that statement months after S.1099 was submitted, it sure doesn’t sound like the GOP leader knows that “the GOP alternative” already exists.

You want to tell him, or should I?

Some members of the GOP introduced a bill (S. 1099), which is since May 20th is sitting in limbo in the Finance Committee as far as I can tell.

But the GOP hasn’t gotten behind it. Blunt STILL hasn’t gotten anything for the House, and here is what he said at the end of July:

“Rep. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) said, ‘Our bill is never going to get to the floor, so why confuse the focus? We clearly have principles; we could have language, but why start diverting attention from this really bad piece of work they’ve got to whatever we’re offering right now?’”
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/gop-tries-to-steal-initiative-on-economy-from-the-dems-2009-07-22.html

“we could have language”. I could hit a home run over the Green Monster . . . but I haven’t.

Since he’s in charge of the GOP effort for Health Care Reform in the House (and has been for, what, 5 months?) . . . that means the House GOP haven’t got crap, and apparently they’re fine with that. Sure, it’s the Democrat’s fault — why even bother?

(btw — “why even bother” = “why bother writing a bill” = “we don’t have one”)

So some (6?) Senators introduced a bill . . . which the GOP has done ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to put in front of the people. They held a press confrence back when it was introduced, then they forgot all about it. The House isn’t even pretending anymore that they’re going to introduce a Bill.

In all the “debate” on reform, where is the GOP saying “our bill is better”? They’re not. The GOP isn’t making the slightest effort to promote S.1099. Hell, has Coburn even mentioned it since it was submitted? Has the GOP?

Gotta say, it doesn’t look like the GOP is trying too hard to get it passed. Doesn’t seem like the GOP even remembers it. They’re not trying to pass GOP healthcare reform . . . they’re trying to kill Democrat healthcare reform.

I’m sure you disagree. Maybe from your perspective the GOP is valiantly struggling to push healthcare reform. Maybe behind the scenes the GOP is deeply concerned about reforming healthcare in this country but they’re too circumspect to publicize all their hard work.

But from where I’m sitting it diesn’t look like the GOP gives a damn. Coburn and crew did submit something, true. That hardly equals a GOP healthcare reform effort. If Kucinich submitted a bill welcoming UFOs, that hardly means the Democrats are pushing for recognition of aliens.

It was billed at the time as the comprehensive GOP alternative. It was written by both senators and house members. It had the approval of both Boehner and McConnell - who both attended the press conference unveiling the package. It contained not only free market provisions and medicare reform but was dubbed “revenue neutral” by the CBO.

This was and is the GOP alternative. It is considered that way by the RNC and the rest of the party. I don’t care what you think Blount is saying, this is it, it was introduced in May, and was never given a fair hearing by the press or the democrats.

ed.

A possible perjorative? Holy Christ, you really are pretty dense, aren’t you?

Of course I use it as a perjorative, you ninny!

ed.

Blunt says they may not bother putting out a Red plan. Boehner says they are working on one. It’s coming. Really. It’ll be awesome. Details? We’ll tell you later. First we have to kill the reform movement dead, then we’ll propose reform. Promise.

The choice isn’t between the Democratic plan and a better plan. The choice is between the Democratic plan and nothing. In a perfect world there would be other choices, but here and now there are not. Reds aren’t offering anything except “the Blue bill sucks”.

Two questions for you Rick . . .

1) Do you believe that if the Reds can kill the bill, they will engage in health care reform after all this?

Assuming the answer to question #1 is “no”, then . . .

2)Would you rather no change, or the flawed Democratic plan?

Hey! Rip Van Winkle! The GOP introduced its plan back in May.

http://rightwingnuthouse.com/archives/2009/05/20/gop-unveils-health-insurance-plan/

ed.

Having said that, when you speak of incorporating the best of the Netherlands, France, UK and Canada, did you have specific policies in mind?