Yesterday Barack Obama told Republican Governors that, if that don’t like Obamacare, they are welcome to replace it in their own states. I’ve heard several pundits say that Obama was weakening and moving toward the Republican point of view. My many criticisms of Obama notwithstanding, I consider this brilliant tactic that puts the onus on Republicans to do better. With all its faults the ACA is an improvement that does not go far enough. What are Republicans going to do? The best example of RepubliCare we have seen so far is what Jan Brewer gave Arizona: health care with a built in death benefit for the poor. If you’re poor, your benefit is death.
President Obama had a splendid idea this week. He challenged governors who oppose his health care reforms, most of whom are Republicans, to come up with a better alternative. He has agreed to move up the date at which states can offer their own solutions and thus opt out of requirements that they oppose, like the mandate that everyone buy health insurance and that most employers provide it.
Let as many states as possible test innovative approaches to determine which works best.
The president told the nation’s governors on Monday that he supported a bipartisan bill — sponsored by Senators Ron Wyden, Democrat of Oregon, Scott Brown, Republican of Massachusetts, and Mary Landrieu, Democrat of Louisiana — that would allow states to fashion solutions right from the start of full-scale reform in 2014, rather than waiting until 2017, as the law requires.
The catch is that a state’s plan must cover as many people as the federal law does, provide insurance that is as comprehensive and affordable, and not increase the deficit. That won’t be easy for the governors to accomplish, and House Republicans seem unlikely to pass the bill to let them try. They would much rather repeal the reform law — or have it declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court — than join Mr. Obama in improving it… [emphasis added]
Inserted from <NY Times>
Republicans are already coming out against the measure, so defeat in the House is almost certain. But from now on, when Republicans complain about Obamacare, we can say, “You had the opportunity to do better, but you lacked the courage and integrity to try!”
Rachel Maddow and Ezra Klein fill in the blanks.
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Don’r forget now. RepubliCare is the health plan where your principal benefit is death.
10 Responses to “Hey Republicans! Put Up or Shut Up!”
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I know that many have been frustrated and disappointed with Obama. However, I have steadfastly maintained that he is way ahead of his detractors. As a tactician, the man is brilliant. When he makes a mistake, he admits it and learns from it, but he then goes on to leave his opponents in the dust scratching their heads and wondering how the hell they got run over.
The only thing is that he may be too slick for his own good. After all, his tactics so turned off the base that put him in power that many stayed home or voted 3rd party in protest, giving Republicans their 2010 win.
The Republicans, who don’t in the least care for anyone but themselves, are spinning their wheels and going nowhere with this shameful shoddy effort. They have clearly been outfoxed and outmatched again.
Jack I agree. Republicans have no decency.
There certainly are problems with the health care measure ; chief among them is the measure does not go far enough , and still leaves the insurance companies in charge– The insurance companies— Now lets see — They are sure not a social service– they make money– lots of money – they are as civic minded as your banks– Bank of America – for example–
Costs the poor taxpayer– well- let me ask ; who in heck do you think pays the hospital bills for the uninsured now ?
Good idea — Obama– let’s see what the Repuglicans come up with– Arizona is their model don’t forget–!!
Phyllis, I am a proponent of single payer, and like you, object to entrusting it to companies that care for profit, not health.
I’m glad he called their bluff; I’m sick of them whining about the bill and how terrible it is. If it sucks so bad, then make up your own with those two caveats. He’s really put them in a bind now. :twisted Plus, it will never get through the Senate.
It stands a better chance in the Senate than in the House. 🙂
The Rushpubliscums have nothing. The problem is, they don’t need anything; their voters are motivated by selfishness and racism. The only counter we have is to vote in the numbers that they vote.
I agree, JR. That’s why we work to educate now.