Comments on: What I Did on My Summer Vacation

By: Neurotic Dem

Neurotic Dem — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 02:11:48 +0000

Totally agree with that. I’m a pragmatist in the end. If we can get 95 percent of Americans covered, I’d be willing to compromise — maybe even on the public option.
That’s a big if.
–ND

By: Daniel

Daniel — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:38:32 +0000

Yes, I agree with your strategy but not your tactic (do I have that right? ). I think setting long term goals like the space shot can be bold and inspirational. Incremental growth toward a better solution is better than rapid implementation of a watered down solution.

By: Neurotic Dem

Neurotic Dem — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:50:03 +0000

Daniel –
In some ways, I like what you propose — it’s another form of compromise, right? But I wouldn’t want them to shoot too low. We are in a rare political moment — still popular Democratic president with large progressive majorities in both houses of Congress, tempered by large numbers of fiscal moderate Dems ushered in in the last election. (Who, for instance, are pushing back on the cost to small businesses — which is a good thing.) We have a president who has been willing to show leadership on the issue. Polls show most people understand we need to do something. We can’t put this off until another election year. Republicans will likely make gains, and Republicans have had little interest or stomach for making health care a priority.
I think we need bold action now. I don’t think we can wait.
-ND

By: Daniel

Daniel — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 01:31:30 +0000

Rather than a compromise that seems like it introduces really weak provisions I would rather see a long term plan that specifies small but concrete steps that take effect immediately with a roadmap for next steps. It all doesn’t have to be done now. Let’s solve the problem for the most vulnerable immediately and plan next steps. Then have annual legislation that broadens the program incrementally to achieve the ultimate goal over perhaps 10-20 years.