Friday, August 21, 2009

Which Side Are You On....Day 20

Earlier in the week on Thom Hartmann's radio show he was discussing the apparent capitultion by the President in support of a Public Plan Option as a necessary component in meaningful health care reform. Hartmann had sent a letter to the President suggesting that the tried and true Medicare system be the Public Plan Option by extending its coverage to those who voluntarily buy into it regardless of age.

The discussion examined some of the reasons this bottom-line component of health care reform has hit rough waters, and part of the reason Hartmann and his listeners settled on, was a lack of clarity in the President's vision, thus leading to a lack of clarity in the public's understanding of his goal. One caller offered a sound bite, which I believe he stated more succinctly than I am here reporting. But it was something like this: "Medicare as Public Option--Shovel Ready Stimulus".

Paul Krugman explores the trouble Mr. Obama's lack of clarity has caused his health reform effort.

4 comments:

John Gonder said...

Thought I'd save Roger the trouble. I believe I heard he has a busy day today.


The New Albanian said...
Looking forward to the multi-part "Which side are you on? New Albany" series coming soon.

Right?

August 21, 2009 1:37 AM

Jeff Gillenwater said...

That's cute, John, but doesn't address the issue(s).

Perhaps you could begin the New Albany series by explaining why it's OK for a council president to deny some the right speak, to gavel others down when he doesn't like their content, and then to unilaterally change topics and the order of business to suit his personally chosen speakers.

And, if it's not OK, you could explain why the council typically sits in silence, allowing such things to happen on a consistent basis.

Making fun of town howls is fair game but playing willing host to them is another story.

The New Albanian said...

Perhaps Jeff Gahan would be better placed to answer your question, Bluegill.

Perhaps I'm expecting too much out of John, although anything we might get out of the current council would be a bonus.

Jeff Gillenwater said...

As if there's any point in even trying to speak to Gahan sensibly about anything...Having tried it numerous times, I can testify that there's not.