Just to comment on one thing djknoll . Now their babies until their 26 years old?! This is bull-SH#t. Make them go to school when they are three, High-school is not enough, they need to be put in debt, College, they still cant get jobs. To proud or soft to do real work now, so where do they go? 18 you are an adult. In law enforcements eyes as well as the publics and the militarys. Simple. Buy beer and kill for hire.

You must be kidding, a “progressive” is a ” fiscal conservative…well-educated,
middle income, between 35 and 55 years of age, usually married, not often
associated with a party, but only slightly left of center on most issues - neither
radically left nor right…”

Are you trying to be funny? A progressive is anyone who wants genuine change
and reform and who rallies to get it. What’s more important than left and right
is being anti-corporatist. Most wealthy, well educated folks who call
themselves progressives are just faux-liberals happy with the statusquo. Fiscal
conservative? are you joking?! Progressives in the early 20th century were the
anarchists and socialists and anti-war demonstrators. Now there are almost
none left. The anti-war protest last saturday added up to thousands not
millions. Most “liberals” are sitting at home comfortably wearing their Obama t-
shirts and cheering on the corporate pillaging of their country.

If you mean Paul H RAY, his studies seem irrelevant, and it doesn’t matter what
some random sociologist says, look up the standard definition of
progressivism.

For the person who wanted a definition of Progressive, I would offer up the one first espoused by Sociologist Dr. Paul Hay in the 90s.  A Progressive is a fiscal, but realistic, conservative; a social liberal; understands the importance of education; is well-educated; middle income; between 35 and 55 years of age; usually married, but not always a family person; consider the future as important as the present in making decisions for the next generation; somewhat well traveled so that they understand cultural differences; environmentally conscious; and is open to new ideas in all areas.  These people are also, and this is important, politically interested and independent, not often associated with a party, but only slightly left of center on most issues - neither radically left nor right.  You can find a more in depth description if you google Cultural Creatives or Dr. Paul Hay. Few Dems and No Republicans would be called Progressives today, they just co-opted the name to attract real progressives to the Democratic Party.

As for this so-called health care reform.  Speaking as one of the people who will be affected by it directly - it is a pile of .....!  While I am all in favor of getting the middleman out of Medicare and saving money that way, I seriously doubt if this is going to actually do it, but I am fairly sure having watched what has happened to Medicare over the decades, that the costs to me as a disabled individual are going to go up a lot faster with fewer costs being covered so that this bill get paid for.  (And for the idiots who think that this program restricts what Doctors I see, it does not.  I still choose my own because I am not limited by a supplemental policy from private insurance which I cannot afford!)

My husband will be forced to spend the equivalent of one week’s paycheck at least if he can find work, or half a month’s unemployment to cover himself and his two daughters - whom he will have to cover for another 5 years now if they do not find work - for just a very basic 70/30 policy with a high deductible.  Why?  Because he has pre-existing conditions that will force him into the high payment pool, and we have just enough income to put us outside of the subsidies category.  My meds can cost me nearly $600 per month now, and that takes more than 1/2 of my Social Security Disability, and because I am not 65 or older, I do not get prescription coverage, so it is out of pocket.

Now if we do not purchase this insurance, we will be fined.  So would someone please tell me exactly how this is going to help someone like us, or the millions of others who will be affected the same way?  This bill is not reform.  It is just the Hillary Clinton-Insurance Company reform of 1993 reheated!  And yet I still hear the “It is better than nothing” mantra coming out of DC.  My question is this:  Why is it better?  I do not see it as being better, only coercive and punitive on the backs of the very people it claims to help.

Health care reform should not be rocket science, folks.  It is simple:  regulate the insurance industry; expand Medicare as a buy-in choice for people; cover vision and dental as well as medical; and allow people to opt-out if that is their preference.  Encourage the use of VEBA accounts by employers and HSAs by employees with tax credits, and stop with the fines already.  PPOs and HMOs are great if you want restricted choice and high school graduates determining your care levels, but personally, I like being able to choose my doctor, (even if I have to wait a while to see that doctor which would not be the case if the Medicare processors would pay more quickly and more fully)rather than having to choose from a limited number of corporate hacks with questionable credentials, which has been my experience with PPOs and HMOs.

This is not reform, and I suspect anyone from history, Mr. Dionne, seeing it would know that, even if you and DC pundits do not.

but squeeky…..

you really don’t need to be an “intellectual”
to see forest through the trees

its cherry pickin

I know what pseudo-progressivism is tooooooooooooo!!!!!!

another label for those who don’t lock and step

pseudo intellectuals…...........wow…..

such humiliation….....

P.S.  war won 356 to   65

and if she is denied , we will see just who the

  P S E U D O   I N T E L L E C T U A L   is

  peace

In response to ofersince72:
“For progressives, the preservation of existing Medicaid and CHIP rules until the new system is fully operational in 2014, as well as the expansion of Medicaid to an additional 16 million needy souls, should be sufficient to regard this new law as progress.”

Please do your homework. There are enough pseudo-intellectuals spewing opinion as fact.

It has been said that this is a flawed product. I agree.  It has been said that it will need tweaking. I disagree. It is beyond tweaking, some 2500 pages or so.  Can we expect this or any future gridlocked congress to deal with the thousands of points of contention that brought us this behemoth?

No, the economy will continue to suffer due to the failure to enact controls on the runaway cost of medical services, equipment and insurance.

Family’s will continue to send any and for some all of their discretionary income into the health care sector, and mind you there are other ‘medical’ expenses people need like dental. 

Employers will continue to slammed with double digit annual premium increases.

Employees will continue to be fearful of changing jobs due to insurance considerations.  Insurance tied to one’s employment means servitude in many cases.

This is a shame.  There is a term oft used in the past few years.  Here it is so very apt.  This reform bill is truly lipstick on a pig.

Ralph Nader is going to need to run in 2012

Yes it is law now,  how many more got covered today ??
starting right now ???

The struggle continues

For those of you who still don’t get it, Health Care Insurance Reform is now LAW! Get over it!

“Cuz that was the only alternative available”

Uh huh.

PT, are you suggesting that McCain, Boehner and the Repubs would have done more? Cuz that was the only alternative available - beyond wishful thinking.

IMHO, The Dems finally stepped up to the plate and led. Hopes its a trend and not a fluke. Health Insurance Reform is flawed, expect tweaking, but its better than what the opposition gave us in the last eight years.

If you think about it, there already is a limited public option called Medicare. I wouldn’t be surprised if that develops but let’s not give away the game plan.

Point being major progress has been made. It was a f**kin’ big deal enough be have some optimism. Wouldn’t be surprised if the Dems gain seats in November with all the Repub whining. Opps said too much. <grin>

EXACTLY!  Russian Paul.
Well said.
I’m getting to the end of the line with Truthdig.  So sad they don’t know
“truth” from corporatist crud.

EJ Dionne supports the insurance industry, but obfuscates his reporting to make it
appear as if Washington has “changed.” What bullshit. They’re throwing us crumbs
and we’re supposed to applaud this as reform? Any step away from single payer is
not a step in the right direciton.

If it weren’t for Hedges, Truthdig would just be another rag of corporate
propaganda.

Mass. has a 44 day waiting time on average to see your primary care doctor. The trend will spread nationwide. Is this the progress we want?

Lots of M.D.s, those nasty rich bastards, are thinking seriously about giving up their practices. Is this the progress we want?

My 27 year old son, healthy as a horse, single, and broke, will be forced to buy insurance, thus depeleting his marijuana fund and cutting severely into the money he was going to contribute to ACORN. Is this the progress we want?

Notwithstanding Democratic control of Congress and the Presidency, Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and the Democrats failed to deliver on a public option despite strong public support for it.  The Democrats are weak and cannot govern.  Ralph Nader in 2012!

Hank van den Berg, interesting comment and probably true. Thanks for sharing.

Keymanwst:

I’m sure you will be missed (NOT).

It’s really amusing to watch these Tea Baggers throw their temper tantrums. Who is ramming what down who’s throat?

Although more insurance reform than health reform, we now have a Patient’s Bill of Rights that the Left can be proud of. It’s a major progressive step forward, regardless of how loud and often Boehner’s Tea Baggers rant and rave.

Keep you heads, Lefties and be amused by what’s being thrown at US.

Let us be realistic. Health reform is only the first of many reforms necessary to “promote the public welfare” and ensure “liberty and justice for all”.

What’s the next “big” project: rebuilding our cities and public infrastructure? reform of our wasteful land usage habits (i.e. limiting urban sprawl)? education? reduction of our carceral population? anti-trust enforcement?

Don’t go no where keyman….  these people need to be
disturbed by everyone at every chance they get !!!!!!

  ALL THE TIME .....EVERY DAY…...

our government and its media have got about as disgusting
and disgracful as they posibly can get.

Who the hell is this Dionne?  Get her out of here of or I am finished with TD. 
She’s a corporatist-kissing, boot-licking toadie for the Bushobama Crime Family.  Gimme a f*ckin break.

rfidler - WRONG!

Health and Human Services is empowered to oversee what transition there needs to be, especially in the areas of rates and rules.

Kathleen Sebelius is not going to make or prevent treatment decisions between you and your doctor - like insurance companies now do.

ofer

For what it’s worth, I remember first hearing the term progressive maybe 10 years or more ago - from Ted Kennedy, I think. It was coined about the same time the Right successfully made liberal a dirty word.

A progressive believes the government has an obligation to not only protect the people’s health and safety but to also protect US from unfair business tactics that the individual can’t do alone.

I’m not exactly a Swedish style socialist. I believe entrepreneurs should have their encouragement, incentives and just rewards but I also believe there needs to be reasonable rules.

If being progressive causes a few so-called welfare Cadillacs, so be it. That possibility is not what halved my 401k.

Some of the best days of my life have been spent being poor. This health-care bill is probably only worth a chickens poop on a mile wide floor. My question is why did the republicans and their supporters make such a big deal out of socialism and our personal freedom over free health-care. While they stomped the patriot act over us and backed up to piss on us and the constitution and the only governmentally inacted bill of rights in the process? And why didnt the democrats care? Vote Libertarian.

i know what racist is and a misogynist

  but just what is a progressive??????

This victory is so, so very sweet. Almost as sweet as Obama winning the election.
For all the haters out there…for all the racists, for all the misogynists, for all the
anti-progressives…THIS is what a president with “no experience” can accomplish
when he puts his mind to it. This…is change.

Bravo, Mister President. Bravo.

Ah! So the Tea Baggers are here too.

IMHO, Dionne is pretty spot on.

It is all the same topic !!!!!

  How are they dictating….
  You listen to Limbaugh and Beck WAY TOOOOO MUCH !!!!!!

ofer:
I’m not defending an economic system! Stay on topic! You are let Congress decide what is best for you regarding your health care decisions. I’m only asking if that is what you really want.

Not near as hapless and pathetic of ur defense of an

economic system that has rendered this country

to the world’s largest, by far,  debtor nation.

Do you progs understand that the government has just started the process of taking all of your health care decisions away from you?

Are you really ok with that?

Really?

Are you really that helpless and pathetic?

Did you see the stock market today? Health insurance stocks went up.

Why?

The government has just told the industry that they have to cover 30 million more customers, and… THE GOVERNMENT WILL PICK UP THE TAB!!!

Hurrah for the 30 million freeloaders.

Too bad for the tax payers who will have to pick up that tab.

Hopey changy rules!

This one really did make me visit the toilet.

“most sweeping piece of legislation since the mid 1960s,
Democrats proved they can govern….....”

At least Hedges has it somewhat right….

For those that still believe we can vote ourselves out
of this with primary voting…
please explain what kind of math you are using…
Not posible in your or my lifetime…
we are stuck with what we got until the walls finish
crumbling down…......which will probably be soon enough
most likely before the 2014 kick in time.

“It’s always a good day when the Republican smear
machine is defeated.” - Ed

I’d say it’s always a good day when your healthy,
wealthy and do not need medical care.  Or if you are
an insurance company.

If the healthcare issue was a football game, I guess
we could say Ed’s team won.  Hooray!  But it is
politics in the USA and what really happened is the
only team on the field, the corporations, won just as
they always do.  Republicans or Democrats, it makes
no difference.  Both parties play for the same team. 
When are people going to wake up and figure this out? 
Vote for a third parties or leave the country before
it is too late. http://theunpeople.blogspot.com/

So damn sad.

Dionne`s history 1 is not a house person`s history 2 is not fisher`s history 3 and so fourth.
And dionne has the right to his history 1 and i have the right to my history 4.

Deadman`s history 6 or his health care 6 is not BHO`s heatlth care 1.

But anyhow, history 1 won. Health care 1 won. Did anyone ever doubt that?

God 1, the god in God bless America won. God 2, 3, 4, 5, y, x lost. As always before. tnx

The Democrat spin machine is fully engaged.  This horrible legislation is transformative only in that is defines unequivocably the Democrat party as a Corporatist entity entirely uninterested in serving the good of the people.  You now own a policy of forcing poor and lower middle class citizens to purchase high profit margin private insurance with a history of uncontrolled outrageous cost/benefit ratio increases.  Go ahead and keep that spin machine going, telling yourselves that the people will reward this fraud in the coming elections.  You are in for a well deserved wake up call.

hello. congratulations are in order. how those soft headed Republicans ever trusted a spying turncoat from Michigan in their midst: was a marvelous deception. for the first time, we can all look at a man standing as President; as he is clearly responsible for the paltry success of not even carrying a party line. it was close, and there was some insincere fighting, so it was no cake walk to put his name to this legislation. congratulations Mr. President, you are clearly in stride.

I would be for a single payer system or even allowing a single payer as an alternative for competition with for profits.

This is NOT the legislation needed and it will fail miserably. The rest of the western world enjoys a no co-pay or pay for visit healthcare. Even SSI part B is a sham. It deducts 110.00 from a small an paltry SSI check seniors receive. The part B Medicare is the most important because it involves doctors fees and preventive care.

The for profits, even if you have a policy go to secondary and part B primary. So seniors are sucked dry. Only after 90,000 a year in a retirement income does it make the insured pay more. It should be a sliding scale and less than 15,000 in income pay nothing.

So much for the government healthcare.

Git-along, li’l dogies, git-along.

HokaHey!

Dionne is once again just a puppet licking the boots of power. How does this put us at the same level as other developed nations? This bill was one big gift for insurance companies, women’s reproductive rights were left out and so-called “Liberals” are trying to justify it all with the sole purpose of “beating” the Republicans.

The problem with health care in the USA, simply put, is the cost of health insurance and the cost of medical care.  Can someone please tell me how this health care legislation controls either of these costs.  It certainly doesn’t control the cost of physicians or hospitals and while it may provide a subsidy to insurance carriers for those individuals or families below the income cap, it doesn’t control the cost of insurance.  Why it may even be a windfall for the insurance industry as millions will be required to obtain insurance with or without government help.  It will be interesting to see the particulars on those policies.  The cuts to Medicare will require higher premiums to be taken out of SS payments.  The legislation has a nice ring to it, but it’s efficacy is still in question.