Wherein the left critics can and should declare another victory:
"Jennifer Haberkorn reports that President Obama's move to allow states flexibility in spending health care funds is the "most significant change" since the law was enacted, and a potential gesture toward critics."
How much flexibility? We are talking the single payer and public option kind of grease... But can they deliver the grease?
"Health care advisers Nancy-Ann DeParle and Stephanie Cutter stressed on the off-record call that the rule change would allow states to implement single-payer health care plans -- as Vermont seeks to -- and true government-run plans, like Connecticut's Sustinet."
Look... There are a lot of things that can and should be accomplished with a carrot... But when someone tries to tell you "No! It can not be done" just because they agree with what some politician says...
Yell louder.
Yell often.
Beat those politicians over the head with a yelling stick until they and anyone else that refuses to listen stops what they are doing and does...
What. You. Know. Is. RIGHT.
I want you to know that everyone that knew this battle was coming... Getting the states a waiver to have the flexibility to do what is needed has been yelling about this since the legislation passed.
The mere possibility of this happening is the one and only saving grace in this legislation that has a chance to actually address costs is the ability of the state to experiment...
There are many that understood this was an important part of the legislation and that the coming fight would be important, as well.
And that is where pre-emptive yelling and screaming about it has made a difference.
Now, all that being said, I thought the waivers had to pass Congress first?
Much of the debate now focuses on the federal government's power, and perhaps health care legislation's critics wouldn't object to single payer -- in Vermont. But the prospect of a backdoor to a single-payer plan anywhere may also sharpen opposition.
And I hate to be the one to break it to Politico... But it is pretty safe to say that more than 50% of Americans would like to see Single Payer healthcare. Even more would be happy if they even got a god damned Public option. So many polls prove that and I don't even have to cite that fact amongst Kossacks.
Anyways... Good yell and good luck!