While it’s true that many Republicans are in the pockets of the insurance companies, that’s not the real reason for their obstruction of insurance reform. Some may honestly believe that the insurance should be left to the free market, but that’s not the reason either.
The reasons are purely political. What happens if the democrats pass the public option and people like it? What happens if it becomes as popular as Medicare? What happens if it forces private insurers to become more efficient and lower their rates?
The Democrats will be heralded as the great reformers while the Republicans will be regarded as obstructionists. Democrats will hold onto power and perhaps even increase their majorities in the House and Senate.
It’s a big gamble for Republicans. They could be working with the Democrats in an effort to better our country, in which case they would be second fiddle but might actually gain some support. What they are wagering is an all or nothing bet. They are fighting windmills, since most of their claims are lies, but people believe them. And Democrats are caving. They’ve already removed the so called “death panel” section that provides payment to doctors for end of life consultations.
The Democrats need to develop a spine and not dignify the right-wing lies with compromises. When Republicans lie, the Democrats need to tell the public they’re lies. Sure, the Fox “News” viewers won’t believe it, but they live in an alternate reality anyway so who cares.
