Imagine the “public utility” as well as “managed cartel” model that logical reform might lead toward.

[cringing]

Ah, yes, “sweeteners” (a permissible term if it passes Dem legislation, even in PC-food-lunacy times).

Actually, even though they aren't as “disconnected” as Sil and her statements are, the “progressives” on far-lefty talk radio are pretty enthusiastic (as well as impatient and exasperated) in wanting to see a good effort being made, and the avoidance of conceding anything much toward people like Olympia Snowe just to have a token (and bogus) “R” stamped along with the big “D” on the final legislation.

Underlying all the din will be the central question: How much control over American health care will remain in the hands of the profiteers who have made it the most expensive and one of the worst systems in the world?

I've lived outside of the U.S. for more than a decade, and have sought medical care in three other countries. That experience has shown me that Stein's statement is over-the-top. U.S. health care is top-notch. (One can always cherry-pick exceptions). On the other hand, living overseas has also shown that our system is too expensive. My American employer encourages us to seek equivalent treatments (as available) when posted overseas, and not when back in the U.S. on leave. Why? Because it's more cost-effective.

You don't have to be Limbaugh to agree that the direction they are going sucks.
Public Option sucks. Baucus sucks. Status quo sucks.

Here's a MODERATE position:
Regulate what we have now! Bust open the lobbyist-congress cartel by hitting the entities that line their pockets – namely the Insurance industry, the Pharmaceutical Industry, the Healthcare Industry, and the Tort/Trial Lawyer Industry.

If any of them had the sack to do that, the problem would be gone!
Is that moderate? I hope so.

As to the ugly, hard stuff still to come: Well, it's time for the real work to start. I look forward to hearing what Ed Schultz has to say to spur the foot soldiers of the far Left (in support of the public option); Thom Hartmann was already on the air and on record insisting that lefties need to tell Harry Reid they want to see action and real results now. (While I don't support the crazier lib Dem craziness this year, at least far lefties like Hartmann and Schultz are direct and forceful about what it is that they want with health care.)