That's for grown-ups, which has no applicability given the nature of what Washington's doing, and on behalf of whom.

There never was a need for federal intervention of any kind. The federalist (normal American) solution, if government were to be involved at all, would lie with state if not fully local governments. That includes real reform, not to mention what is being sought instead, a federal (government) takeover of health care.

Assuming your insurance will remain, which there's no guarantee it will, any more than you'll keep your doctor, two lies aimed at the stupid by ObamaCo in order to allay intelligent concern about a takeover.

You're already on to what I reported already, in the broader context. This gives the Demmies in DC their political cover (more so than bogus-R Snowe and a fake “bi-partisan” label nobody of value respects). What it also does is put political pressure on the states to comply (which is what you've grasped). People need to think(!) about what states might now do — choose to participate, or choose not to (i.e., to withdraw from a federal system). What are the consequences of withdrawal? Criticism of a “race to the bottom” by whiny childish leftists will promptly happen, but what else, what important consequences, as well? What about the concern and resentment that states who participate will become “welfare magnets,” and will demand assistance and even restitution from the other states (which is extremist, but not inconceivable)? Think in particular of what it means for the first states, or the first large states, that might choose to withdraw.

You know, I thought of saying exactly that, but decided it would fall on deaf ears. Which doesn't mean I'm not glad that *you* said it.

What about an opt out provision for individuals, where if they opt out they pay less taxes, rather than involuntarily fund a service they wont use?

Fine by just as long as it's put on their driver's license and other official IDs so that when they have a heart attack or an accident, the medics can check said IDs and leave them to die on the side of the road.

Oh, and none of this “oops I just lost my job and my health policy that went with it , now I want into the system”, you opt out, you're on your own permanently… Tough Sh*t…

What about an opt out provision for individuals, where if they opt out they pay less taxes, rather than involuntarily fund a service they wont use?

Just stick with your current insurance. Simple.

Hey, I wanted to “opt out” of a 100 billion dollar per year war of choice but no one listened.

And universal health care is cheaper than that boondoggle.

What about an opt out provision for individuals, where if they opt out they pay less taxes, rather than involuntarily fund a service they wont use?