Dead . . . again!

Republicans have conceded, once again, that they do not have the votes to pass the latest iteration of their "repeal Obamacare."   Despite having loudly proclaimed for eight years that they would "repeal Obamacare," they just can't come up with a bill that can pass.  With Sept. 30th just three days away, time has run out on their latest try.

So . . .  it's dead, again.

To me, it's been so obvious for so long, that there is no alternate -- unless you go even more progressive, which is the exact opposite direction from where the Republicans are trying to take it.

Obamacare is so complicated, because it has to be.   The details are not what they are because someone came up with the particulars as a great idea.   The plan evolved into what it is, as they tried to solve problems that:  (1) would allow it to be passed and (2) would allow it to actually function as health care insurance.

Unless you go to single payer, tax supported healthcare, it's going to require all these provisions that the Republicans insist on getting rid of -- the very things without which it becomes unworkable.   For example, for insurance companies to accept everyone regardless of preexisting conditions, you have to broaden the pool of insureds with an individual mandate, an inducement for young, healthy people to buy insurance.

The Republican's sheer cynicism really came into focus this time around, with Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) putting it bluntly:   "You know, I could maybe give you 10 reasons why this bill shouldn't be considered.   But Republicans campaigned on this so often that you have a responsibility to carry out what you said in the campaign.  That's pretty much as much of a reason as the substance of the bill."

A+ for honesty.   F-  on actually caring about American people's health care.

Ralph