The Senate is set to vote on its version of health care reform, possibly as early as Christmas Eve. If they do, it will be the worst Christmas present ever for the American taxpayer. The last-minute negotiations to obtain enough votes to prevent a Republican filibuster have transformed the bill from an ill-conceived attempt to reform health care to a horribly complex piece of legislation laden with exemptions, special deals and downright payoffs for certain states.
The current push to pass a health care reform bill - any bill - has exposed the seedy underbelly of American politics. However, this is nothing new. What bothers me most about these health care bills being jammed down our throats despite public opposition is that whatever is in the final bill, it is bound to fail. In fact, you might say it's been designed to fail.
This week, I'm going to reprint two very good articles, one from Accuracy in Media (AIM) and one from Dick Morris that discuss the major problems with the current healthcare bill before the Senate. Note that these articles were written prior to the late-night negotiations (or, more accurately, bribes) that occurred this past weekend, but they still paint an accurate picture of the health care debate.
Since this is the last E-Letter before Christmas, I also want to take this opportunity to thank all of my loyal readers and clients and wish you a very Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah.
...