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The liberal Democrats are determined to ram the public option through. Reid's statement is another test of the public reaction to liberals' forcing their will on our country.
Many who voted for Obama, including the young and the ignorant, have never seriously considered the results of voting in a Marxist economic system, which sounds too good to be true AND IS.
A Marxist experiment may not destroy this country completely, but it will throw the USA into misery for about a century before there is a revolution back to capitalism.

This is just another example of the Obama Administration going against the U.S. Constitution. What is it about this country that they hate so much? This makes me sick. I served in the military for 3 years, and it makes me angry to see one man, or even one group of people show utter disregard for the Constitution that I, and every other soldier in the United States, has sworn to uphold against all enemies, foriegn and domestic. Wake Up America. If this so called 'Health Care Reform were so good, don't you think that the Senet and House could get it passed the right way?

Laurence Peter put it nicely: "There are always too many Domocratic congressmen, too many Republican congressmen, and never enough U.S. congressmen."

Why on earth should we remain open to putting a bill on the Senate floor that does not include a public option?! The people want a public option. Read the polls!

Let's hope the Democrats do use the reconcilation process to pass health care reform... including a strong public option... over Republican objections. Don't ever forget that GWBush and the Republicans used exactly the same process to pass their infamous ten year tax cuts for the rich and super rich. If the Republicans don't like it, let them choke on it.

I still don't hear our republican friends proposing anything in place of the public option that will bring down the cost of health care insurance. Tort reform at most saves $50 billion over 10 years and shopping across state lines will lead to the same insanity as getting credit cards across statel ines (IE NO consumer protection). So, I think a public option with an opt out for states that don't want it sounds fair to me.

If the democrats want to be sneaky and ram this bill through that way,then I say let's all use our other "public option" and vote all the democrats out next november!

If it takes reconciliation, so be it. The majority of Americans voted for change so let's see change.

It's NEVER been an option before for major legislation. Reid is very desperate and apparently doesn't care to destroy America's health care – the best the world has to offer – for political gamesmanship rather than the good of the country. He might as well try, he's already toast for his re-election anyway...

Yeah, it might be the only option if the Republicans keep acting like little children. The public option was a compromise position in its inception. But the Republicans could not even meet the president or the other Democrats half way on that provision. So, if they can't get on board with the public option, then their proposals should be stricken from the bill and it should be passed via reconciliation. The time for appeasement has passed! If they don't want to be a part of health care reform, then they can just look like a bunch of buffoons when the President accomplishes the biggest domestic legislative victory in 50 years.

PASS THE PUBLIC OPTION NOW! IT IS TIME FOR COMPETITION!

There is a reason the Insurance Industry does not like the public option. They are exempt from the Antitrust Laws of the United States which does not allow competition. No wonder there are 1-2 insurance companies in most states. What a joke. I hope the Democratic Party grows a pair and passes this bill.

The Republican Party is worthless go on without them. Finally somebody is making sense! Screw the party of NO!

I find it curious why the term "reconciliation" seems to be a nicer veneer than the term for the same Senate manoeuvre that the Republicans threatened to use in 2006 when it was dubbed "the nuclear option". Is this an example of journalism subliminally guiding the thoughts of the reader to make a nice-sounding term like "reconciliation" a more palatable term and associate it with Democrats whereas the same members of the press demonized the proponents of the "nuclear option" back in 2006? You can't have it both ways. Reconciliation is the same as the nuclear option.

The majority of American citizens WANT A PUBLIC OPTION...pass it now, DO NOT leave it up to individual states to make the decision for the people. I live in NYS and I believe our Governor would opt in, but if left up to the clowns in Albany...there will be trouble. PUBLIC OPTION FOR ALL AMERICANS, it is the only fair way to go to make sure ALL AMERICANS are offered a chance for health care insurance.

That would TRULY be a disaster. Do you REALLY want to open THAT can of worms? Clyburn, you don't NEED repubs to get to 60...

Change for the sake of change is meaningless at best and disastrous at worst. The greatest harm can come from the best of intentions.

Stand up Gentlemen to the party of NO. Democracy is the basic form of capitalism, MAJORITY RULES. Only in Socialist countries the MINORITY TERRORIZES the MAJORITY and hold power hostage. USE the MANDATE GIVEN by the AMERICAN PEOPLE to deliver the GOOD. Yet, you need backbone to stand up to the REPUGS and deliver. Sen Reid, when you get home please whatch two movies: Stand and Deliver, and Lean on Me. Thanks for your courage. I admire you and I know the job is tough. God Bless you for working hard for the rest of US. Thanks

Ok, I don’t see the transparency or the nonpartisanship or the open debate or the honesty I was promised, what else are they going to do to us before we wake up as a country and re-recognize the constitution as the basis for our government , not a document to be worked around and discarded. I voted for a change but not this.

Harry Reid, James Clyburn and the rest of the Dems had better remember that they have a slight majority, 52 percent to 48, not some kind of blowout that gives them a mandate to push their way through with procedural chicanery. Reconcilliation on health care reform will be the downfall of the Dem Party.

I hope public option passes. Please do it and do it now! before some right wing genius will spend much more on another nonsense like Iraq. I cannot believe republicans complain about the cost after spending zillion in Iraq and started the bail craziness. Paying of Paulson’s buddies, giving non bid contracts to sniper Dick's Halliburton.

Public Option for ALL and for ALL states, or just forget it.
Also, why is taking years when people are dying? This is sad.

A Democrat in Washington State

If the DUMocRATS use reconcilation, this country will revolt.

Go ahead DUMocRATS, watch this country start a revolution.

I'll personally be in line to cheat on my taxes, lay off liberal workers, and ignore your liberal laws.

Go ahead, make my day.

In another article about this it said that a wide majority of Americans support a public option. I have not seen a wide majority in support of the public option in the polls that I have seen. What poll are they using?

I say, GO FOR IT. Stop waiting for the old dogs to learn new tricks and just do it. I don't recall any Republicans asking ME if I wanted any of their bag of tricks - like a fascist state or a war in Iraq.

Public option AT THE VERY LEAST... even better, single payer.

And I just want to say... I am seeing MY business pick up dramatically as a web developer - I'm a single person business who occasionally hires outside contractors - Just to let all the "where are the jobs" whiners out there know I feel like there IS a recovery happening... it was pretty dismal last year and the first half of this year, but it IS picking up....

Just as my President SAID it would. Obama 2012!

yes. get it done.

Yeah, where is the rising above party politics the "Annointed One" kept describing? in the toilet with any Bi-partisanship. Politics as usual, just wait, 2010 is around the corner!

Obama wants to cut hundreds of billions from Medicare Advantage, the privately run plans that offer seniors a better deal (and more REAL choice) – at the SAME cost - than conventional Medicare.

And he wants to shift Medicare patients to anonymous teams of health care providers - instead of individual doctors, who have been serving their senior patients for years – and whom these seniors know and trust.

Not only is this an affront to all seniors in general –YOUR parents and grandparents (who have PAID their entire working life for these benefits) – it will also rape health care benefits of the hundreds of thousands of retired and actively serving military men and women – who currently have an Advantage Plan called TriCare.

So who wins? NOT seniors and NOT our brave military men and women.

NO – it is the “estimated” 35 million to 40 uninsured - about one-fourth of whom are foreign born and are here illegally – who win.

So ONE ineffectual "president" and a few hundred "legislators" have the right to do this?

If this doesn’t stink to high heaven, I don’t know what does!

I don't know which looks and sounds the most like a hack Socialist – Reid, or Kucinich. Both would look perfectly at home viewing the May Day Parade from the balcony of the Kremlin.

Isn't reconciliation the way Republicans got Bush"s tax cuts for the wealthy through? Go for it Harry!

Reid my lips..... He's lying to us, America !

God these dem's gotta go. They are lying and not listening. The majority don't want this. Period... It will just raise taxes.

Push it all the way as you cannot get it done without this. Most American do not want this but, their are some that think this is the fix all. We must QUIT spending money we do not have because we feel that we are owed this.

So let us push this on all the people even those that do not want it and in the end we can tell stories to our kids how we gave thier country away because a few thought this was great. It is ok because at the end of it all we have to pay for the mistakes of leaders that feel that do not have to listen to the many because of the few

this is great news. God bless all those who show mercy and get healthcare for all americans.

If they cant get the filibuster proof senate to pass without reconciliation the bill isnt good enough. They dont need the republicians just put together a good bill.

If they use reconciliation to pass a healthcare bill that NO Republican supports, the Democrats are going to really get axed in the 2010 midterm elections. Even if Olympia Snow ultimately proves to be the lone Republican to support the bill, the Dems will STILL get axed next year.....no matter how much they then try to claim it's a 'bipartisan' bill.

The U.S. is not a single-party country and the Dems would do well to remember that. Electoral college votes aside, almost half of Americans....something like 48% if I recall correctly....voted for McCain.

If reconciliation is used to ram this down our throats, there will be a huge price to pay. And that's not just politically. We'll ALL be bankrupt if government takes over health care.

Wake up New Jersey. Get rid of this loser.

Allowing states to OPT out could mean bad news for the REPUBLI-CAN'Ts because I know if MY state opts out, they will hear from ME and a lot more!!!

I say let's get on with passing the health care reform bill with democrats. No matter what is done, republicans will never sign on. remember, they are the party of no and they want to see President Obama and the Demoncrats fail. Use the "Reconsiliation". Don't wast anymore time on the republicans, they just want to stall so they can say they won. Don't be fooled by them, not now!

finally! We've been waiting for the Dems to start working to keep thier promises to us.

The phrase should be" ram it down their throats cause we got the power"! " Heck we don't care if any of them have health care its about power politics" !

I'd go Reconciliation just to "RAM IT DOWN THEIR THROAT".

I hope the dems do use reconciliation. Republicans will be voted back into power faster than 1994.

Yep, if the Democrats can't do it the right way... find a procedural way to circumvent it. Typical Democrats. It's time to throw these idiots out on their collected rear ends!

Yeah dont mind that the will of the people is overwhelmingly against a public option, he will just force it through. when are you idiot dems in congress gonna realize that we are a right wing country. Always have always will

Of course no republican will vote for it, and I hope that they are forced to get off their government run program, and that their constituents who agree with them will give back their Medicare coverage and go find something more expensive with fewer services as well. Anyone who is against cost containment and covering everyone is just dumb.

Now get rid of the opt out portion, and you have a bill!

Clyburn, just one problem use that option and you can count on losing your majority next time around.

Congress needs to clean up their own act first, stop spending money on other silly projects – like funding air traffic into small towns, spending billions of dollars on elections, etc. AFter they clean up their own act, then lets talk about Health care. Congress has no problem mandating us, but can't even mandate themselves. Call you congressman and demand action!

Senator Reid should use reconciliation, it is the only was the bill is ever going to pass, and it will cement the demise of this brand of "democracy" once and for all.

There is no OPT OUT . You still have to pay , just like for schools when you have no kids! Its more Obama smoke and mirrors untill we are stuck !

Don't listen to Dick Durbin. Use reconciliation. There is no need to be Mr. nice guy when you are dealing with the Rethugs.

Do it! It seems to be the only way to get this passed with a good public option that doesn't pander to the republicans or the blue dogs!

That would be a bigger demise for the Dumbacrats. There are several liberal senators in moderate states that have stated reconciliation is NOT an option for them. Reid is an Idiot. No use trying to argue with him.

just do it now, everyone is hurting from increasing health care

Reconciliation = Democrats way of making their own rules when they can't get what they want in a fair vote. I'd expect no less from the party of Obozo.

Some estimates show that up to 200 billion a year could be saved with comprehensive medical malpractice reform if Dr's didn't have to practice defensive medicine. Has anyone calculated how much more taxpayers will pay because the trial lawyers are more important than taxpayers.

Sure, get this version passed, let the south opt out and the rest of the country can have cheaper health care. Otherwise, use reconciliation. Republicans did it for their tax cuts to the wealthy paid for via a credit card so why not?

Don't talk about it, just do it if the Repubs try to filibuster.

Whats the use to say anything, democrates dont listen nor do they respect the American people. Why Vote, Why Complain, Why even say anything. Obama wants to be a black dictator and the Democrates have their own private agendas to control your life. So why vote why complain why say anything.

FINALLY! Get 'er done guys.

Betcha the states that opt out will be the ones whose citizens need it the most, and will be mainly( if not all) Red states. It's time to quit copping out on this.

By "forecasting" outrageous price increases if the proposed projects become law, the private insurances have factually telegraphied what they intend to do.

As competition between the HBOs is a story for innocents (see what happens with the "competition" between the oil companies), now a public (or a publicly regulated coop) option is the only alternative left to avoid a catastrophical further increase of cost of healthcare in the US, already by far the most expensive in the world and of mediocre average quality, even if the medical science is the most advanced here

I hope he uses it, it will wipe out any chance the Dems have in the next election. Go for it, love it. 2012 we will repeal the balogna. Read the polls, this dude called Obama is steadily tanking at the fastest rate in approval of any President since the polls were taken.

Do it Democrats, make it crystal clear of how much you are willing to turn your backs on the American people. The revenge will be sweet in 2010 and 2012. Can't wait.

It's just about guaranteed that any Democrats, or Olympia Snowe, for that matter, who votes via reconciliation for this egregious waste of money will put themselves directly in the sights of every Republican, Independent, and fiscal conservative in the country. People just aren't going to stand for that kind of heavy-handed tyranny. 2010 and 2012 will become single-issue elections decided long before election day.

And my guess is that the Democrats and Olympia Snowe know this. They have a choice: They can appease the far-left, or they can keep their jobs. They can't do both. It's that simple.

It's just about guaranteed that any Democrats, or Olympia Snowe, for that matter, who votes via reconciliation for this egregious waste of money will put themselves directly in the sights of every Repunlican, Independent, and fiscal conservative in the country. People just aren't going to stand for that kind of heavy-handed tyranny. 2010 and 2012 will become single-issue elections decided long before election day.

And my guess is that the Democrats and Olympia Snowe know this. They have a choice: They can appease the far-left, or they can keep their jobs. They can't do both. It's that simple.

Now will they provide us the same type of service that they are providing us with the pig flu vacine? You know, we give them money and then we wait and wait and wait and then nothing.

I think that Senator Reid and President Obama should corral all of the Liberal and Conservative Democrats together and gain some consensus on the Public Option and then proceed. Forget about Olympia Snowe and the Republicans since they were never on board with healthcare reform in the first place and in the second place, their real agenda is to slow down and eventually kill any healthcare reform initiative. I want to see party discipline and solidarity in the Democratic Party. President Obama should be inculcating both and showing leadership in this issue. Everyone should be marching in lock step in the same direction on this issue. To do this, everyone has to put aside his/her petty preferences and agendas and do what is good for the nation as well as the party. Doing this would be the salvation of the nation and the party.

Screw Bipartisanship.....repubicans wont vote for anything except if it helps the RICH Insurance companys who are lining thier pockets.
As a matter of fact I don't see any of them doing anything on capital hill.. GET THEM OUT!

This is disgusting and the left wingers will pay for stuff like this in 2010. We will take our country back; people are sick of crap like this.

I think the people have spoken, and quite clearly. We don't want a government run health Care bill. That's why the Democrats are having such a hard time passing it. To ignore the view of the majority of Americans and strong arm this bill through, will be a disaster for the future of the democrat party. Get off the ego trip and listen to the Public who you work for and do the right thing.

My insurance rates are going to climb by about $30.00 each month if I re-enroll in my current plan. They will be over $1000.00 a year. I am getting letters frequently that tell me to inform them very soon what my decision will be. I am holding off until I see what Congress comes up with. I hope we will have a public option for 2010.

To me, it is indefensible that the Republicans and some of the Democrats do not vote the way their constituencies want them to.

Talk about the proverbial nail in the coffin if he pulls this stunt.

Once again the Democrats try to change the rules to suit their needs of the moment.

If they use Reconciliation it will be because they lack the Democrat votes, not the Republican votes.

Everyone will lose with this public option. It's not reform in any way, shape or form. This bill does not address TORT reform, shopping for insurance across state lines or private co-ops for small businesses.

The Finance Committee said no to the public option for a reason. It's called COST. We will never be able to pay for the public option, just like we can't afford Medicare now.

The public option is a pay back to UAW, the teacher's unions, and every other union out there

Good bye America, Hello socialism. A 2.2 percent profit by insurance carriers has led the crazies on the left of the aisle to ruin America. Congratulations lefties enjoy your last couple of years in office. The conservative party will be taking over both the house and senate in the next couple of years.

Democrats worked hard to gain a majority so that this and other progress could be made. If our time and financial support for these candidates was wasted, it will be a long --long time before Democrats will turn out again. I won't go door to door and ask people to support these candidates when they fail to deliver real reform. What can I say when Democratic voters ask me to explain why a 60-member majority fails to pass the legislation that they worked so hard for?

The Demo-rats make me sick- I hope they are voted out in 2010.

people, please tell the two clowns-Reid...PeLIEsi– that everything they shovel down out throats this year will ALL be undone in 2012.

Another Hypocrite of the democrat party.

Don't do it Harry or you will lose for sure. On second thought.....

"I don't think there will be a single Republican voting for whatever we do on the House side," Clyburn said.
_______________________________________________________
There would be if you came up with a plan that did not increase the cost of health care. Spending $900 billion to increase the cost of health care in the US is ignorant and irresponsible in today's economic environment.

Reid is a total jerk and the perfect example of what is wrong with politics in America.

Absolutely never attempts to unite, always working to divide the nation.

I know this blog is about health care.... and I'm pleased to see some action with the public option. Hopefully, States will have a referendum or some kind of vote BEFORE they opt out and deprive their citizenry of the choice.

In a non-related item, having read the Elizabeth Edwards' story after the blog closed, I would like to use this blog say how totally moved I was by a post there by "Michael in Las Vegas"....You brought tears to my eyes, and a new understanding that men, too, can be caring, kind, wise and totally loving. Thank you for lifting my day.

Hoping that you read this.

Barbara – Canada

Are you kidding me... Again the jokers in Washington (no matter what party) have to resort to legislative tricks. I think that using reconciliation to pass a bill of this importance will be the end of the Democrates majority in both houses of congress. The majority of this country will respond to any legislative trick to pass this bill as an attack on our individual rights (sorry liberals but facts are facts). It is a violation of our right to force us to pay for something like health insurance (again sorry liberals but it is a fact). I do believe, it is time to tell the left liberals and right conservatives (both of which make up less than 30%) that our country in not going to be controlled be either of them anymore. Please will true moderate independent people form a viable 3rd party.

The fact that it's "always an option" is why the Democrats in power will not be there long.

The right answer to any question on reconciliation is that it "should be used in only the most emergency of situations" regarding budgetary circumstances.

Just because you have a 53% mandate doesn't give you the right to circumvent the law to completely ignore the wills of the 47% minority.... unless you're a Liberal, I suppose?

You bet cha, buddy. If the Repukes and Dirty Dogs don't want to play, then kick them out of the game.

It isn't bipartisanship, Rep. Clyburn. It's called democracy and reconciliation subverts that. Put it up for a vote. If it passes, fine. If it doesn't, go back to the drawing board. Reconciliation is a rule that shouldn't even exist, for either party.

Tyranny by the minority with the acquiescence of the majority...

...weird doesn't begin to describe it.

A new character for The Wizard of Oz – a donkey singing about wanting to get a spine.

The reconciliation will come on election day!

What happens if a state decides to "opt out" of the public option?

What happens when residents of that state want it but the gov says "no?"

I will be those residents will move to a state that HAS the public option!

Or sue their state, and they should!

Harry Reid is an idiot and an Obummie boot licker. No reasonable person believes in their socialist agenda. Bend over kids of generations to come. Change has come and your hope of having something is gone.

Naturally Clyburn would want to have the Senate perform some sort of misdirection procedure in order to circumvent Democracy and the American way! He like so many Dimwits actually believe that they are entitled to some sort of government hand-out at the expense of the American taxpayer! Throw these parasites out of Washington NOW!

Let the Democrats own this baby!!! Like my Daddy used to say, "ya can't polish a turd!"

Dont let states choose if I get health coverage or not. We voted for a democratic majority to address this issue. If you are not rock firm in your choice, it will be as useless to the people as not having the option at all.

Opt out plan.that is like,your kids not taking candy after trick or treating. Give me a break.Dirty Harry thinks we are all stupid and If Neveda voters send him back to office I will believe they are sheeple,like the idoits that keep re-electing Pelosi.... How stupid is this,does the state that opts out still have to pay,thru taxes,or some other dues,for the states that do not? How would that be done? like Social Security,where if you pay in everyone gets to draw from it?No wonder government programs are failures,with the fools we keep sending to run our country.

Show some guts Harry and go for it. "NO" rush-beck-licans will vote "NO" however it is designed!

Reconciliation is an option and voting out anyone that supports the unamerican underhanded socialist policies of Reid, Pelousi, and Obama. Remember who votes yes and vote no to them in 2010.

What ever it takes, Sen. Reid... what ever it takes.

Hey and, while I'm at it... Tort Reform: I'll bet Lisa Strong's doctors are begging for it's passage now. Unbelievable... what a strange country we live in..

do whatever you haveto do i need my free helth care