WSPC Retreats

Hmmm, the WSPC is calling on people to sign a PETITION SUPPORTING SIGNIFICANT HEALTH CARE REFORM NOW that will then be delivered to Senators Murray and Cantwell. The problem with the petition, however, is that Resolve # 4 “Support, at a minimum, a strong public option bill, preferably involving an improved version of a Medicare-type program, expanded to cover those under the age of 65, and insist that private insurance plans be strongly regulated, to disallow cherry picking or exclusion of persons with pre-existing conditions” is contrary to previous action by the WSPC wherein it called for the enactment of single payer.

While the petition does in fact advocate for single payer (HR 676 and SB 703) it nonetheless provides an escape hatch for lawmakers via a [yet to be written] “public option”. A public option leaves the profit takers in the game. The medical profits industry has been and will remain a major problem.

What good is it for members of a caucus to take a position if others within the caucus, however well-intentioned they may be, later dilute caucus action? Where was the discussion and debate?

From a purely tactical standpoint, the fact that some “progressives” have already signaled retreat from single payer sends a lousy message to Congress. Lawmakers look at we the people as shrinking violets who lack the guts to battle for health care justice. There is no line in the sand! The crapola that will pass as “reform” will not solve the health care crisis in the U.S Nonetheless, come election time people will go “baa, baa, baa” and reelect their abusers.

If an overwhelming majority of Americans believe single payer is the answer, why settle for less? Why cede one more inch of democracy and justice? Christ almighty, haven’t the past several decades proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Congress gives us the finger, does what it pleases, and then dares us to do something about it? They’re betting on a one horse race! They know that our society currently lacks organized advocacy.

It is the job of “progressives” to educate, agitate and organize Instead, some self-described progressives appear willing to concede while declaring victory.

In closing, please spare me the baloney about not “sacrificing the good in pursuit of the perfect”. For starters, that cliché is usually double-speak for “retreat”. And having been around for a period of time spanning seven decades, I’ve learned perfection does not exist. I also know the “public option” is not good. Neither perfect nor good are currently in the cards. Members of Congress are gearing up to give us the sleeves off their vests.

And in keeping with the battered person syndrome that is gripping America, our tormentors will be returned to office coe election time.

(Where is the militancy that brought us the New Deal, the Civil Rights Act, and an end to the war on Viet Nam? All those victories were achieved because people had the gumption to get off their dead leads and take to the streets! Recently, a group of Young Democrats asked me why too many people in the Democratic Party appear all to willing to ”go along to get along”? They asked, “where is the fire of commitment”? I sure as hell didn’t caution them about sacrificing the good in pursuit of the perfect. I told them to educate, agitate, and organize.