OBAMA SPEECH

An excellent speech to Congress on health care reform. I regret lack of a strong demand for the public insurance option and for surtaxes on the rich but his presentation of his plans to the American people was impressive and effective.

However, one element puzzles me. The President called for a competitive insurance exchange, perhaps including a public option, to become available in four years. But would we not be demanding insurance coverage and insuring the uninsured before four years from now? These millions would then be buying coverage, often subsidized by taxpayers, from private insurers before competition results in lower premiums.

Is this interpretation correct? If so, why? Perhaps Hugh Murray or my other reader could answer these questions for me.

REPUBLICAN RESPONSE TO OBAMA SPEECH

Rep. Charles Boustany, a heart surgeon, gave the Republican response to Pres. Obama's speech to Congress on health care reform. Congress has been working on this legislation for many months. While every day Americans lose coverage, go bankrupt, or even die under present system, Dr. Boustany urges Congress to "start over" I certainly wouldn't want him to start a heart operation on me.

from Facebook

Right wing parents rail against proposed speech by Pres. Obama urging children to stay in school. Protesters vehemently oppose beneficial health care reforms, which Congress seems unable to pass. What are we? Ungovernable? Zimbabwe? Somalia?