Healthcare reform: A summary of discussions UPDATED

Ok, there are no updates because nothing has changed.

A summary of healthcare reform discussions to date:

• The citizens want the freedom to get sick whenever they want with no worries about how the resulting care will be paid for.
• Republicans want to keep the system as is. In fact, they would prefer that the system would become more costly because we all know that the GOP exists solely to make the wealthy wealthier. They could care less if people die in the streets as long as the above happens. They would, however, prefer that those dying not come from the ranks of the wealthy.
• Democrats want job security for themselves. The more responsibility given to government, the better they feel about themselves and their chances for getting re-elected. They believe getting sick and running up costs is a right we should ALL be able to enjoy. Their ultimate goal is for every American (except for Nancy Pelosi and a few other non-poor Dems) to have the same take home pay.
• Physicians just want to be left alone. How can a non-physician tell them what to do? They have $200,000 in med school debt that proves they are smarter than the average bear. They want tort reform because the more tests they have to order, the later they get home at night.
• Insurance companies have done no wrong. They have good ideas on how every other stakeholder group can be reformed. If they have to concede on anything, they will allow the government to give them more business by mandating coverage for all. That's a lot to ask of them, but they are being patriotic.
• The major media outlets are excited about reform, particularly its more controversial aspects. After all, divisiveness is a profit center for them. They fully intend to do everything they can to be sure that reform chugs along. Reporting on angry old men and very sick people dying because of lack or insurance coverage = RATINGS. Reporting on people working together in healthy and happy ways = BOR-ING.

We all lead busy lives, so I hope this summary helps you keep up with this very important topic. It will allow you to fulfil your civic duty of complaining about the performance of government and yelling at your neighbor if he has a different view.