# Congress will kick the can down the road on health care **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [May 19, 2009, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congress-will-kick-the-can-down-the-road-on-health-care/497015 "2009-05-19T21:55:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Captain\_Carrot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f0a364/32.png) [@Captain\_Carrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Carrot)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2009, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congress-will-kick-the-can-down-the-road-on-health-care/497015/21 "2009-05-19T23:51:13Z")
Also hundreds of thousands of Japanese civilians who did not defend Japan from a land invasion with sticks and stones. > [@Carol\_Stream](#): > > I’m aware that it wasn’t a good example, that’s why I commented on it. And conveniently ignored the other two examples. And he didn’t say it wasn’t a good example, he said it wasn’t a very good example. There’s a distinct difference in common parlance. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2009, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congress-will-kick-the-can-down-the-road-on-health-care/497015/22 "2009-05-19T23:52:58Z")
It would be impossible to be surprised. The resistance to progressive health care is huge, well financed, and entrenched. One mustn’t forget that the Clintonista “pro-business” wing remains a very powerful force in the Dem party. I think they can see the writing is on the wall, and this thing is going to happen, but are eager to portray themselves as moderates and keep the insurance company campaign money flowing it. So they seek to delay rather than obstruct, allow the health insurance interests to start moving their money elsewhere. But the train is coming, and you can step off the tracks, or you can stand there. ---
**Author:** ![XT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xt/32/456_2.png) [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2009, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congress-will-kick-the-can-down-the-road-on-health-care/497015/23 "2009-05-19T23:56:26Z")
And the possibility that they might just think it’s a bad idea could never enter into it, right? It’s got to be about sucking up to the insurance corporations and catering the Big Business™, ehe? Well…you are right about one thing. We are going to find out. One way or the other… -XT ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2009, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congress-will-kick-the-can-down-the-road-on-health-care/497015/24 "2009-05-19T23:58:05Z")
> [@xtisme](#): > > To be fair, Obama doesn’t seem to be in favor of a single-payer system either (contrary to what a lot of conservatives seem to believe). Also…well, there is this economic crisis going on atm so it might not be the best time. No, that’s what makes it the right time. Our present system is an expensive ideological self indulgence that provides inferior care for a great deal more money. > [@xtisme](#): > > And the possibility that they might just think it’s a bad idea could never enter into it, right? It’s got to be about sucking up to the insurance corporations and catering the Big Business™, ehe? Not a “bad idea”; an ideologically offensive idea. They don’t care if it’s good or not. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2009, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congress-will-kick-the-can-down-the-road-on-health-care/497015/25 "2009-05-19T23:58:43Z")
Don’t presume to give me lectures on how to think, **XT** , I do not accept your credentials. ---
**Author:** ![XT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xt/32/456_2.png) [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2009, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congress-will-kick-the-can-down-the-road-on-health-care/497015/26 "2009-05-20T00:00:26Z")
[QUOTE=elucidator] Don’t presume to give me lectures on how to think, XT, I do not accept your credentials. [/QUOTE] I’m commenting on what you said, not presuming what you think there chief. Perhaps you should go back and re-read your own post, ehe? -XT ---
**Author:** ![XT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xt/32/456_2.png) [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2009, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congress-will-kick-the-can-down-the-road-on-health-care/497015/27 "2009-05-20T00:04:53Z")
[QUOTE=Der Trihs] No, that’s what makes it the right time. Our present system is an expensive ideological self indulgence that provides inferior care for a great deal more money. [/QUOTE] I disagree, but I guess we’ll see, ehe? It’s not up to you or me to determine if this is the right time or the wrong one. > [@](#): > > Not a “bad idea”; an ideologically offensive idea. They don’t care if it’s good or not. _shrug_ YMMV…generally I try not to paint in such cartoonish colors myself. -XT ---
**Author:** ![boytyperanma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4491bb/32.png) [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2009, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congress-will-kick-the-can-down-the-road-on-health-care/497015/28 "2009-05-20T00:06:24Z")
I love how the people making the decisions on health care are already covered with taxpayer money. I think they should strip congress of health care and see how fast they come up with a solution. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2009, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congress-will-kick-the-can-down-the-road-on-health-care/497015/29 "2009-05-20T00:11:26Z")
Oh, come now. You introduce a perfectly simplistic objection, as though you were arguing with a simpleton who had never considered that an opposing view might have merit regardless of the advocate. Well, duh. Thanks for the tip, I’ll take it under advisement. ---
**Author:** ![interface2x](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/c0e974/32.png) [@interface2x](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/interface2x)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2009, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congress-will-kick-the-can-down-the-road-on-health-care/497015/30 "2009-05-20T00:20:10Z")
> [@Carol\_Stream](#): > > Yes actually, I do. Tell me, when has the philosphy of “I’m from the government, and I’m here to help” actually worked? When someone’s house was on fire? When I needed to get to work in the morning and found that there were paved roads that led me there? The last time I wanted to get a birthday card to my brother and it cost me less than $0.50 to have him receive it from 1,200 miles away? ---
**Author:** ![Captain\_Carrot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f0a364/32.png) [@Captain\_Carrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Carrot)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2009, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congress-will-kick-the-can-down-the-road-on-health-care/497015/31 "2009-05-20T00:27:49Z")
> [@interface2x](#): > > when someone’s house was on fire? > > When i needed to get to work in the morning and found that there were paved roads that led me there? > > The last time i wanted to get a birthday card to my brother and it cost me less than $0.50 to have him receive it from 1,200 miles away? SOCIALISM!!! SOCIALIST FASCIST MARXIST! Ok, fine, not all caps ---
**Author:** ![Carol\_Stream](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c2a13f/32.png) [@Carol\_Stream](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carol_Stream)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2009, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congress-will-kick-the-can-down-the-road-on-health-care/497015/32 "2009-05-20T00:39:25Z")
> [@interface2x](#): > > The last time I wanted to get a birthday card to my brother and it cost me less than $0.50 to have him receive it from 1,200 miles away? Oh, well, _now_ you’ve convinced me. Enjoy your Hallmark moment. ---
**Author:** ![Rumor\_Watkins](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d9b06d/32.png) [@Rumor\_Watkins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rumor_Watkins)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2009, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congress-will-kick-the-can-down-the-road-on-health-care/497015/33 "2009-05-20T01:13:49Z")
watch how fast healthcare costs will drop if we build 100 new med schools. private, for-profit health insurance isn’t the problem (though it needs some tweaking). the problem is private, for-profit health insurance in an environment of chronic undersupply of medical practitioners perpetuated by the doctor lobby. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2009, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congress-will-kick-the-can-down-the-road-on-health-care/497015/34 "2009-05-20T01:23:16Z")
> [@xtisme](#): > > _shrug_ YMMV…generally I try not to paint in such cartoonish colors myself. It’s hardly my fault that the Republicans are “cartoonishly” evil and incompetent. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Tao\_s\_Revenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/73ab20/32.png) [@The\_Tao\_s\_Revenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Tao_s_Revenge)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2009, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congress-will-kick-the-can-down-the-road-on-health-care/497015/35 "2009-05-20T02:12:53Z")
> [@Carol\_Stream](#): > > I don’t hate Americans, or anyone else, for that matter. You’re a tool for saying so. Why do you rejoice in their misfortune then? ---
**Author:** ![Carol\_Stream](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c2a13f/32.png) [@Carol\_Stream](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carol_Stream)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2009, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congress-will-kick-the-can-down-the-road-on-health-care/497015/36 "2009-05-20T02:18:14Z")
> [@The\_Tao\_s\_Revenge](#): > > Why do you rejoice in their misfortune then? I didn’t rejoice in anyone’s misfortune. I’m just glad that UHC is being kicked down the road, at least for now, as it should be. ---
**Author:** ![Captain\_Carrot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f0a364/32.png) [@Captain\_Carrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Carrot)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2009, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congress-will-kick-the-can-down-the-road-on-health-care/497015/37 "2009-05-20T02:31:17Z")
How is that not their misfortune, and what precisely is so bad about UHC? ---
**Author:** ![Carol\_Stream](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c2a13f/32.png) [@Carol\_Stream](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carol_Stream)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2009, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congress-will-kick-the-can-down-the-road-on-health-care/497015/38 "2009-05-20T02:38:00Z")
> [@Captain\_Carrot](#): > > How is that not their misfortune, and what precisely is so bad about UHC? Where did you get this ahistorical notion that health care is an entitlement? ---
**Author:** ![Rumor\_Watkins](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d9b06d/32.png) [@Rumor\_Watkins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rumor_Watkins)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2009, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congress-will-kick-the-can-down-the-road-on-health-care/497015/39 "2009-05-20T02:45:35Z")
> [@Carol\_Stream](#): > > Where did you get this ahistorical notion that health care is an entitlement? Usually if you talk about an “entitlement” it suggests it is provided free. I wasn’t aware of any money gnomes that descend from fairytale land to pay for this stuff? So that would mean that society collectively pays for it? How is that an “entitlement” exactly? ---
**Author:** ![Carol\_Stream](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c2a13f/32.png) [@Carol\_Stream](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carol_Stream)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2009, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congress-will-kick-the-can-down-the-road-on-health-care/497015/40 "2009-05-20T02:52:47Z")
> [@Rumor\_Watkins](#): > > Usually if you talk about an “entitlement” it suggests it is provided free. I wasn’t aware of any money gnomes that descend from fairytale land to pay for this stuff? So that would mean that society collectively pays for it? How is that an “entitlement” exactly? I don’t think it’s an entitlement, which is rather the point. Do try to follow along. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congress-will-kick-the-can-down-the-road-on-health-care/497015.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congress-will-kick-the-can-down-the-road-on-health-care/497015.md?page=3)