Today’s Selection Of Opinions And Editorials
A Hatchet Job So Bad It's Good The New York Times
"Even with stronger exchanges and a public option, health reform would probably increase, not reduce, insurance industry profits. But the insurers wanted it all. The good news is that by overreaching, they may have ensured that they won't get it" (Paul Krugman, 10/15).
The Hidden Costs Of Obamacare The Wilmington, Del., News Journal
"Not letting a consumer know the price before a service is performed would not be allowed in any other business except health care. This is a major reason the system and its escalating costs are out of control and so high. Medicare patients are charged one amount, Medicaid another and each private insurance company and individual policies are charged yet another rate for the very same procedure" (Floyd and Mary Beth Brown, 10/16).
The Positive Side Of Olympia Snowe's Vote Politico
"The Maine senators vote can be a positive, not only for Snowe but also for the Republican Party and for the country at large" (John Feehery, 10/16).
Democrats Don't Need the Public Option The Wall Street Journal
"By insisting on the public option, liberal Democrats will allow the Republicans, who have no ideas of their own, to cloud the prospects for reform. If this happens, Republicans will be able to divert attention away from reforms most Americans want and instead focus on what Americans disagree on-whether we need a new government-run health plan" (Al From, 10/15).
Reform Exposes Dems' Deep Divide Politico
"Health care reform is a transparent struggle for the soul of the Democratic Party, with two opposing political forces - House versus Senate Democrats - clashing every chance they get even as they near a victory" (Jamie Stiehm, 10/16)
Defections Expose Chamber's Dirty Little Secrets The Washington Post
"What we've also learned this week is how disingenuous the Chamber has become in its Washington lobbying. To hear it from Donohue and his minions, it's not that the business community opposes financial regulation, or universal health care or controlling greenhouse gases -- it's just opposed to every credible idea for doing something about them. And rather than focus on working constructively to improve legislation, the Chamber's default strategy is to try to kill it outright through exaggeration, misrepresentation and outright lies" (Steven Pearlson, 10/16).
Health Reform's Pre-Existing Condition Politico
"There is no way in the world that health insurance companies are going to allow Congress to repeal the McCarran-Ferguson Act, which gives them a pass from federal antitrust enforcement. The insurance industry is the only one, other than Major League Baseball, to enjoy this exemption" (Bob Franken, 10/16).
