McConnell Strategy, Or Strategery?

Via Michelle Malkin who has the latest on the Health Care reform issue, including scheduling and action steps. Keep the pressure on today. Burn the phones.

As regards RedState's criticism of McConnell, while it's fun and easy to hate on the guys there, I'm of a slightly different mindset with this bill. The best McConnell could ever hope to achieve was to hold the Republicans, assuming he does for the vote, and make this a D versus R issue. That includes in 2010 and 12 if need be. With the benefit side in outlying years and the financial and social costs of this ridiculous bill significant, within view, and of far more interest to the majority of Americans, this could prove to be the defining issue of 2010 - and 2012 - even with a final passage.

It is time for Republican lawmakers in Washington and Republican voters all over America to ask themselves the following question: when it comes to legislative leadership, is this the best we can do?

I'm not suggesting giving up. As Michelle advocates - keep up the fight! And remember, this simply gets it out of the Senate. There are new obstacles in the House, thanks in part to McConnell, and there's no way of knowing what a joint bill will look like. We don't even fully know what this one contains, nor does any one Senate Democrat now owning it.

But the real fight for America here needs to be won or lost at the ballot box, where it should be. This bill is an entitlement and a hand-out to parts of America and an ideological dream unfulfilled to the far Left Democrat base.

Making them choke on it won't just prove McConnell's worth, it can prove the worth of the entire conservative philosophy. There are worse positions to run on in 2010. The voters misguidedly gave Dems full control in 2008. And this disaster, among others, is what it wrought. I sense many of them have already figured that out.

If the Dems secure passage, and they may not, we need to convince voters of what today's new Left really is and wants and what conservative principles stand for in opposition. All things considered, we and America may not emerge in the terrible position some might suggest. It ain't over till it's over. And this isn't over unless we self-destruct, spending more time in-fighting, than fighting the real political enemy.

Comments

[bitterclinger]

Until this thing is killed or dies a well-deserved death, please refer to it as DEMOCARE. They own it, lock, stock and barrel.

[mark l.]

no complaints from me about mcconnell.

for over the past 20 years, the gop has had bob dole, trent lott, bill frist, and now, mcconnell, as their leaders.

dare I suggest that he mitch is the best the gop has offerred in the past 20 years?

i guess red state pines for the gravy train system that lott coordinated with delay and k street, or perhaps the charisma of bill frist...a guy who endorsed one of the many incarnations of the healthcare bill, without even seeing it.

[WPE]

United States: $7290
Switzerland: $4417
France: $3601
United Kingdom: $2992
Average of OECD developed nations: $2964
Italy: $2686
Japan: $2581

http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/46/4/38980557.pdf

[Pasadena Phil]

I will continue to fight as a Tea Party activist. I absolutely WILL NOT support THIS Republican party. Republicans contributed mightily to where we find ourselves today and it is insane Dan to argue that Americans "unwisely" voted for Obama and the Dems. The GOP did not provide an alternative. And the same GOP leadership that led us there IS STILL IN CHARGE.

We were losing landmark liberal legislative battles by one vote even when Republicans were in control of everything. Yesterday, we lost a key battle by one vote again. The only difference is that it didn't take the "Gangs of McCain" with the Dems in control.

If you want to see the end of infighting, get this corrupt GOP leadership out of our faces. We need new generals. Based on the latest polls, there are more chiefs in the GOP than their are Indians as their numbers keep dwindling together with the Dems' numbers. It's up to the GOP. End the infighting. Surrender.

[Pasadena Phil]

By the way, for John McCain to appear on Fox this morning as the GOP point man was a disaster. He introduced legislation last year pushing for much of what is in THIS bill, particularly stripping much out of Medicare. He was (and is) a ferocious (if one can use that term when he is not fighting conservatives) advocate for Cap and Trade. The GOP has the same problem as the LA Clippers and Detroit Lions: bad leadership. It's up to the GOP to fix that. We Tea Party conservatives don't have to reboard the foundering GOP Titanic that we were providentially kicked off of before it sailed.

[Sissy Willis]

Don't know whether you've covered this, but what do you make of the Soros-backed project "to steal the 2012 election for President Obama and congressional Democrats by installing left-wing Democrats as secretaries of state across the nation"?

http://spectator.org/archives/2009/12/04/soros-eyes-secretaries

[Dan (blogger formerly known as GayPatriotWest)]

What's most infuriating about the RedState piece is that Davis never says what McConnell should have done to stop this trainwreck--never suggests the strategy he should have deployed. And he doesn't note that McConnell managed to keep GOP caucus united, keeping moderate showhorses like George Voinovich in line (even though the Ohio Republican has nothing to lose because he's not running for reelection) and keeping the Maine ladies off the precipice, despite Mrs. Snowe's vote for the Baucus bill in committee. No small task given the media pressure for Republicans to buckle.

Imperfect McConnell has been, but, in many ways, he's been a lone warrior, fighting against a political and media culture rooting for his failure.

And for those who want to replace the GOP with the Tea Party, think again. Given the reality of the American political landscape, like it or not, we have a two party system. Issue is to get the GOP to incorporate Tea Party ideals into their platform and policy--and there is increasing evidence that many of the party leaders get it. Note how the NRSC pulled back from its endorsement of Crist in Florida. It's a start, but we need keep fighting. First, to stop Dems attempt to increase size and scope of federal government, second, to restore GOP to Reaganite principles.

[KingShamus]

Yeah, I can't hate on McConnell when it comes to this issue. What was he supposed to do? Punch Harry Reid in the nuts everytime he said 'health care reform'?

Also, I don't think a lot of Americans signed up for this when they voted for the Democrats. I believe they wanted to give the GOP a time-out and they didn't exactly figure St. Barry to be the bonehead socialist thumbsucker he's turned out to be.

So the Americans are starting figure out their mistake. The best McConnell can do is keep drawing clear distinctions and make sure the public knows that they can correct their error by voting Republican in 2010 and 2012.

[sanjuro]

Maybe McConnell couldn't punch Reid in the nuts but he and the rest of the pathetic GOP legislators could fight to ABOLISH the bill NOT "fix it".

This bill has nothing to do about health and everything to do about obtaining raw power, total control over the American people and the GOP wanks treat it like it's some freakin' highway bill.

The dems have broken parlimentary procedure, run roughshod over the Constitution and the only emotional outrage the repubs show is "I must respectfully disagree with my learned friend, the esteemed Senator from blah, blah blah".....snore.

This self appointed patrician class must be brought down.

[North Dallas Thirty]

"United States: $7290
Switzerland: $4417
France: $3601
United Kingdom: $2992
Average of OECD developed nations: $2964
Italy: $2686
Japan: $2581"

Ah, I see the puppet and syncophant WPE is back.

Here's a thought; wonder if the leftist unions and their gold-plated health plans that the Obama Party is now excepting from taxes have anything to do with that high average?

Here's a great example:

"The second and biggest issue deals with the amount of health care costs for which employees will be responsible.

Currently, workers contribute a monthly health care fee on a sliding scale: no cost for an employee with no dependents; $19 for one dependent; $21 for two dependents; and $23 for three dependents; and so on. The union would like to see this system stay in place.

The City of Poulsbo is offering to pay a maximum of $750 per month per employee, with the remainder the responsibility of the individual. Any of the $750 not spent in a month would be set aside in a dedicated, tax-free Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) account for that group member and could be used for future medical costs. Employees could choose between KPS, Group Health and Teamsters for their medical coverage.

Both shop stewards for Teamsters local 598 have chosen not to comment on the proceedings at this point. As of Herald Press time, the Teamsters negotiator was unavailable for comment.

Health care has been an issue between the City of Poulsbo and a number of its employees in recent years. A memo sent to all city employees in August 2003 explained that in the last five years Poulsbo has seen a 70 percent increase in Teamsters insurance, a 47 percent increase in Group Health insurance and a 30 percent increase in KPS coverage. In 1999, the City of Poulsbo paid $381,908 in insurance costs, whereas in 2003 that number jumped to $677,530."

http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/kitsap/nkh/news/19744419.html

Let's see....$750 per month x 12 comes out to....what a surprise, $9,000 per year! And this was in 2004 -- wonder what it is now? Multiply that times every unionized employee in the country, and we can see very quickly how that would skyrocket an average, wouldn't it?

So in the name of cutting costs, I'm sure the silly WPE will state that workers don't deserve these benefits and that they should be heavily taxed, right?

Ooops, turns out the Obama leftists are writing union plans exemptions to the taxes that they intend to impose.

"Longshoremen have been exempted (page 362) from the 40% “Cadillac plan” excise tax which will be assessed on comprehensive health insurance plans"

http://www.atr.org/index.php?content=reidmantaxhikes&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AmericansForTaxReformRssFULL+%28Americans+for+Tax+Reform+FULL+CONTENT+RSS%29

So what's up with that, WPE? You scream and whine that "Cadillac plans" are driving up costs and should be penalized, but then you exempt ones for your union buddies who pay you "campaign contributions"? Why don't they have to follow the rules?

[WPE]

Problem with reading comprehension? When the City of Poulsbo says a max of $750 per employee, that's including coverage for the employee's dependents. So your math, as usual, is off. It's not too late, remedial math classes are available nationwide.

And the driver of costs is price increases for coverage imposed by the Big Health Insurers. But NDT always blames the working stiff.

Funny how all those bastions of Socialism in Europe pay so much less than we do and get as good or better coverage. What happened to all those cost-benefit analysis Fiscal Conservatives love to talk about.

As usual, you're making stuff up. I never posted anything about cadillac plans. Wanna prove I did, post the link.

[North Dallas Thirty]

"When the City of Poulsbo says a max of $750 per employee, that's including coverage for the employee's dependents."

Wrong. It states that nowhere in the article. You're merely spinning and lying to cover up your usual hypocrisy and your refusal to tax Cadillac benefit plans for union members because they pay kickbacks and bribes to your Obama Party masters.

And of course, like clockwork, the shill tries to blame the health insurers.

"And the driver of costs is price increases for coverage imposed by the Big Health Insurers."

Price increases that come about because of increased utilization, brought about by union demands that health insurance cover everything. Pity your ignorant parents never let you learn the basic lesson; doubtless when you wrecked your car and drove up your insurance premiums, they paid the difference for you. Your ignorance of the insurance industry and its requirements is made obvious every time you open your mouth. Perhaps with some remedial education and a real job, instead of a welfare check, you could actually contribute something useful to society.

"Funny how all those bastions of Socialism in Europe pay so much less than we do and get as good or better coverage."

Actually, they don't. They don't have choices and they don't have any freedom to pick providers, plans, or levels of coverage. Furthermore, the massive taxes that they pay to fund their "free" programs sap their economy and drain the productivity of their businesses.

In the United States, we have a simple system; choose what you want and pay it yourself. You can even elect higher coverages than you need, as we see with your union buddies -- impossible to do in your socialist paradises, where health care is rationed and people are regularly denied benefits above and beyond.

So what's up with that, WPE? You scream and whine that "Cadillac plans" are driving up costs and should be penalized, but then you exempt ones for your union buddies who pay you "campaign contributions"? Why don't they have to follow the rules?

[Clay Barham]

GO TO PERSON
Every family should have a “go to” person who can give answers to political and issue concerns, as suggested by Rush Limbaugh. Learning how means starting at the roots, the beginnings and differences between two sides of the same coin, which is all there is. One side is long established, where the few rule the many, irrespective of their labels. The other side is the newest, that of individual freedom and limited government. Why do many follow each side, and why the conflict between them? What side do current issues come from, such as health care, cap and trade as well as amnesty for illegal immigrants? What side of the coin most impacts the lives of your family, to whom you provide the answers? Call up claysamerica.com for the roots of both sides and improve your understanding of the issues so you have the answers. Claysamerica.com

[mark l.]

funny thing about the cost wpe is pointing out.

the obama plan wasn't about fixing the cost, and even the cbo has pointed out that it will lead to an increase in health expenditure.

he'd be better off sending the numbers to the dem caucus. it is, after all, their plan.

[WPE]

Let me explain it since your reading comprehension seems to be zero.

"Currently, workers contribute a monthly health care fee on a sliding scale: no cost for an employee with no dependents; $19 for one dependent; $21 for two dependents; and $23 for three dependents; and so on. The union would like to see this system stay in place."

Then it says:

"The City of Poulsbo is offering to pay a maximum of $750 per month per employee.."

Try hard, concentrate, you can do it. There's an obvious connection there.

From that Socialist Mouthpiece, BusinessWeek:

"Another survey out today blows holes in the oft-repeated claim that the U.S. has the best health care in the world. The survey, of 10,000 primary care doctors in 11 wealthy nations, found that American patients are far more likely to lack access to medical treatment because of insurance restrictions or cost, despite the fact that the U.S. spends twice as much per capita on health care as any other developed nation.

All told, 58% of U.S. doctors said their patients often have difficulty paying for medications and other medical care, compared with 5% to 37% in the other countries surveyed. In addition, U.S. doctors are less likely than those in the other countries surveyed to offer care outside of regular office hours, and are far, far behind several other nations in the use of electronic health records that could reduce errors.

The U.S. spent $7,290 per person on health care in 2007 — more than double the expenditures by Britain, France and Germany — with no meaningful edge in the quality of care on a number of measures, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. The UN ranks France the best in the world for health care."

http://www.businessweek.com/blogs/money_politics/archives/2009/11/doctor_survey_u.html

http://www.commonwealthfund.org/Content/Publications/In-the-Literature/2009/Nov/A-Survey-of-Primary-Care-Physicians.aspx

[North Dallas Thirty]

That would be because the "quality of care" as defined by these leftist organizations fits the Marxist model -- as long as it's free, it doesn't matter how good it is.

For example, according to the Commonwealth Fund's "study", it doesn't matter how qualified your doctor is as long as they have later hours. It doesn't matter if the drug you're being given actually works as long as it's cheaper. It is irrelevant how long you have to wait to see a specialist as long as that specialist uses electronic record-keeping.

Isn't it amazing how the leftist organizations that want to push universal health care find these measures that make the United States look bad? It's just like the Obama Party's endorsement of a study on people "dying for lack of insurance" that takes a one-time look at a group of people and blames their deaths at any point in time on "lack of insurance" -- without checking to see if they actually had insurance when they died. It's typical of Obama Party "studies" in which bankruptcies caused by gambling and drug use are blamed on "medical costs".

The problem here is that welfare WPE wants someone else to pay for his health care rather than working for it. That's typical; the Obama Party is full of "parents" who need other people to pay for their children's health insurance so that they can afford their brand-new Volvo and Suburban.

[mark l.]

"The U.S. spent $7,290 per person on health care in 2007 — more than double the expenditures by Britain, France and Germany — with no meaningful edge in the quality of care on a number of measures, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development."

"with no meaningful edge in the quality of care on a number of measures"?

i guess rate of cancer diagnosis and success of treatment didn't make the cut.

survival rate from all types of cancer is 50% more successful than the UK.

[Lovenguth]

No, a few international families decide everything. They use demography as a tool from which to assist them in who, what, when, where, and how, they might strike. Why is simply a matter of greed.

Under the guise of corporation stock symbols they finance elected weird wealthy or ignorant affirmative action graduated persons who lie on their behalf and give them whatever they demand.

A strong and once powerful America is now simply another empty shell of simple minded, in debt, over weight, falsely degreed, incarcerated cry babies.

America has become one huge ghetto in which a private prison industry, under the name of law enforcement, created by the republicans and democrats at the bequest of non Americans has lost its purpose and identity. For a few pieces of gold we were sold to China.

The new TEA polictical party may be the only viable group to prevent a complete takeover of what little is left of America. This non violent eggort must be accomplished by a unified vote in November 2010 to begin clearing out those elected officials who were financed by these corporations.

History shows greed to be the common demoninator of most cultural failures. America as a nation has fallen socially and economically and must return to its independent mindset to remain free of those who seek total ownership of American resources and the American people. A return to an independent leadership is paramount. The business of the republican and democrat party's is not American any longer. Just look around and see that we the people have been had and are being held captive by new restrictive laws voted on by both republican and democrat officials. We the peole are but cattle waiting to be slaughtered.

Jorge Antonio Lovenguth USMC (H) Vietnam returnee and United States Senator candidate 2010 Florida Tea polictical party. This taking over of America can still be stopped and the demographics indicate we can stop this takeover. http://www.teaparty/pro

[WPE]

Yes, it's true, on some stuff, the US is better. Course of you want to cherrypick, Cuba has better breast cancer survial rates than the US, France and Japan also have better survival rates on some cancers than we do. Then within the US, rates vary by state, city and race.

But if you look at the big picture, we pay much more than any other country in the world without commensurate returns.

Cost-benefit analysis says we're getting screwed.

Life Expectancy by country
3 Japan 82.12.
8 Canada 81.23
9 France 80.98
36 United Kingdom 79.01
50 United States 78.11

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2102rank.html

[mark l.]

life expectancy?

please. I can find an island nation that spends next to nothing on healthcare that blows your cost benefit analysis away.

uk v us?

try calcualting it based on people who have reached 50 years of age, and their life expectancy, and you'll se that the us exceeds uk.

"But if you look at the big picture, we pay much more than any other country in the world without commensurate returns."

so, from your view of the big picture...

will our life expectancy move up suddenly and exceed the the highest numbers on life expectancy, or will the cost go down drastically? would you sacrifice 1000 per individual on cost, if only a half year of life expectancy was lost? or would you spend 1000 more to gain a half year on the average?

your current utopian view of a plan you haven't even seen, provides that cost will go down while life expectancy will go up?

at least this is consistent with lib theory on global warming- co2 has increased, while temps have decreased...

[mark l.]

how much will healthcare costs go down?
how much will life expectancy increase?

these are the two metrics which YOU have selected to gauge healthcare success.

I have been advised to expect my health insurance to increase by 30%, before the healthcare plan even goes into effect, as a result of the plan. Are you telling me that my costs will be going down?

[WPE]

I want to pay less AND have a longer life expectancy.

Just like Great Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, etc.

[mark l.]

"I want to pay less AND have a longer life expectancy."

move to macau. or andorra.

http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/hea_lif_exp_at_bir_tot_pop-life-expectancy-birth-total-population

life expectancy is 84.33 years, therefore they must have the best healthcare in the world.