For Red States, Opting Out is Not An Option

News Type: Event — Seeded on Tue Oct 27, 2009 4:59 PM EDT

Article Source: Crooks and Liars

politics, healthcare, public-option, healthcare-reform, red-states, red-states-socialists

While the Obama White House, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Congressional Democrats debate among themselves whether the so-called "opt out" public health insurance option endorsed by Reid will be included in reform legislation, Minnesota Governor and GOP presidential wannabee Tim Pawlenty has already weighed in. Asked if he would "lead a charge" in his state to opt out, Pawlenty replied, "I think so because I don't like government run health care."

That's easy for him to say. As it turns out, Minnesota is the exception that proves the rule of red state socialism. An increasingly blue state with the 4th best health care system in the nation, the Land of 10,000 Lakes sends far more tax dollars to Washington than it receives in federal spending in return. But for Pawlenty's fellow Republican refuseniks, leaders of red states offering dismal health care and a beneficiaries of a one-way transfer of taxpayer funds from DC, opting out may not be an option.

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2.9

{"commentId":10320341,"authorDomain":"killfile"}

Killfile

This is something I've been thinking for a while - opt out is a trap for the right. There's just no way the Red States can survive if they stay outside that system. You essentially let the conservatives throw themselves on their own sword by making it opt out.

{"commentId":10320341,"threadId":"710939","contentId":"3431860","authorDomain":"killfile"}

6 votes

#1 - Tue Oct 27, 2009 5:12 PM EDT

{"commentId":10322056,"authorDomain":"TR966"}

TR-421173

Those who lack health insurance now are far more likely to live in states that usually vote Republican — the states whose senators and representatives are least likely to support a law to extend coverage. That would seem to indicate that Republican constituents are the ones who would most benefit from passage of universal health insurance coverage.

Facts & a map of states with largest lack of insurance.

http://tr966.newsvine.com/_news/2009/10/27/3428872-the-divided-states-of-health-care-

{"commentId":10322056,"threadId":"710939","contentId":"3431860","authorDomain":"TR966"}

4 votes

#1.1 - Tue Oct 27, 2009 6:35 PM EDT

{"commentId":10324583,"authorDomain":"redsfan"}

redsfan

If a state opts-out of a public health care option...and the people of that state continue to see their lives ruined by high insurance rates and anti-human-life policies...and see that the people in other states are not having their lives ruined by such insurance problems...the Republicans that force an opt-out will be voted out of office before they know what hit them.

{"commentId":10324583,"threadId":"710939","contentId":"3431860","authorDomain":"redsfan"}

3 votes

#1.2 - Tue Oct 27, 2009 9:07 PM EDT

{"commentId":10321541,"authorDomain":"par4thecourse"}

Par4TheCourse

It was just mentioned on the Ed Show on MSNBC (6pm eastern) that the independent/Republican Liebermann will vote against the health reform package.

As for what you say (Killfile) - the Opt-out is a good idea for one reason as you menioned - it will through the voters of their state vote them out if they take it away.

{"commentId":10321541,"threadId":"710939","contentId":"3431860","authorDomain":"par4thecourse"}

4 votes

#2 - Tue Oct 27, 2009 6:07 PM EDT

{"commentId":10321783,"authorDomain":"toponer"}

toponer

I see your point. But this sends a bad message, because the red states will then choose what laws they want to complied with. What's next? Rove vs Wade. President Obama needs to realize that he can not compromise with the interest of the American people. He is such a sell out, he is selling us out just like he sold out Rev. Write. Senator Reid is a joke! He is no leader. He has to be the worst leader in the history of the senate. Leader Pelosi has more cojones than this guy. I will change my party as of now. Hello Independent party, and so long cowardly democrats.

{"commentId":10321783,"threadId":"710939","contentId":"3431860","authorDomain":"toponer"}

1 vote

#3 - Tue Oct 27, 2009 6:20 PM EDT

{"commentId":10324750,"authorDomain":"par4thecourse"}

Par4TheCourse

If you were a representative - would it be important for you to be re-elected or Opt out?

{"commentId":10324750,"threadId":"710939","contentId":"3431860","authorDomain":"par4thecourse"}

2 votes

#3.1 - Tue Oct 27, 2009 9:20 PM EDT

{"commentId":10322668,"authorDomain":"merlo54838"}

mike from wisc

I don't think you will see only red states opt out. I think many more will follow.

{"commentId":10322668,"threadId":"710939","contentId":"3431860","authorDomain":"merlo54838"}

1 vote

#4 - Tue Oct 27, 2009 7:09 PM EDT

{"commentId":10328557,"authorDomain":"ronco104"}

ron c. baker sr.

the far wrong-wing pubies want reform...it's just that they wont support any plan that will achieve it !!!

luv,

ron

{"commentId":10328557,"threadId":"710939","contentId":"3431860","authorDomain":"ronco104"}

1 vote

#5 - Wed Oct 28, 2009 5:54 AM EDT

{"commentId":10330389,"authorDomain":"celiaarm"}

CCArm

As soon as I heard the "opt out" option, I knew the public option was doomed. Letting states opt out is a cop out and it pisses me off to no end.

I assume this will be up to the Govenor and state legislation, so, Oklahoma is screwed.

{"commentId":10330389,"threadId":"710939","contentId":"3431860","authorDomain":"celiaarm"}

1 vote

#6 - Wed Oct 28, 2009 9:42 AM EDT

{"commentId":10367304,"authorDomain":"toponer"}

toponer

This is a joke, I rather see this thing die, than see this horrible bill pass. I rather see the democrats go back to being the minority party, because they have squandered the opportunity that the American people gave them. Many of these same democrats now have bigger offices, and chairmanships because of the hard wok that liberal groups did, especially, President Obama. They have completely betrayed us, and this we should remember next time they come around asking for our help, money and votes. Then we will see who opts out.

{"commentId":10367304,"threadId":"710939","contentId":"3431860","authorDomain":"toponer"}

1 vote

#6.1 - Thu Oct 29, 2009 9:30 PM EDT

{"commentId":10332439,"authorDomain":"par4thecourse"}

Par4TheCourse

The opt-out option of the plan - is a Political thing.. It gives an excuse to Vote for it to the Politicians .. so when they go back to their states and then asked about it.. they can say.. Hey! I voted for it so in about a year we can opt out of it if we want.

It is only a Ploy .. Politicians count on Votes to get in - right? So this gives them an excuse.. this is all that is about... nothing more or less...

{"commentId":10332439,"threadId":"710939","contentId":"3431860","authorDomain":"par4thecourse"}

2 votes

#7 - Wed Oct 28, 2009 11:12 AM EDT

{"canLink":false,"threadId":"710939","isPrivate":false}

KILLFILE

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For Red States, Opting Out is Not An Option

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