Feingold and Baldwin - Realists

Yep, that's what this column from The Capital Times says:

But Feingold and Baldwin are, as well, realists.

It's a good thing my chair has arms on it, otherwise, I would have fallen out of it. But, let's back up, shall we?

U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., and U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison, are both supporters of sweeping reforms to the American health care system. Both express sympathy for the single-payer system employed by most other developed countries a model that has seen Canada and other countries surpass the United States in lifespan, access to quality care and cost efficiency.

The first reform should be "tort"! But that's not mentioned, so I'll refrain. The American health care system isn't perfect, but it sure is a lot better than many other countries, including the Canadian system. Why is it that Canadians come HERE to get their health care, if their system is so great? Yes, we have elderly people going north to get their prescription drugs, but where were those drugs developed for the most part? What's the tax burden for supporting the Canadian health care system? I don't know if either of these "esteemed representatives of the people" have noticed, but people have died waiting for health care under socialized medicine. Do the Canadians really live longer? Maybe, but then it's colder up there, and meat keeps longer in a freezer. Ok, tacky of me!

Baldwin has already proven that "creative federalism" as she terms her House proposal can leap ideological barriers.

Uh, excuse me, but what is "creative federalism"? Whatever it is, I don't like the sound of it...sounds expensive.

Among the co-sponsors of her legislation are some of the most conservative Republicans in Washington.

I want their names! No REAL conservative would consider expanding the government bureaucracy, but then I question just how many "conservatives" there really are in Washington, D.C.

By seeking to break the gridlock in Washington with flexible proposals that allow for real reform, Feingold and Baldwin may yet find the cure for what ails the American health care system.

Does anyone remember life BEFORE HMO's? I do. We paid for our doctor's visits, and had "hospitalization". We paid 20%, the insurance paid 80%. Worked really well, until Teddy (hiccup) Kennedy got a hold of it.