I agree with Prairie Sunshine, too. If we don’t get it this time around, vote the bastards out and get people in who understand our health system will not work well without a public option.

that middle-class Americans—i.e., Harry and Louise—depend on and are largely satisfied with

Who are they talking to who are satisfied with the status quo?

Harry and Louise… That’s one of the vague ‘talking points’ that pols or lobbyists cook up that is totally without foundation, but which is hard to refute unless you have enough time to acccess current polling that asks the right questions on the (or any) matter.

but what do you suggest if someone wants to argue the benefits of competition?

Start with, oh, say:

In Canada, health care spending is about 10% of GDP
In the US, it’s about 17% of GDP.

In Canada the cancer recovery rate is better than the US.

Then you could detail all of the other illnesses where Canada exceeds the US in recovery and cure. Then compare the average lifespan, and the infant mortality rates of both countries.

And close with the idea that health care is a right in any civlilzed nation in the 21st Century, and that the ‘competition’ model is not appropriate in a matter where people are so vulnerable, because when you lose your health you lose your life, emotionally and practically speaking.

Conclude with the notion that ‘competition’ or making obscene profits is not some sacred corporate right that is to be worshipped, or that the US will cease to exist because we raise the standard of living among all citizens because accessible health care has been elevated to the level of a basic right for all US citizens.

Senate Feels Kennedy’s Absence in Health Care Fight

Or you can see it as Republicans taking another extreme position which will allow Obama and the Democrats to propose a public plan that really sucks in the name of “bipartisanship”. All or nearly all Republicans in the same bipartisan spirit will vote against whatever bill comes up anyway.

It is always important to remember that just because the Republicans are evil on this doesn’t make Obama and the Democrats saints.

Then they will have no incentive to keep costs down, because we’ll have to buy it anyway.

and can you believe anyone is still fronting the False Gods of “Free Markets” and “Invisible Hand” at this stage ?!?!