Republicans are saying Democrats will prevent them from using the public option. Why not do this?

Really.

That's pretty much the idea behind the public option, actually, and why the insurance companies and their bought-and-paid-for legislators hate it so much -- they know people won't want to pay more for cruddy private insurance when they can get public insurance like America's seniors.

I am a Republican and I fully support your idea. I would forfeit my right to be covered under the national health care system and stick with my "normal crappy private insurance".And sure, cut off federal funding for my "Republican dominated county". That sounds great! But at the same time, don't tax my income. If I'm not getting access to Federal Programs and Services, then I shouldn't have to pay for it.

The government has the right to take my money. I have accepted this. But I have the right to have my own opinion and my own vote. That's how this system works.

And just for the record, I do in fact think that letter the RNC sent out was fear mongering, and that my party needs a major change in leadership to reflect true Republican. Most of us really aren't Bible Thumping, Fox News Quoting extremists. But that's where the party gets it's money from. I'd quit, but unfortunately I have too many ideological differences with the Democrats. So...I'm kind of stuck.

Just pass and implement health insurance reform AND include a Medicare like 'public option'. Everything will then evolve to everyones satisfaction. Rank and file republicans are only against it because they listen to way too much right wing radio. If they keep the insurance they have, fine. If they see that the public option is less expensive for the same level of insurance then they'll change or not as the spirit moves. Overall a public option HEALTH INSURANCE venue would be be good for the country so that's what should be done even if the insurance industry is opposed. If the democrats have the votes they should just do it. My opinion!

I'm with DNA and resistance on this one.

@ Bush : You do realize that most of the things you will be "removing" should be and in most cases are the province of local and state governments, right?

This actually reinforces dna's point. Keep the feds out and then they CAN'T come by with quotes to remove water pipes, streets, etc.

The free market is a great idea, it's too bad that what we have with health insurance today is not a free market.

If it was, then you could change health insurance providers as easily as you can switch from All State to Geico, but you can't.

There should be two options, a public option and a private option. Just like there is public education and there is private education. I don't see anything wrong with it.

In the current state of our health-care system the private companies have abused the system, creating two options is the only way to build accountability within it.

They can use the public option as soon as they pay off the $11trillion in real debt that they ran up in Iraq and tax-cuts.

@ dna fairy. I will be over to your house tomorrow to give you a quote on having your water pipes removed. someone will be in the next day to tear up the roads as well. That goes for you too Resistance.

Next week: We will allow some chemical companies to come in and dump some waste just outside your property line, and we will finish removing the Fire and Police and Hospitals that serve your area. After that, since the bank still owns your house, you will be evicted. Then your citizenship will be revoked and you will henceforth be called the "united state of dna fairy". we will inform our allies and enemies that you are no longer part of the Unites states and no longer under its military protection.

Have a nice day.

"Or better yet...why not just cut off all federal funding for Republican dominated counties period? They hate the government after all."

Do that AND exempt them from the income tax, and I say "sign me up!"

80% of this country cant even get private inc,and if they did for a family would cost most of their check ad least were I work.And each state has their on laws in regards to medicare.In Ar.you can NOT get medicate if your a women unless pg a man cant get help at all unless disabled.

seems as us republicans' income tax are the ones funding your medicare and public health insurance, I would say that you have no other choice but to keep us in the loop.