Comments on: The Overturned Medicare Veto: AGood First Step Toward Resolving The Problems Of Privatization http://pnhp.org/blog/2008/07/21/the-overturned-medicare-veto-agood-first-step-toward-resolving-the-problems-of-privatization/ PNHP's official blog Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:04:31 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Greg http://pnhp.org/blog/2008/07/21/the-overturned-medicare-veto-agood-first-step-toward-resolving-the-problems-of-privatization/comment-page-1/#comment-92 Greg Mon, 28 Jul 2008 23:11:34 +0000 http://www.pnhp.org/blog/?p=35#comment-92 I agree 100% with Jack -- very well stated. Also, there is also a large propaganda machine that these industries have used such as the Harry and Louise commercials in the early 90's to dissuade voters from supporting healthcare reform. However, I do believe that there are some scenarios where single-payer or some other significant reform model could be implemented. If some time in the future, the healthcare system completely disintegrates as the costs and number of uninsured and underinsured spirals out of control, the elected leaders will have to listen. I am talking about a situation where the healthcare issue receives continuous media coverage the same way that global warming, the mortgage crisis, rising fuel prices and other economic issues dominate the current news headlines. It could require massive protests similar to the march on Washington in 1963 for the enactment of civil rights legislations. I don't know what it will take to get the attention of the media and the elected leaders but I don't think we have reached that point yet. I also believe that while the many organizations endorsing the single payer model have made significant progress in recent years in gathering support for their cause, much more effort will be needed to "sell" their idea to the public. This means that significant fundraising efforts will have to occur to create a P.R. and lobbying machine advocating true healthcare reform to counterbalance the efforts of the insurance and drug industry lobbyists. I agree 100% with Jack — very well stated. Also, there is also a large propaganda machine that these industries have used such as the Harry and Louise commercials in the early 90’s to dissuade voters from supporting healthcare reform.

However, I do believe that there are some scenarios where single-payer or some other significant reform model could be implemented. If some time in the future, the healthcare system completely disintegrates as the costs and number of uninsured and underinsured spirals out of control, the elected leaders will have to listen. I am talking about a situation where the healthcare issue receives continuous media coverage the same way that global warming, the mortgage crisis, rising fuel prices and other economic issues dominate the current news headlines. It could require massive protests similar to the march on Washington in 1963 for the enactment of civil rights legislations. I don’t know what it will take to get the attention of the media and the elected leaders but I don’t think we have reached that point yet.

I also believe that while the many organizations endorsing the single payer model have made significant progress in recent years in gathering support for their cause, much more effort will be needed to “sell” their idea to the public. This means that significant fundraising efforts will have to occur to create a P.R. and lobbying machine advocating true healthcare reform to counterbalance the efforts of the insurance and drug industry lobbyists.

]]> By: Jack Lohman http://pnhp.org/blog/2008/07/21/the-overturned-medicare-veto-agood-first-step-toward-resolving-the-problems-of-privatization/comment-page-1/#comment-91 Jack Lohman Sun, 27 Jul 2008 23:11:59 +0000 http://www.pnhp.org/blog/?p=35#comment-91 Money! Campaign contributions. The insurance industry owns our politicians, lock, stock and barrel. Only a corrupt political system could achieve blockage year after year. Money! Campaign contributions. The insurance industry owns our politicians, lock, stock and barrel. Only a corrupt political system could achieve blockage year after year.

]]> By: John Geyman http://pnhp.org/blog/2008/07/21/the-overturned-medicare-veto-agood-first-step-toward-resolving-the-problems-of-privatization/comment-page-1/#comment-90 John Geyman Sat, 26 Jul 2008 10:39:43 +0000 http://www.pnhp.org/blog/?p=35#comment-90 I do not understand how every individual in the world knows our health care system is broken yet we have not produced the leadership necessary to bring it all together & fix it...especially considering we know how. What in your opinion is the number one obstacle to a U.S. led, morally accessible healthcare system available to everyone? In the world? I do not understand how every individual in the world knows our health care system is broken yet we have not produced the leadership necessary to bring it all together & fix it…especially considering we know how. What in your opinion is the number one obstacle to a U.S. led, morally accessible healthcare system available to everyone? In the world?

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