Man! That AMA crowd is sure cheerin' fer this ........

[Stinky The Clown]

.... and that ought to worry all of us.

[rurallib]

1. excellent point!

pay close attention to what the AMA endorses

[Gman2]

2. Those guys could harpoon ANY effort at reform!

Like the elites tried in Venezuela. This will have to be a pragmatic effort. Any other would fail. Obama's genius is he could talk Netanyahoo into accepting Pal state. He can talk right leaning doctors into being patriotic, and fair/devoted. Not everyone is as left as WE are. Preserving political capital is essential. Any ramrodding costs tenfold, the soft touch. With the SAME RESULTS. I am impressed by this man. If we have a chance, we chose well.

[JuniperLea]

3. Wonder how much they have invested in the current "Health Care Industry"

It is a for-profit industry, just like any other. Follow the money... I'm betting some of the booty ends up in the pocke of AMA members.

Edited to say: We need a "Health Care System" not a "Health Care Industry."

[JerseygirlCT]

4. I don't know. I found it heartening, actually

I've yet to talk to a doctor who didn't want this system reformed.

My skepticism was for the pundits, busily setting the AMA up as Obama's enemy. I don't think the group is nearly so monolithic as they were being portrayed. They don't want to be told how to treat patients - and they're right about that. I think they also realize that right now, in many cases, they're being told just that - by bureaucrats at insurance companies.

[Stinky The Clown]

8. That's the rub

AMA represents only about 15% of the docs in the US. yet they have the loudest voice.

It would be a mistake to equate the AMA's stance with that of the vast majority of docs. The AMA is aligned with the inurance companies, who are the friends of neither the docs or the patients (us).

[JerseygirlCT]

9. That's true

I'm sure, from the insurance cos' POV, this isn't a discussion of health care for all, it's a discussion of how to put them out of business. (Not that I'm crying for them, mind you).

[madrchsod]

5. the ama represents a minority of doctors in the usa

i have no idea why anyone would put stock in what they say. spending a shit load of money to fly to chicago to suck up to these losers is a waste of taxpayers money.

[JPZenger]

6. Each group would kill over 20% of the plan

There are a large number of professional associations, health care groups and insurance companies that are in favor of 80% of a health care reform plan. However, each of them will fight to the death to prevent the other 20% of the plan. The problem is, that 20% is different for each group. It will not be easy.

[Badgerman]

7. k/r

[Badgerman]

10. Look the Repugs screwed us, and now the Dems are...they have the same employers!!! n/.t