What about if we let each state decide to participate in a federal public option?

[dubeskin]

Now I'm by no means a states' righter, however, it seems that perhaps some of the Republicans would be more open to letting the states decide. How about a federal public option that state legislatures have to approve to participate in for their constituents? That way, the more liberal states would participate, and then once the program gets going the more conservative states would be inclined to join, after seeing proof that the program works. Or even take it one step further and try to initiate federal health care, but follow the same path and allow states to opt in to the program or not.

I apologize if this has been mentioned before. I've been away from DU for a while, but slowly returning again now that a lot of the hysteria seems to be dying down, heh.

[RDANGELO]

1. That has occurred to me also. n/t

[catbyte]

6. I'm afraid that

it makes too much sense. I'm convinced the repubs are committed to shooting down ANY health care reform, no matter how logical it sounds. They are so blinded by hate and resentment that they will do anything--no matter how harmful to their constituents--to ensure that President Obama doesn't get a "win" here.

It's so pathetic and wrong--downright immoral. They should be ashamed of themselves.

Diane

Anishnabe and proud

"Idiocracy" was a documentary

[valerief]

8. "Go 'way! 'Batin'!" nt

[B Calm]

2. I would feel sorry for the progressives in southern states, but

it's not a bad idea. I think Dennis Kuchinich has introduced just such a bill. This is how Canada got national health care.

[redqueen]

3. That's how it started in Canada... in Saskatchewan. (nt)

[Lyric]

4. Because the wealthy states would opt-out, the poor states would opt-in

and then only poor people would be paying for it. Poor people alone can't AFFORD to keep it afloat by themselves.

See the problem?

[subterranean]

12. I disagree. Most of the wealthier states are liberal.

I'm pretty sure most of them would opt in. If it proves cost-effective, even some red states would follow.

[niyad]

5. why should the accident of living in a state run by idiots affect one's health care?

[gkhouston]

7. Texas would opt out, despite having many uninsured/underinsured. Molly Ivins

didn't call it the National Laboratory for Bad Government for nothing.

[Feron]

10. Hey now, don't give Texas all the credit.

Louisiana is working hard to ensure that our government is even worse than Texas's.

Although there is also Arkansas and Mississippi....

[Proud Liberal Dem]

9. I don't like it

Admittedly, because my State, Indiana would NEVER opt to participate in it. Anybody anywhere in the country should have the choice of a public or private plan IMHO.

[Feron]

11. I agree.

Some states have to be dragged kicking and screaming into the late 20th century. Unfortunately my state, Louisiana, is one of them.