This next week or so will be the final chance for a Public Option

[ThomWV]

Let us hope there is strength in the house, and let us support those who would support us because if you don't see a Public Option prevail in the final version of whatever Bill or mix of Bills that go to the President within the next few weeks you will never in your lifetime see it. I believe the President when he tells us this is a matter of international economic survival. I also think that if we do not come out of this with a health care system with at least as much Government control and investment as is found in competing states then we will become as irrelevant on the world stage as Spain or Portugal - two other one-time world-powers.