"Start over on healthcare reform?"

[pbrower2a]

I have seen one stock phrase emanate from Republicans on healthcare reform:

"Start over".

Such would be political suicide for President Obama, the dream of the GOP, and the chance for the GOP to have control of government as complete as that of a Commie, Fascist, or Ba'ath party for an indefinite time. Think about it: the House and Senate both voted for it, and Reconciliation  is a legitimate process. Starting over would require that President Obama veto legislation that he introduced and promoted -- erratic behavior that would ensure his defeat in 2012. Such would obviate any "need" for Republicans to win a majority in 2010 to make possible a repeal of healthcare reform in favor of the preferred choice of Republicans -- that if one gets a costly ailment and doesn't have adequate profits-first insurance one DIES.

[pbrower2a]

No Insurance=Cheaper Health Care

Health care is not the same as auto care. Without health insurance, hospitals would have to compete against each other, thus lowering the costs of procedures.

Auto insurance is competitive. Homeowners' insurance is competitive. Life insurance is competitive.

I believe that the public option is the right way to deal with the basic needs of insurance, including "pre-existing conditions" like gout, asthma, diabetes (a huge medical cost), and lupus --  and catastrophic circumstances, but excluding occupational risks (should be passed onto the consumer) and bad habits (alcohol and cancerweed). If you smoke or drink you should reasonably have to pay more because such behavior is a choice.

Social security did not kill the life-insurance industry, and Medicare did not kill the medical insurance industry.  Maybe the public option must have a high deductible but cover preventive care.   

Health insurance companies could sell supplemental, "luxury" coverage, including coverage for risky occupations (employers should pay more for high-risk occupations such as coal mining)  and for low-deductible supplements.