Herb Kohl: Only Minor Health Care Reforms

I think Obama and the Democrats' current strategy in discussing government-run health care can be summarized in two words: Say anything.

We are getting so many conflicting reports from House and Senate members. Especially disturbing are the conflicting comments coming from Obama and the White House.

You'd think that Obama and the White House could get on the same page, maybe hold a meeting and get the talking points straight.

Of course, the Democrats usually manage to all read from the same script. Even their hacks in the media echo the same points.

This is different. I believe the confusion is completely intentional.

I think the Dem marching orders are to tell the people what they want to hear, whatever that may be. Cover all bases. Without a clear position, it's more difficult for opponents of a government takeover and socialized medicine to counter the claims.

Right now, the Dems seem to be saying what's convenient.

I do think that strategy will backfire because it makes the Dems seem terribly disorganized and incapable of arriving at some consensus.

The Dems can't be trusted when they're willing to pander and say anything. Rather than pacifying their constituents, the Dems' words become meaningless.

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (AP):

Controversial health care reforms, including a public option to compete with private insurance, and other major policy changes affecting the health care industry likely won't happen this year, U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl (D-Wis.) said Monday.

"It won't be earth-shattering; there are too many politics involved," Kohl said.

...Aside from the public option, Kohl said, he doubts other reforms he supports, including government-negotiated prices for medication and living will conferences, will be in the legislation that's eventually passed. Congress will pass some smaller reforms this year, he said, but nothing sweeping.

The Democratic lawmaker visited Eau Claire to present two grants, but his appearance quickly turned into a 70-minute debate with an audience of about 35 on health care reforms. Several audience members spoke out against Democrat-backed health care proposals, arguing government intervention would just worsen the problem of health care costs.

Kohl said detractors of health care reforms supported by Democrats might take solace in knowing major changes, namely the public option, aren't likely this year.

"I don't think that will happen, so you can feel some comfort in that, perhaps," he said.

Kohl took the easy way out, telling people not to worry, saying there will be no sweeping overhaul of the health care system in the U.S. in the very near future.

Don't believe it.

It's a mistake for detractors of the government takeover to listen to Kohl, and "take solace in knowing major changes, namely the public option, aren't likely this year."

In effect, Kohl is telling people to relax, don't worry. The real message: Back off. Nothing to see here. Move along. Stop being so engaged.

Americans can't let up. They can't take the pressure off. Complacency on legislation as important as this could prove disastrous.

I don't find any solace whatsoever in the thought that socialized medicine in the U.S. will not be forced on Americans until sometime next year.

ObamaCare will not be any better in six months or twelve months.

Obama's dream of government-run health care, a single payer plan, won't be any easier to swallow in 2010.

There's no solace to be found under Obama's plan.