Health Care Passes Senate and House Again: All Fixed?

Image from source, MSNBC

Well, that was anti-climactic. After a year of out-and-out craziness alternating with tedium, the health care reform vote last weekend was full of drama. It was as tense and nail-biting worthy as the 2008 election. Then, it was off to the Senate for the "fixes" bill, where Republicans vowed to really gum up the works. They gave it a go, even going all night Wednesday night. But by Thursday, they were apparently out of gas. The Republicans caved--even though they did put a dinky little stick in the spokes, causing a further vote in the House to get it done. But with no drama at all, the fix-it bill went to the House, was voted on, and. . .done. That's it!

I am among the Democrats who isn't 100% thrilled with the final outcome. This is the real reason that it appeared that health care reform was massively unpopular. Many of us thought it didn't go nearly far enough. But most of those on the left side of the issue would agree that something needed to be passed. If it had failed, it would likely be a dozen or more years before it was even tried again. This way, there is a foundation to build upon. Could a public option come down the pike? A single-payer plan? Maybe, and I hope so. But that wouldn't have been possible without something to build it on.

[Excerpt]

Dems victorious in final health bill 'fixes' vote

Capping an epic struggle, congressional Democrats put the final touches Thursday to historic legislation enshrining health care as the right of every citizen. Republicans vowed to campaign for repeal in the fall election season, drawing a quick retort from President Barack Obama: "I welcome that fight. . ."

Read more at: MSNBC