Yea or Nay on Health Care

How will health care pan out? This week will surely supply the answer as the House Democrats (no Republicans, essentially) debate on the Senate bill. They are looking for every possible means to expedite the passage and ensure they have a majority when voting comes. I believe that the Senate bill is a flawed bill, but still doable and ought to be passed. The question is whether the Democrats have the political acumen to get it through to President Obama's desk.

Several caveats will play into the final result. First, the old notion of states' rights has reappeared with increasing importance. Idaho just passed a law stalling health care reform in that state. Other states have threatened the same. Even if done inconspicuously, states and anti-federal lobbyists wield influence since state representatives, after all, compose Congress. Second, grassroots movements are having an effect. They are calling representatives' offices incessantly in support of (or in opposition to) the bill. Many rallies are scheduled here in the New York area. Finally, the Congressional Budget Office's final assessment of the total costs will also be important. Many senators are reluctant to support the bill because of potential costs. A favorable estimate from the neutral body will help spur passage, even more than any political-process concoctions the Democrats may conceive.

We will know in one week the future of health care reform. Much of it depends on political acumen, some on grassroots efforts, but most will come down to will. Can the Democrats will themselves through this difficult task and complete the journey? Their political livelihoods and our personal livelihoods both depend on it.

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Just a side note: think Jose Mourinho isn't tasting the sweetness of revenge after his Inter knocked his former employers Chelsea out of the Champions League? Say it isn't so - it was deserved and Jose must be enjoying it inside. Chelsea and its fans are wondering what might have been.