Quote from piezoe:
There is a struggle between the the main body of the Democrats and the main body of the Republicans. The Democrats are engaged in an attempt to bring health care to as many in the U.S. as they can. No matter how inept their attempt, how right, how wrong, it is certainly well intentioned.
The Republicans are attempting to ruin the Democrats effort and make them look like fools. The Democrats played into the hands of their executioners by foolishly thinking that the Republicans would go along with them if only they adopted a more Republican approach.
The problem, from a Democrat's perspective, was too many financially ruined, too many lying sick and dying without access to health care. The Republicans, ever aware of the frailties of human nature, all except their own, saw instead increased profits; your loss is my gain. If you are too inept, too lazy, too poor, too stupid, and make too many bad choices, than you are not deserving.
The Republicans used a Democrat to kill the public option, used the Court to kill expansion of medicaid, and didn't even have to lift a finger to save the McCarran Ferguson Act. The Republicans did all this with the worst of human intentions, but nevertheless, in stark recognition of our real nature.
Now we are engaged in round four. Will the Democrats salvage enough from their gutted attempt to bring health care to millions more and make the Republicans look like selfish, greedy fools. Or will the Republicans prevail and and bring this misguided attempt to reverse Darwin to its inevitable, miserable failure. To the fit go the spoils. Why should I lift a finger to help you, you lazy bum. Help yourself first. Prove to me you are worthy by getting a minimum wage job and working up the ladder. It is a tough world. Don't expect handouts. No one is entitled to health care . You have to earn it. I've got it. Now, go get it yourself.
The score after three rounds stands at: Democrats = 2 ; Republicans = 2 ; American citizens = 0. American Medical Cartel = 3.