A Message From Congressman Anthony Weiner
The public option lives! Or does it?
Under the proposal of Senator Reid, individual states will be able to decide. But which comes first? The public option or the option to deny it to the public?
Here is the rub. If a public option is created and permitted to operate in all 50 states, I am convinced it will be a success and that it will attract customers who want competition, choice and lower costs. There is no way that any governor – no matter how red the state – will shut down a program that is serving tens of thousands of his or her constituents.
On the other hand, if any governor that wants to appeal to the rabid right can kill the public option before it has a chance to take flight, then this is destined to create a public plan with more holes than swiss cheese.
I’ll keep you posted.
