Dr's In: Round and round she goes!

With all the hyperbole by Democrats and Republicans I’ve been trying to hang on to the singular issue that has shut the Government down. The centerpiece of this catastrophe played out before our eyes blinded by posturing and rhetoric.  It’s very simple really, for whatever the Republicans are saying the one issue they remain firm on is the destruction of ObamaCare.  Not one Republican spokesman has suggested they are willing to revisit and allow ObamaCare to move forward.  It continues to be a Tea Party obsession.

Why are the Republicans so solidly against ObamaCare?  After all it opens the doors for millions of Americans to get affordable health care.  How many Americans can currently get health care coverage at $300+ a month?  Many will qualify for subsidies reducing their cost even further.  I know people paying $2000.00 a month due to medical conditions.  Others can’t get coverage at all. At the exchanges, no one can be refused and health care can be available for all.  The 50 million uninsured who could be served are mainly represented by working poor families.

Companies that whine the most can also take advantage of the exchanges and possible save money to boot on health care expenditures.  ObamaCare is a win-win and believe me I have a number of issues with ObamaCare. I am a single payer advocate.  

Whenever I see a block of politicians stand so firmly and resolute on an issue I start sniffing around for the true motivation.  After all politicians are known for bending with the wind so why such a hard line on ObamaCare?  The war on ObamaCare has forced Obama and the Democrats to draw a line in the sand.  ObamaCare, as the President has said, is here to stay.

I will admit the Republicans have done a masterful job of confusing the rank and file to the possible evils of ObamaCare.  They have overdone this argument suggesting Death Panels, bleating that Americans don’t want it, doing all they can to sabotage the first opportunity in our history to get people insured for their health care. Why would they risk so much credibility to stand against it?

 I am reminded of the efforts to protect the tobacco industry and the distilleries.  I am reminded of pharmaceutical scandals to protect prescription drugs that proved harmful.  It brings to mind the expression, “Follow the Dollar.”  Is that what we are dealing with? 

One has to ask, who will gain if ObamaCare goes down?  One might look at the health insurance industry.  Under ObamaCare they face scrutiny in their methods and regulation they have never experienced in the past.  Before ObamaCare the lack of oversight has allowed them to jack up rates, refuse insurance outright, block payments due to pre-existing conditions, set up barriers to portability, and many other abuses.  

They protect their turf with huge lobbying efforts pouring literally millions into the coffers of elected officials.  When they spend that money they want a return on their investment and they get it from a very corrupted congress. 

They are not the only ones fearful of ObamaCare.  Physician specialty groups have many concerns with a regulated insurance industry as does pharmacy groups and hospital associations.  However within these groups there are also advocates for ObamaCare.  

Primary Care doctors have the most to gain with the ability to get paid for services and refer to specialists. Often doctors are frustrated unable to get hospitalization or specialty care for the uninsured patient.

I see the Tea Party as the visible enemy to ObamaCare; I think the real treachery lies deeper.  Perhaps the Health Care Insurance Industry but radical anti government groups cannot be ignored.

One has to wonder who poses the greatest danger to our Nation, the Middle East terrorists or those extremist Americans within the country who would destroy our government and way of life.  That may bring us back to the Tea Party.