So, now, there is a public option in the Senate health care bill that is apparently taking shape–of course, states can opt out of the provision which makes it, in my view, weak if we are trying to establish a national standard. I suppose that the opting-out could also mean states could enact a single-payer. Medicare for All-type system.

   But, this made me chuckle:

 But Mr. Reid lost the one Republican who had given Democratic efforts a tinge of bipartisanship, Senator Olympia J. Snowe of Maine. She has proposed a different approach, in which a government plan would become available only if states did not make progress in reducing insurance premiums and covering more of their residents. [emphasis added}

   Others have made the point that it was ludicrous to call a bill "bi-partisan" when it included on Republican. And, now, that tinge is gone–thankfully. It doesn’t help to have a tinge or a smidgen or a glimmer of bi-partisanship if that means a bad bill. The people need political leaders to stand up for what is right and they won’t care if it’s bi-partisan or not if the right thing is done.