Health Insurance: Right v Privilege

At the Health Care Summit today, President Obama demonstrated once again that he was in touch with the reality of the majority of people's lives. The fundamental difference was in philosopy: health insurance as a right versus a privilege. The 'privilege' of health care insurance has been proven not to work for everyone and will only get worse for them and the rest of us.  This is our reality.

This exchange is an example of why I believe in President Obama's ideas and leadership as much as I do:

It could become an iconic moment in a six-hour health care summit that was at times a sleepy affair: President Obama debating Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY)--a medical doctor--on whether guaranteeing catastrophic coverage is a sufficient answer to the country's health care woes.

"Would you be satisfied if every member of Congress just had catastrophic care--you think we'd be better health care purchasers?" Obama asked Barrasso. "I mean, is that a change you think we should make?"


"I think actually we would," Barrasso responded. "We'd really focus on it. We'd have more, as you say, skin in the game. And especially if they had a savings account--a health savings account--they could put their money into that, and they'd be spending the money out of that."


Obama's retort left Barrasso speechless:


"Would you feel the same way if you were making $40,000. Or if that was your income. Because that's the reality for a lot of folks," Obama said. (source and video at TPM)

Watching President Obama take charge of that room and address one after another after another after another after another GOP standard talking points, I was reminded of a scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark. Symbolic only! (caution: language on screen)