Did I state "Republican" principles?? If so, it wasn't intentional, by ANY means.

My stance is, come up with a good plan and then, if the plan is actually good, then fight for the plan.

Democrat leaders in general and President Obama in particular seem to have ignored BOTH those alleged principles...

If those are "Republican" principles then I accept your definition.

What Obama is really trying to do is "get the best return for our investment". This is your point, Chris, that we simply spend way too much per person on healthcare.

Assuming we agree (and I don't see any problem with your hypothesis, as far as it goes) how do any of the myriad of plans floated by the Democrat leadership address this one simple point? I don't see how any of them do, but I bow to your expertise on this matter. I mean that sincerely.

It's simple. And it provides a framework for understanding reform. Any reform must help us get a better return.

Again, we are in complete agreement.

Where we differ (I believe) is whether or not what is being floated by Democrats constitutes "reform" in any way, shape or form.

Hopefully, the President will clear up all the confusion tomorrow night.

But, considering he has had months to do so and has, to date, failed.... I don't hold out much hope..

Michale.....

As part of this stand, I hope he articulates some simple principles which should drive the reform.

The Republican principles as restated by Michale and others seems to be "limited government and let the market work." (Never mind what these same principles did to our economy- but that's another story.)

What Obama is really trying to do is "get the best return for our investment". This is your point, Chris, that we simply spend way too much per person on healthcare.

It's simple. And it provides a framework for understanding reform. Any reform must help us get a better return.

David

Obama's speech on Weds will be the confirmation of whether or not this is a true statement.

Michale.....

And do you realize progressives are actually *demanding* the kind of top-down leadership that got Clinton in trouble? While the teabag zombies marched at town hall, Obama was building the momentum in the netroots. Even congresscritters are asking for him to own a plan.

That's the lesson Obama took from 1994.