In an alternate, bizzarro universe, things have worked out very differently in the health care reform debate: President Obama is preparing to sign legislation that includes making Medicare available to all, stringent insurance industry regulations and the ability for Americans to import cheaper medications from abroad.

In this same alternate reality, lobbyists for insurance and pharmaceutical corporations are busy persuading their clients that this compromise represents a "win", even though it will cost them billions of dollars in lost revenue.  In the editorial pages of the Washington Post, Aetna’s CEO defends the President and Democratic party leaders for failing to deliver for his industry, citing the intractability of rogue Senators and arcane rules surrounding the filibuster.  “In his heart of hearts,” the CEO writes, “President Obama really understands the concerns of our fellow insurance corporations and has done his best within the realm of the possible”.

Back in the real world, that would never happen, of course.  

Duluth, MN City Council Member Tony Cuneo, AZ State
Representative Kyrsten Sinema and Senator Al Franken at the Greysolon
Plaza in Duluth, August 2, 2009

Senator Al Franken gave a keynote speech last Sunday to kick off the 2009 Progressive Roundtable, organized by the Commonweal Institute.  He spoke about the importance of passing health care reform and participated in an open discussion with Duluth, Minnesota City Council Member Tony Cuneo and Arizona State Representative Kyrsten Sinema.  The speech and discussion was attended by almost 300 local residents and Roundtable participants.

The 2009 Progressive Roundtable is convening leaders from across the progressive movement to address how idea generators can work with
local- and state-based community organizers and grassroots activists to build more integrated and effective processes for achieving progressive policy change. 

Imagine being diagnosed with cancer.  Then imagine that, shortly after your diagnosis, your insurance company cancels your coverage because you neglected to report a visit to your dermatologist for acne on your application.  According to a June 17, 2009 article in the Los Angeles Times, this is exactly what happened to a woman from Texas. 

This is not an isolated incident: it’s a widespread practice insurance companies call rescission. A recent congressional investigation found 20,000 similar cases of cancelled coverage by three major insurers over 5 years. The investigation also found glowing performance reviews for insurance company employees who used technicalities to cancel the coverage of people with major illnesses, thereby contributing millions in savings to the corporate bottom line.