Framing

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.  

There's a cute .pps circulating, called "Noah today," with spectacular photos of gathering storms. Actually, this presentation represents thinking that originated with the Heritage Foundation, intended to undermine people's support for government regulations.

Leonard Salle (may G-d rest his soul), politely reprimanded me for circulating a previous version that was about all the things we used to do "back in the day" that didn't need regulation or safety protections.