GET READY FOR REFORM, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

Despite the over-load noisemaking of a fringe group of self-described protesters through the month of August, it would seem we're on the verge of healthcare reform, with the President set to address the nation and a joint session of Congress tonight.


The New York Times has this piece on the poll numbers, which show despite the clamor, the American people still support healthcare reform, and believe the President will do the job - more than they believe Republicans will. The polls also show a majority of Americans support the public option as well.


Sheryl Stolberg writes...

Despite tensions between moderate and liberal Democrats, there is broad agreement within the party over most of what a package would look like. Four of the five Congressional committees considering health care legislation have already passed bills. Each would require all Americans to have insurance and provide government subsidies for those who cannot afford it. Each would bar insurance companies from refusing coverage for pre-existing conditions; imposing lifetime caps on coverage; or dropping people when they get sick.

Perhaps people have seen some of the numbers that explain where the money paid to premiums which have increased 20% and more have gone.

An investigation in North Dakota showed the following...

Hamm said that of the $418 million in the company's administrative expenses over the past five years, the audit found "millions and millions of dollars in excessive expenses."


The report said that premium payments funded nearly $15 million in employee bonuses that were almost assured regardless of performance, a $3.5 million investment in a hotel in Fargo and sales reward trips to resorts totaling $1.2 million.


In one case, the audit found that $34,814 was spent for a party for a retiring vice president.


"Health care premiums are for health care, they are not for expensive retirement parties, corporate jets, risky hotel investments or a compensation structure that rewards senior management regardless financial performance," Hamm said.

MSNBC had a good take on this last night on "The Ed Show."

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

That's a tough pill to swallow if you've been spending your time marching around with "Obama is Hitler" signs provided to you by the LaRouche people or have taken all your talking points from the same people who've been gouging hard working Americans during a recession.



News Analysis - Despite Fears, Health Care Overhaul Is Moving Ahead - NYTimes.com