“It could well be” a recipe for disaster in 2010, Trumka told a group of reporters. “I just came back from southern California. I was in five or six places out there… it is amazing the number of people that come up to you unsolicited and say, ‘I’m really worried about this health care bill.’” – Sam Stein, Huffington Post
At issue: the Democratic excise tax on the premiums of some health plans, which would hit unions hard, which Pres. Obama, the Senate caucus and the House all support. So, it’s clear that unions won’t get them to give in, but can they get the people they helped put in office to compromise?
This is a defining moment for unions. The question, whether Obama and the Democratic majority will support the millions of middle class workers and their leaders, the foundation of liberal political success going back decades. Or whether the unions will either move Democrats to compromise on the excise tax which hits their members, or hold them accountable by making them pay for the betrayal.
If Obama and the Democrats sell unions out through the “Cadillac” excise tax, and unions decide to go along to continue supporting Dems simply because the other guys are far worse, their power will go pfft! There won’t be a good enough excuse to keep backing Dems, because unions will have seen Dems won’t back their play, proving they’ve lost their leverage with everyone watching.
The other side of it is Republicans don’t care about unionization at all.
Economics is squeezing unions, with long-time allies now all in it for themselves. Globalization hitting was a tough enough challenge for unions, but to now be pitted against the political party you helped make and is now deserting you is a catastrophic development.
From Jake Tapper and ABC, Schaitberger unloads:
A source familiar with the meetings tells ABC News that “the president reiterated his support for the excise tax but also reiterated his commitment to protect working men and women,” perhaps an indication the president is willing to raise the threshold.
While the meeting was going on, International Association of Fire Fighters President Harold Schaitberger — who was not present — issued a statement saying that “The core political principle of this union is we support those who support us. If you make promises to us, we will hold you accountable. … In 2008, then-candidate Obama promised three things. First, he would not raise taxes on folks making less than $250,000 a year. Second, he vowed not to tax your health insurance benefits. Third, he promised that under his health reform plan that people would be able to keep their existing coverage.
“Now the administration is supporting a misguided excise tax on the premiums of some health plans that is in the bill passed by the Senate. This excise tax will affect many of the health plans covering our members. The Senate bill will either impose a tax on health care premiums provided to thousands of America’s fire fighters, or to avoid the tax those benefits will be slashed.”
Schaitberger said that “under this bill every special interest seemed to get something good – the insurance companies, the doctors, the drug companies all get something. But, in the Senate bill, many of our members who have sacrificed for years to build solid health plans to protect their families will get screwed.” …
That’s exactly correct. Now, what are unions prepared to do about it if it happens, which is where it’s heading right now?
Everyone needs to answer this question for him- or herself, because rewarding politicians who betray you with continuing support, thinking that you’ll eventually get a bone thrown your way, is for suckers. It’s also what politicians, regardless of party, count on.
My opinion? I support a single-payer government-run health care system. I think it’s the only way to provide equal opportunities for health care for the people of this nation. The current “reform” policies are increasingly disturbing to me on a number of levels; but basically, I am increasingly disturbed by the fascist tone of Democrats about this issue. Sen. Harkin’s comments about how they can “enhance” and “build on it,” do not give me comfort in the least. On the contrary, I am alarmed by such rhetoric. They gave up on the only system that we should be contemplating. This is a “fundamental shift” alright; but it’s not a good one:
Fascism should rightly be called Corporatism, as it is the merger of corporate and government power. — Benito Mussolini
Married Couples Will Take a Hit On Health Care; Wellness Testing Loophole; The Youth Penalty; Is the Bill Even Legal?
http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com/
The union bosses might get their arms twisted at the White House but if they do, then union members might just stay home on election day, as they have before.
Unions aren’t the only sector that is worried about this “health care” bill — seniors are too when they read that drug co-pays will rise another twenty percent and Medicare will be raided.
All of this is “necessary” in order to make this plan “revenue neutral.” Of course “neutral” means that the revenue of many people will be in “reverse” while the medical insurance companies’ revenue shifts to “high.”
Which leads to this news report:
“President Obama’s approval rating on handling health care is at an all-time low, according to a new CBS News poll. . .Just 36 percent of Americans approve of Mr. Obama’s handling of health care.”
http://tinyurl.com/ygackml
P.S. I’m looking at 1 response, not 8 as is indicated. Is it me?
TM NOTE: Just so everyone knows, the count on the comments includes people linking in to the post, track backs.
Yah!! Joan Walsh is complaining about the level of sexism in the book of the week.
It breaks my heart what has happened to the working man/woman in this country. I remember Donna Brazille saying they didn’t need their old base (who were supporting Hillary in big numbers) they had a new base.Well I hope that works out for them because as a member of the old base I am moving on and I am not alone. Obama and his supporters have taken the Party to a new place but it is not just them.I don’t think I had a good grasp of the conservative drift of both houses until the UHC debate.There appears to be no party of the people in our country any longer.
Matthews has a clip of that debate when dear old departed Tim Russert played gotcha with Hillary.Remember the NY drivers licence issue. I don’t miss Russert one whit.
There’s an open thread up…
I remember Donna Brazille saying they didn’t need their old base (who were supporting Hillary in big numbers) they had a new base. Well I hope that works out for them because as a member of the old base I am moving on and I am not alone.–Lake Lady
Yeah, that’s happened to me, too. Donna Brazile is forever on my “persona non grata” list because of her arrogant dismissal of the party base. How stupid, how desperate to get her guy in, no matter what was destroyed in the process. The DNC bears the shame of the 2008 campaign; how’s that workin’ out for you, Donna?!
Noogan, both you and Lake Lady provide a damning portrayal of what Dems face today. Thanks very much for sharing in the comments.