The Rod Versus Mike Show
by Greg Blankenship
This week, State Rep. Mary Flowers (D-Chicago) was, amazingly, allowed to push forward on legislation that would impose a single-payer health care system in Illinois. The plan includes taking private property from businesses and making private insurance illegal. In short, the plan is a disaster.
A few news outlets picked up on the plan, and they did a very funny thing. They took it seriously. My guess is that it’s because House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) became an official sponsor.
Welcome to the latest edition of what I like to call the "Mike Versus Rod Show." Governor Rod is upset with Speaker Mike Madigan for–gasp!–following the law and the State Constitution regarding Rod’s push for expanded Medicaid. As a result, the governor has begun bashing Madigan and the House Democrats for acting like they don’t care about health care. You know, I hear the Gov is calling them Republicans or something.
Apparently, that horrible insult has had an impact on the House Democrats, so they’ve gone to Speaker Mike for cover. But what the speaker did, however, is most interesting. And I have a theory to explain it.
Here’s my assessment: the speaker went and picked the worst alternative health care program he could find–an alternative that he fully knows won’t be passed. It’s an alternative based on that liberal nirvana and real-life horror show, the Canadian system. (Note to government health care fans: Canada is within driving distance. Feel free to move).
Even if this plan were passable, it would be rejected by the Bush Administration or by the federal courts on the grounds that it violates federal law. Big companies, meanwhile, would be exempt from the scheme, creating a health care caste system in the state. The takings of private property would also be one whale of a battle. A Canadian-style system at the state level just isn’t in the cards, and I’m betting that everybody in this game realizes that.
Except, maybe, the media. Apparently, no one wants to be the first guy who says, "Hey, this isn’t serious. It will never pass federal scrutiny." Why? In my book, it’s because that first guy is going to be the guy cited by Blagojevich when he slams Madigan.
Politically, Madigan is a pro. He’ll accept criticism, but everyone knows how personal things have become. People may dislike Blagojevich, but they respect and fear the House Speaker. They don’t want to "get personal" with Mike.
However, at some point, someone is going to publicly point to the really, really serious flaws in this wacky plan. Maybe he’ll do it in an e-letter or something. And then, we’re really going to feel sorry for that poor sorry sop and. . .
Oh wait. . .oops. . .oh, boy.
All joking aside, the future of our state’s health care system is a serious matter, impacting millions upon millions of lives. It’s a topic far too important for political games. For a real, sustainable solution to the problems ailing our current health care system, click here.