Why We Did It
Why We Did It
To the Progressive Community:
Some of you may be wondering why two leading progressive groups like SEIU and CAP have joined in a coalition with Wal-Mart, AT&T, and Intel on health care. This is an important issue that deserves a direct response.
From all of our years in organizing and government, we have concluded that the primary obstacle to health reform is not the lack of ideas. What is needed to bring about fundamental reform is new pressure for change and genuine political will. This involves going beyond the traditional coalitions of associations and advocates and political players on both sides of the debate.
Given the failure of past efforts, we know that corporate America is critical to overcoming the forces of the status quo. Change of this magnitude can not occur without the largest payers and players in the system working together with the largest stakeholders to overcome barriers and create new opportunities for health reform.
So today, SEIU and CAP helped to launch what is potentially one of the most transformative coalitions on the field today–a network of business, labor and public policy thinkers dedicated to building a new American health care system with quality, affordable coverage for all by the year 2012.
For the first time, companies like Wal-Mart, AT&T, Intel and Kelly Services, unions like SEIU and the CWA, and public policy groups like CAP, the Howard Baker Public Policy Center, and the Committee for Economic Development have joined together to push for universal health care and a more rational and efficient health delivery system.
We are not naïve about the prospects for change or the difficulties of holding a coalition like this together over the long term. We will not allow this effort to be a fig leaf for anyone’s particular interests or image and we will not give up our core priorities in order to participate in this coalition.
A joint effort between corporate leaders and progressives in support of universal coverage is a major vindication of your hard work and diligence. It is our hope that you will now join us in this unparalleled effort to do what is right and necessary for our people and our economy.
You can read the coalition’s goals, principles, and plans for the next few months here and here, and we welcome your comments.
Sincerely –
UPDATE: More from Andy Stern:
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American health care system with quality, affordable coverage for all by the year 2012
Hopefully it won’t be too late.
February 7th, 2007 at 12:37 pmI’ve been wondering about that all week.[yawn]
February 7th, 2007 at 12:38 pmYay! Unions selling out!
Seriously, wtf? How does this not compromise efforts to unionize Wal-mart, et al?
Another sign of the shameful weakness of our labor movement when unions willingly seek coalitions with non-union (and horribly anti-union) shops.
Part of me just died.
February 7th, 2007 at 12:43 pmIts what they do not what their name is…
If AT&T stops spying on us for Bush and starts supporting universal health care then AT&T can be considered “good” again. If Walmart does the same then good for Walmart… Lets see if they put their $$$ where it matters most even under pressure from right wing wackos.
February 7th, 2007 at 12:43 pmHopefully you can get Wal-Mart to provide health care for all their employees and STOP instantly referring them to government programs instead
They’re one of the richest companies in the world and yet they cause billions of dollars of taxpayers money to be needlessly spent because of their corporate greed.
Living wages for all!
The corporate elite get richer and richer while all their employees work themselves into debt and a grave
February 7th, 2007 at 12:51 pmThe last thing we need to do now, just as the Progressive movement is about to topple the military industrial complex is to sleep with the enemy. This is a Trojan Horse. It’s all about privatizing Health Care….making that more palatable to Americans. I don’t buy it. Next it’s bye bye to Social Security.
February 7th, 2007 at 12:51 pmThe government is supposed to be by and for the people. Health care is not a consumer product that should be entrusted to for profit companies. This whole thing is a sham and needs to be shut down and rejected quickly.
If we take them up on their “offer†we give away our power. Health Care should NOT be “solved†by the private sector. It is not trustworthy……..we’ve seen what the private sector ultimately does time and time again.
i agree with “s” on this
you can not compromise on this, i’ll repeat this question:
is there no legislative push for expansion of medicaire for all?
February 7th, 2007 at 12:56 pmCongratulations. Coalitions usually get results more quickly. Where’s the auto manufacturers?
February 7th, 2007 at 12:59 pmUh-huh… uh-huh… oh, my… !
February 7th, 2007 at 1:05 pmWell YOU may be wondering why I THINK you have sold out………………
Because Walmart is THEE WORST COPRPORATION.
Hope all the money they give you is worth selling your soul.
“cant shake the devil’s hand and say youre only kidding”
February 7th, 2007 at 1:11 pmAgree with s. The private sector is looking out for my well-being? Wal-Mart? AT&T–the company reported to be spying on us and then SELLING the data to NSA?
Health care is a right, not a privilege.
February 7th, 2007 at 1:13 pmThis is a no brainer! EVERYONE needs health coverage, regardless of political affiliation or ideology. I hate Wal-Mart for countless reasons, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t also have an interest in addressing the health care crisis. And just because we agree on this issue doesn’t mean that progressives are giving up on other issues like unionization.
What are the detractors going to say when big business (inevitably) speaks out about global warming? It’s already happening. Will progressives oppose voluntary emmission caps just because they don’t like the businesses involved? The answer is probably and unfortunately yes.
The world is a complex place, and these choices are not mutually exclusive. We can work with Wal-Mart on health care and oppose them on workers’ rights at the same time.
February 7th, 2007 at 1:14 pmI agree with the concept of sleeping with the enemy. Why has big business failed to cooperate with progressives in the past on such a no brainer issue as health care? They have the same reaction to us being the enemy. We do not have to adopt a GM, AT&T or WALMART agenda. However, we should cooperate on issues of common concern and interest. Indeed, I have been part of the corporate management of a Fortune 500 company. They have deep distrust and hatred of “liberals” that becomes a training mantra for each new employee. These cross cultural joint causes undermines the stereotype. We do not have to love the other side. However, we serve our cause when se seek out areas of common interest.
February 7th, 2007 at 1:29 pmWith the involvement of Wal-Mart and AT&T, the universal healthcare solution you end up with is going to include compromises that favor big corporations. And, by working with them, you’ll also have to soften your reporting about them for fear of offending them. I don’t know what Wal-Mart and AT&T have to offer besides having their names attached to it, but, as a rule, they don’t do anything that will adversely impact their bottom line.
You need to seriously examine their motives.
February 7th, 2007 at 1:32 pmCAP, you are being played.
This is Hillary Clinton politics, and it is going to do more harm than good.
February 7th, 2007 at 1:33 pmOn the plus side, this plan will be open to all residents, including illegal aliens. That will greatly help the Mexican government avoid their responsibilities to their own citizens. And, it will also make it easier for corrupt companies to hire cheap labor and stick everyone else with the costs. And, of course, it will serve as yet another incentive to millions and millions of prospective illegal aliens.
Who says we can’t give social welfare to everyone in the entire world? Just watch us!
Progressive Power now!
February 7th, 2007 at 1:34 pm#13 JMOHR
Why has big business failed to cooperate with progressives in the past on such a no brainer issue as health care?
Um, because they like screwing the little guy?
February 7th, 2007 at 1:34 pmI agree strongly with meliorist above. We must get over the simple black and white view of the world if important movement is to be made in health care, global warming, etc. It is time for liberals and progressives to shun the close-mindedness that we accuse others of. Not every coalition of this sort is desirable, but this one could actually work. The power that these corporations bring to bear is mighty, while labor unions are increasingly losing power and voice. This could be a way to get some of it back.
February 7th, 2007 at 1:34 pmthere is but one way to make it happen, initiative process in the states that have it. When the asshats in congress see that 90% of the people want it, they won’t be able to deny it.
working with companies that have traditionally been against it means you are compromising reality for promises that are made to be broken.
this is a terrible mistake when the money for such universal health care could be spent on creating initiatives for ballot, to which the people will vote on. When the people vote, it becomes mandatory, and the government will then have to comply.
let’s be realistic here. Walmart? you have to be kidding, right?
February 7th, 2007 at 1:38 pm“4) We believe that businesses, governments, and individuals all should contribute to managing and financing a new American health care system.”
Unless you are all on the same page in getting us the real solution – TRUE Universal Healthcare of the SINGLE-PAYER GOVERNMENT FUNDED AND MANAGED kind – Then you guys have lost your progressive minds…
But if that is what you are talking about then I’m in. :)
Cut the fat. Cut the insurance profits COMPLETELY out of the loop. It is the one change that would have the biggest impact on raising the healthcare bar in the USA.
February 7th, 2007 at 1:39 pmComment by debkakes — February 7, 2007 @ 1:34 pm
Dream on, debkakes, you are naive. Also, I don’t have a black and white view of the world, nor do I see this among other progressives here. Ditto for close-mindedness. These comments are a giveaway that you aren’t a progressive at all, debkakes.
February 7th, 2007 at 1:40 pmTo state the obvious: You should get the car companies in on this — Ford, GM, Chrysler — and any other company that is bleeding on health care costs which is much nay most of corporate America.
Walmart is far from the most natural company for this venture– many of their employees don’t have healthcare, I believe moreso than at many of their competitors. Presumably they are motivated in part to improve their image.
If you do it right, this may prove a big and important to step to solving the massive health care problem in this country. But be careful.
February 7th, 2007 at 1:41 pmThere’s nothing wrong with compromise. It’s great to have a win-win situation. But, companies like that don’t become companies like that without making sure that they’re the ones who always win-win.
I’m with VerbalKint. This is very Clintonesque. Some people seem to prefer this ‘dancing with the devil’ approach, because they think it’s a clever way of getting what you want. Bono is one of the more nauseating examples of that. The devil’s no idiot. What’s he getting out of it?
February 7th, 2007 at 1:41 pmThat is damn naive!! Corporations that have been fighting it for years now are ready to do something. Lets take a look at the so called platform:
1) We believe every person in America must have quality, affordable health insurance coverage; DUH
How vague is this? Who doesn’ t think that already, the bigger question that you won’t answer is where it comes from and define affordable and quality!
2) We believe individuals have a responsibility to maintain and protect their health;
You are just putting the onus back on everyone else, it’s our fault that the health industry is the way it is, OH WE’RE SORRY WE’LL fix that right away.
3) We believe that America must dramatically improve the value it receives for every health care dollar; (DUH!) and
Who is going to bring those prices down? WalMart, AT&T, come on, is that what you believe?
4) We believe that businesses, governments, and individuals all should contribute to managing and financing a new American health care system. (DUH!)
Wow, how much more vague can you be. Praise the coalition!! Oh and thanks for the “Affordable” coverage we get in 2012. Can you float me a loan until then?
I support unions, but your feeding us the same line of crap, no different than the government or the corporations. GET OFF YOUR ASSES AND DO SOMETHING MEANINGFUL, show us don’t spout off the usual rhetoric.
So how many people will die before the fix date of 2012? Nevermind, you don’t really care.
February 7th, 2007 at 1:42 pm#18 debkakes
The power that these corporations bring to bear is mighty, while labor unions are increasingly losing power and voice. This could be a way to get some of it back.
And which one of these corporations do you work for?
February 7th, 2007 at 1:44 pmTo state the obvious: You should get the car companies in on this — Ford, GM, Chrysler — and any other company that is bleeding on health care costs which is much nay most of corporate America.
Walmart is far from the most natural company for this venture–
Comment by Crust — February 7, 2007 @ 1:41 pm
Crust, you hit the nail right on the head. Good work. Anyone at CPA listening?
February 7th, 2007 at 1:45 pmI’m extremely uneasy about this and question the motives of these corporations, but if it means health care for every American (whether it be single-payer or for-profit) then it’s worth a shot. Unfortunately I don’t think we stand a chance in hell of getting Medicare (which is the best single-payer system out there) extended to all Americans, and this may be the only way to ensure that no American citizen has to worry about how they’re going to cover the costs of medical care if they get hurt or sick. It’s an absolute abomination that this country denies millions of its citizens this basic right, and if there’s an alternative (even if it is sleeping with the enemy) then so be it…
February 7th, 2007 at 1:45 pmAnd which one of these corporations do you work for?
Comment by chimpeach — February 7, 2007 @ 1:44 pm
Maybe she works for Cato or Heritage.
February 7th, 2007 at 1:48 pmStrange bedfellows, indeed.
Godspeed.
February 7th, 2007 at 1:50 pm.
#13 JMOHR
Why has big business failed to cooperate with progressives in the past on such a no brainer issue as health care?
Um, because they like screwing the little guy?
Comment by chimpeach — February 7, 2007 @ 1:34 pm
No, they like MONEY. If it becomes profitable for them to support universal health care, then you can bet they will.
I’m very ambivalent about this. No, I don’t trust corporations to do the right thing, for the right reasons, but I don’t trust the government to do it either, because the people that elect the government are such idiots… “Democrats or Republicans? DOH!”
Hang on.. I’ll flip a coin……
….. Heads… give corporate america a chance. At least they care about people as employees, not vending machines. Yeah, it’s still Hell, but maybe a little cooler.
and btw: Screw social security. I’ll get a check after I retire for $12.98 I’ll use it to buy socks… woohoo.. help me contain my excitement…
February 7th, 2007 at 1:51 pmwhile labor unions are increasingly losing power and voice. This could be a way to get some of it back.
Comment by debkakes
I have talked to people that are in unions. They openly brag about getting drunk on the job because they cant be fired. Leaving for lunch and going to a titty bar and not coming back until check out time. Taking a week off and never calling in simply because “they dont have to because it is in the contract” even though that screws the operations of the company.
If the unions would concentrate on protecting the workers instead of taking advantage of the system they have set up then the unions would be able to strong arm the companies into doing the right thing. But since the unions are corrupt so are the companies…
If Walmart and AT&T SHOW with their ACTIONS by giving up a little money (ignoring the bottom line) then that is proof of their sincerity.
If they only talk then we must force the unions to clean up their act and work ethic and rebuild to large number to force these companies into doing the right thing.
February 7th, 2007 at 1:54 pmGood for you for getting outside the usual categories and trying to get something done.
February 7th, 2007 at 1:56 pm#31 ggibson
I have talked to people that are in unions. They openly brag about getting drunk on the job because they cant be fired. Leaving for lunch and going to a titty bar and not coming back until check out time. Taking a week off and never calling in simply because “they dont have to because it is in the contract†even though that screws the operations of the company.
I know a lot of people who are union members and none of them are like that. In fact, that’s an incredibly stupid and worthless comment. I’ve never belonged to a union and I’m pretty sure I never will. It’s just the line of work I’m in. But, I know workers in this country would be screwed six ways from Sunday if they didn’t have the benefit of collective bargaining. We’ve tried having management on the honor system in this country. It doesn’t work. Workers have to have clout.
February 7th, 2007 at 2:02 pm#31 ggibson
I have talked to people that are in unions. They openly brag about getting drunk on the job because they cant be fired. Leaving for lunch and going to a titty bar and not coming back until check out time. Taking a week off and never calling in simply because “they dont have to because it is in the contract†even though that screws the operations of the company.
I know a lot of people who are union members and none of them are like that. In fact, that’s an incredibly stupid and worthless comment. I’ve never belonged to a union and I’m pretty sure I never will. It’s just the line of work I’m in. But, I know workers in this country would be screwed six ways from Sunday if they didn’t have the benefit of collective bargaining. We’ve tried having management on the honor system in this country. It doesn’t work. Workers have to have clout.
Comment by chimpeach — February 7, 2007 @ 2:02 pm
It’s not a stupid or worthless comment unless you think he’s lying. You’ll always have people trying to take advantage of whatever system you put in place. The question is: Is it worth it? To dismiss what he’s saying because you know a lot of union people who aren’t like that is as worthless as you think his comment is. Both are valid, and illustrate the point that you have good people and bad people in any system.
February 7th, 2007 at 2:15 pmWhen oposing views come together on common ground, progress is made.
February 7th, 2007 at 2:20 pmI notice no mention of the gottendamnered insurance companies, who are actually running the health care system?
February 7th, 2007 at 2:37 pmHello?
Comment by chimpeach
When they act like the losers I have known that are in unions they have no more clout than the few percentage points that they currently “enjoy” many people I have grown up with wanted factory jobs (I live in a factory town) but when they actually got in they were actually threatened by the other union workers to go along or else… whatever that meant. Some just pretended like they didnt see others quit because they are not dishonest. It is so prevelent that it is “known” around town that is how things work.
The idea behind collective bargaining is better than relying on a company. But to let the union system become corrupt like it has and ignore it doesnt help anything. There will never be a strong union as long as many people think they will have to “go along with the game” or else live in a hellish work environment simply because they are trying to do a good job for the money they earn and the union guys that are used to getting away with murder dont like you making them look bad.
February 7th, 2007 at 2:44 pmCAP has been sleeping with the enemy and pretending to be progressive. And the progs have all been fooled.
CAP purchased about $1 million of Plum Creek Timber shares in 2004.
Plum Creek owns 90% of timber industry’s land in Montana – over 1.5 million acres of prime timber lands. It is stripping Northwest forests at a rate greater than 500 million board feet per year, then redeveloping the land for huge real estate projects.
Plum Creek has not paid federal taxes since 1989.
Plum Creek profits from royalties and on properties rich in oil & gas and coal.
Plum Creek is financially tied to SPO Partners (right here in Mill Valley) and Robert Bass, the Texas oil billionaire.
SPO director, William Oberndorf, contributed $75,000 to the campaign against Cali Prop 82.
Plum Creek has proposed a huge development in Maine, the massive Moosehead Lake Project, outraging local conservation groups. Plum Creek has demonstrated a disregard for timber laws and natural resources.
http://www.nrcm.org/news_detail.asp?news=1053
Plum Creek is the “Darth Vader of the timber industry”, and is great contributor to the global warming problem with it’s clear cutting, conversion of forests to pavement and production of carbon fuels.
Get a clue, progressives. You’re hangin’ with hypcrites.
February 7th, 2007 at 2:47 pmAnything to pull wal-mart’s reputation out of the toilet.
February 7th, 2007 at 2:48 pmI’m sorry… you’re working with Wal-Mart to get people better health care? Why not work to get them to give that to their goddamn employees?
I’m sorry, I just can’t stop laughing.
But thanks for the laughs, I really needed them.
Now you can stop kidding.
Wait, you’re not kidding?
*dies*
February 7th, 2007 at 3:03 pmI mean, I’m all for working with corporations as long as they have ethical business practices, but WAL-MART?
That’s like saying “the enemy of my friends is my friend.” Huh?
February 7th, 2007 at 3:07 pmWhen oposing views come together on common ground, progress is made.
Comment by hacker bob — February 7, 2007 @ 2:20 pm
Maybe, hacker, but these aren’t really opposing views, and the different actors aren’t working on common ground.
February 7th, 2007 at 3:12 pmGerald,
There are many different unions, including for professionals. I agree that there has been corruption in unions, but I think you are generalizing a bit too much.
February 7th, 2007 at 3:14 pmhackerbob, you must not be a progressive, or perhaps you are working for one of the Evil Corporations. See my treatment above. I supposed one can work together only with those who are singing the same tune. No wonder nothing gets done.
February 7th, 2007 at 3:23 pmCAP, you are being played.
This is Hillary Clinton politics, and it is going to do more harm than good.
Comment by VerbalKint — February 7, 2007 @ 1:33 pm
This is hillary clintons BLOG assbag.
Boy are you ever dense!
Wake up!!
google CAP thinkprogress thinktank clinton
go on, I dare you!
February 7th, 2007 at 3:28 pmHow about getting WalMart to insure and care for the little child that is making your freking tennis shoes in Indonesia first huh?
But then, that might drive up your final cost on little johnnys tennis shoes for gym class though.
Think of the REAL employess here and not just yourselves and your imperialist pocket book for once.
February 7th, 2007 at 3:32 pmHILLARYS PERSONAL ELECTION THINKTANK
IF YOU DO NOT WANT HILLARY TO WIN?
STOP POSTING HERE ASSPIPES!
HOW MANY TIMES DO YOU PEOPLE NEED TO BE TOLD?
google CAP thinkprogress thinktank clinton
go on, I dare you!
February 7th, 2007 at 3:34 pmGood luck in your efforts…
…the working poor/middle class uninsured, AND business community need you to be successful…
..let’s just hope that all parties are sincere…
February 7th, 2007 at 3:41 pm#37 ggibson
I know a lot of salaried workers who spend the first hour of their day shooting the breeze with their pals, have about an hour cushion of more breeze-shooting around their lunch break and then finish off the day with an hour of the same. Some days there’s not much of any kind of real work in between. There are worse examples, too. I’ve known several to have taken off with a vendor for an afternoon of golf, but it didn’t make any difference on their paychecks and they didn’t put in comp time to make up for it. I guess that’s all you need to know about salaried workers. Right?
Yes, I’m sure it’s the unions’ fault when corporations are corrupt. If it weren’t for those awful corrupt unions, the CEOs would behave themselves.
February 7th, 2007 at 3:44 pmWell, if this is what it takes to get single-payer, I’m all for it.
If it’s some other approach that maintains the government subsidization of the private insurance industry, I’ll be against it.
February 7th, 2007 at 3:47 pm#37
But to let the union system become corrupt like it has and ignore it doesnt help anything.
There’s a difference between saying that corruption in unions is a real problem and saying that unions are corrupt. Do you think Andy Stein and the SEIU are corrupt? Maybe he’d like to address that.
I’m certainly not going to argue that there hasn’t been a problem with corrupt union leaders. Some of the unions have been run by the mob. We know that.
On the other hand, non-union workers would not have health insurance through their employers if it hadn’t been for unions. It was unions that forced employers to make workplaces safer. There’s a long list of things that you take for granted now that wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for unions. And, if unions disappear, I’ll bet those benefits disappear with them.
February 7th, 2007 at 3:53 pm#50 Nordy
Well, if this is what it takes to get single-payer, I’m all for it.
Another square yard of astroturf heard from.
February 7th, 2007 at 3:57 pmSingle payer is worth fighting for. The absense of public healthcare in the US is a travesty. Unfortunately the money for it is earmarked for the Iraqi debacle and the debt this administration has created is designed to prevent any and all public services.
February 7th, 2007 at 4:00 pmHey guys! Are you listening to yourselves? Shaking the devil’s hand, etc. I’m really disappointed, because its the same talk as “axis of evil”. Like your President, who never talks to anybody, he himself considers bad. This is disappointing.
If you talk about universal health care and you invite some of the biggest corporations and they are willing to talk, you can achieve something. Maybe you can talk about other things at another time, too. It’s a problem solving approach and thus legitimate. Even if the corporations don’t agree to a solution, it’s worth the effort.
Over here in Switzerland, health insurance is mandatory for everyone. Having people with no access to health insurance is unthinkable. And Corporations are subsidizing insurance for their employees.
In Germany insurance is mandatory as well. Employers and employees each pay half of the premium. There have been a handful of people without coverage for a while, because there was a flaw in the new unemployment benefits legislation. Onehundredsomething cases. That caused quite a stir. It is unthinkable not to be insured over here.
So, if it takes to talk to the corporations (and rest assured I have no sympathy whatsoever for WalMart et al.) do talk.
February 7th, 2007 at 4:12 pmso don’t get sick 2012? big deal. left and right wings of the same masonic eagle.
February 7th, 2007 at 4:13 pmAs much as I hate corporate America, we must all understand that, for the time being, they are the big boys until the little ones shut them down. The goal is to get healthcare for more Americans at an affordable price.
The Center for American Progress has already said that it will maintain it’s principles and not become a Wal-Mart whore; that’s enough for me.
Chill!
-Xbot
February 7th, 2007 at 4:36 pmAmerica is broke, broke, broke largely because of greedy corporations – WalMart being the worst! Are these companies and unions going to force pharmaceutical companies to stop making Americans pay dearly for drugs that are almost free in other countries? No.
February 7th, 2007 at 4:37 pm#54 doro
Wal-Mart is the most anti-union retailer in the country. They closed a store and pulled out of town when the employees voted to unionize. They try to bully their employees to keep them from even voting on unions. They hire more employees to work fewer hours so they can avoid paying for healthcare. In fact, here’s some of their lousy record on healthcare:
# Waiting Too Long to Qualify. The Wal-Mart average for full-time workers to qualify for benefits is six months, compared to the retail average of 2.7 months and the average waiting period for large firms (200 or more workers) of 2 months.
# Fewer than Half of Employees Covered. According to Wal-Mart’s own website, “In January 2006, the number of associates covered by Wal-Mart health care insurance increased to 46%.” [Walmartfacts.com]
# Coverage Lags Far Behind National Average. Nationally, 63 percent of workers in large firms (200 employees or more) receive their health benefits from their employer. More than 80 percent of Costco workers are covered by their company plan.
#Neither Affordable Nor Accessible. Wal-Mart provides health care options to their employees and families that have a deductible of $1,000 for individuals and $3,000 for families. Wal-Mart employees must endure long waits to qualify for benefits: six months for full-time employees and one year for part-time employees.
More info at http://walmartwatch.com/issues/health_care/
Where do you see in that a company that’s concerned with working people having affordable healthcare? I don’t know what their motives are beyond good PR, but I don’t trust them.
February 7th, 2007 at 4:52 pmWal-Mart is trying to oust its employees with 10 or more years with the comapny in order to save themselves from healthcare costs. A relative of mine works for the company.
Understand if I am very skeptical and down right doubtful of this ‘allegiance’… Because I am.
I have no doubt, John, that you’re like Bill Clinton when it comes to trying to find compromise. I appreciate that, and on the surface think this is a brilliant theory. I just think, once the reality of an unscrupulous Corporate America enters the equation, that you’ll end up as sorry as Bill must be for some of the deals he made with the Devil.
I wish you the best, and truly hope I am wrong.
February 7th, 2007 at 5:08 pmChimpeach,
WalMart has tried to establish itself in Germany and they have drawn out again. It took them maybe five minutes to show their colours and they wouldn’t accept german labour laws. I have no illusions about that company.
Neither is CAP or SEIU. Talking to the corporations on healthcare, doesn’t make them necessarily complicit in the corporations other doings.
February 7th, 2007 at 5:11 pm#60 doro
I’d like to see them partner with some corporations that have either a good record, or at the very least no record, when it comes to keeping their workforce healthy and helping their families, too. Wal-Mart’s involvement in this just seems like a sick joke. Costco might be a good one to work with. Somebody mentioned the auto manufacturers. It’s definitely in their interest to get healthcare costs under control. I would hope that they’re smart enough to realize that now.
February 7th, 2007 at 5:24 pmChimpeach,
I understand what you are saying. I used to work for the finest US company there was. Anybody remember Ken Olsen’s DEC (Digital Equipment Corporation)? Companies like that would have been ideal partners. But the brachiocapitalism of today has ruined them. I’m afraid one has to work with whoever is left. I don’t know Costco, but you’re posts as far as I remember them are really well informed, so you’re most probably right and I’m not.
February 7th, 2007 at 6:15 pmOOps I wanted to say: Your posts. Sorry baaaad english.
February 7th, 2007 at 6:17 pmThe Center for American Progress is being used as progressive cover by elements that have made clear they have no interest in genuine healthcare reform.
Wal-Mart, for instance, has compiled one of the worst records of employee health coverage of any American employer; Intel sees healthcare as a market to be exploited, not as a fundamental human right to be guaranteed.
Your partnership with them shows the hallmark of their thinking. Rather than working for a social guarantee for medical care for all Americans, you join these companies in stating: “individuals have a responsibility to maintain and protect their own health.”
This statement seems straight-forward, but is in fact quite pernicious, carrying within it the idea that health is an individual concern–and that indiviuals do and should assume the risk for their healthcare.
And now we see why Wal-Mart wants to join with you. When major employers shed risk and push it onto individuals, they make more money. Yes the employer-based system of health coverage is broken; but it can only be dismantled within the kind of SinglePayer health system that has been shown to work in every other industrialized nation in the world–not within a situation where it is pushed entirely onto individuals to work with.
I don’t need to enumerate the reasons for SinglePayer healtchare: it is the only system proven to work, it is the only system that is patient-centered instead of market-based, it is the only truly universal system, and it is the only affordable system of healthcare.
SinglePayer health systems, such as a “Medicare for All” set-up, achieves its cost-savings and focus on patients by removing the bad actors from our health system: the insurance companies who are in the business of denying care, not providing it. The major private insurers waste approximately one-third of their care dollars on overhead (marketing, bureaucracy, profit, and political contributions). We can save hundreds of billions of dollars a year by doing away this waste–something that your plan cannot address in any way as you are focused on working with the current system of private insurance, and working together with partners dedicated to protecting private insurers.
The good news here? Americans are way ahead of their leaders and groups like the Center for American Progress on this issue. Recent polls have shown that 89% of Americans want “fundamental” reform to the health system and 56% of Americans want to do away with the current system and replace it with a system “like Medicare.”
I invite readers to visit http://www.SinglePayer.com, a project of the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, and join the nurses’ campaign to ensure a single standard of medical care to all people.
February 7th, 2007 at 8:09 pmYes, I’m sure it’s the unions’ fault when corporations are corrupt. If it weren’t for those awful corrupt unions, the CEOs would behave themselves.
Comment by chimpeach
Yes they would. The unions are WEAK because of this corruption. If it was straightened out many more people would join them. As it stands the unions are heading even further down.
February 7th, 2007 at 9:14 pmHILLARYS PERSONAL ELECTION THINKTANK
IF YOU DO NOT WANT HILLARY TO WIN?
STOP POSTING HERE ASSPIPES!
HOW MANY TIMES DO YOU PEOPLE NEED TO BE TOLD?
google CAP thinkprogress thinktank clinton
go on, I dare you!
Comment by verucha slayer
So what? Many of us make clear we are not voting for hilary and that just might influence others that see that we are not right wing wackos yet want something better than hilary. She is all name recognition. Not inspiring at all and in these dangerous times I dont see it as being responsible trying to prove how far America has come by electing a woman or black man for that matter. I think it is time to unite the country if that is possible which means someone or some team that is not just running on a “rock star” platform. This isnt a popularity contest. Then again if any woman or black man actually had a vision that we could all buy into then that would probably be fine but neither hilary nor obama seem to have that.
February 7th, 2007 at 9:19 pmThere are many different unions, including for professionals. I agree that there has been corruption in unions, but I think you are generalizing a bit too much.
Comment by VerbalKint
I am not generalizing at all. I am talking about family members and others I have personally talked to that did these things themselves or worked with people they saw do it every day.
February 7th, 2007 at 9:21 pmI’m sorry… you’re working with Wal-Mart to get people better health care? Why not work to get them to give that to their goddamn employees?
I’m sorry, I just can’t stop laughing.
But thanks for the laughs, I really needed them.
Now you can stop kidding.
Wait, you’re not kidding?
*dies*
Comment by All-American Hero
I’m sorry… you’re working with Iran to get them to help make peace? Why not ask them to sponsor the new holocaust memorial?
I’m sorry, I just can’t stop laughing.
But thanks for the laughs, I really needed them.
Now you can stop kidding.
Wait, you’re not kidding?
*dies*
February 7th, 2007 at 9:22 pm“Your partnership with them shows the hallmark of their thinking. Rather than working for a social guarantee for medical care for all Americans, you join these companies in stating: “individuals have a responsibility to maintain and protect their own health.â€
This statement seems straight-forward, but is in fact quite pernicious, carrying within it the idea that health is an individual concern–and that indiviuals do and should assume the risk for their healthcare.
And now we see why Wal-Mart wants to join with you.”
This:
“individuals have a responsibility to maintain and protect their own health.â€
Sounds just like a conservative talking pioint taken from a Luntz or Gingritch handbook. Talk about framing a debate.
February 7th, 2007 at 9:55 pmI never see anybody discuss the matter of who’s responsibility it is to provide health care for individuals. Where in the world did this idea come from that it’s the governement’s job to give us free or reduced “affordable” health care. Is it their job to feed you? Bathe you? Give you a car? How about giving you a vacation each year? Is this the government’s job too? So why is health care their job? The Constitution does NOT give them this power and we sould take the responsibility for this ourselves. We say we love freedom, then we demand the governement solve our problems and provide for us…some freedom that is.
And Wal Mart should have to give their employees health care? Is that really an employers job? Many places do these days, and that’s certainly nice of them, but it’s not their obligaton. IT IS YOUR OWN JOB to provide health care. If you can’t afford it, then you must get the skills to get a better job with better income, quit buying big screens and SUV’s and ring tones and save some money. I know it’s expensive but we always seem to afford the other things we want…how about we start living within our means and take responsibility for our own health care and retirement and quit expecting the federal government to solve our problems.
And no, I am not one of those evil rich people saying this. I make less money than most of you do…but I understand how to live within my means and I understand what my responsibility is as a human…to provide for myself and my family and not suck off the government and my boss for freebies.
How’s that for progressive thought?
February 8th, 2007 at 10:35 amIs SEIU really that gullible? Certainly nothing will come of such a coalition that will benefit the people. SEIU you are loosing our membership if you are that dumb.
February 8th, 2007 at 11:48 am#71, Ben,
You know that, and I know that, but the Dems will use class warfare to destroy Capitalism in order to assure that everyone is equally miserable, so let us see what accommodations can be made that works for all parties involved.
February 8th, 2007 at 2:53 pmThanks Andy. Great job.
February 8th, 2007 at 8:16 pmThere will be skeptics who’ll have a hard time stepping out of their comfort zone to understand and embrace this bold vision. But they will eventually come around to join you in your effort to create a health care policy worthy of its name.
C’mon… whats the big deal about this, its a no brainer. Our sister to the north, Canada has provided their citizens with at least basic health care… but we still have a lot of people in usa that cannot afford health care, and are not eligible for state funded insurance because they make $30 over the limit…. $30 a month wont even buy 1 prescription. Meanwhile, we have to walk around sick and hurt, because we make a slight bit more than those eligible. I myself have many health concerns, but without insurance, I have to deal with them. I know it sounds easy on paper… but the rich and the very poor are the only ones that can afford healthcare. So that leaves us people who are struggling and just keeping our heads above water have to drown in injuries and sickness, or drown in medical bills that cannot be paid.
March 22nd, 2007 at 1:13 pm