Our Own Health Care Clash of the Titans - Just My Perspective

The underlying premise, as I see it, from the President's perspective was simply that we agree on many things, so why don't we modify the finer points on the things upon which we agree and negotiate by adding and subtracting on the points on which we do not agree. The Republican response was that we do not wish to participate; if you can pass the bill, pass it; if you can't, we will let the people decide in November. At one point the President actually conceded on that point. I believe that the President's motives were sincere in the sense that he would take an agreement that achieved less than he wanted, if he could have gained traction in the "process." Ramming the bill through Congress using reconciliation will give added ammunition to the Republicans in November. The size of the bill, the length of the debate and the endless bickering has drained the American psyche at a time when the majority have more pressing concerns such as the economy, unemployment and the next wave of property foreclosures.   In the final analysis the argument has been reduced to this one point: can government administer this massive legislation in an efficient manner.  I don't think so.... they've never done so before.  The unfortunate reality is that both sides are right and a bridge across the philosophical divide constructed by men of good will serve as the best path forward.