Olbermann on Health Care And Who Controls the Republicans Who Oppose It

Keith Olbermann's commentary is widely available online, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to present in here as well, for indeed this is an oasis for weary and footsore Progressives in need of sustenance for the soul. For more information how and why conservatives use scare tactics so effectively to further the goals of big business in government, I highly recommend reading, Thomas Frank's, The Wrecking Crew.

Here are AETNA's figures for profits made on group insurance. While the private sector fared less well, group insurance generated solid profits, so it is not surprising that opposition groups paid for and organized by lobbyist for the health insurance industry are protesting any legislation aimed at regulating or limiting this sector of health insurance.

Group Insurance business results

Group Insurance, which includes group life, disability and long-term care products, reported:

* Operating earnings of $42.5 million for the second quarter of 2009, compared with $38.5 million for the second quarter of 2008, primarily due to higher life underwriting margins partially offset by lower disability underwriting margins.
* The Group Insurance benefit ratio was 87.0 percent for the second quarter of 2009, compared with 85.9 percent for the second quarter of 2008.
* Net income of $52.0 million for the second quarter of 2009, compared with net income of $33.3 million for the second quarter of 2008.
* Revenues excluding net realized capital gains (losses) for the second quarter of 2009 were $535.7 million, compared with $503.8 million for the second quarter of 2008. Second-quarter total revenue, which includes net realized capital gains (losses), was $545.2 million and $495.8 million in 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Go Mr. Olbermann, go. United States House Representatives from the democratic party are hosting town hall meetings all over the nation this month in an attempt to foster intelligent discussion and debate on the issue of health care reform. Unfortunately, they and health care personnel who attend the meetings with them, are being met with very organized opposition, opposition being paid for by lobbyist groups funded by private, for profit health insurance corporations. This opposition seeks only to disrupt the meetings and discredit the Representatives who host them all in attempt to forestall any legislation that will result in loss of profits.

Mr. Olbermann's makes a powerful argument. We need to support our Progressive Congressman and woman as they take the fight for health care reform to the streets in their districts. We can write letters to the editors. We can volunteer to write postcards. We must get the word out that health care should be more than a commodity to be brokered by the elite of Wall Street.