Well I cannot believe it's news to many, but seeing it in print, in an AP story, as if it had to be stated explicitly, gave me a chuckle. Yes even the AP has managed, through extraordinary efforts in investigative journalism, to ferret out the shocking news that the Baucus proposal is a favorite of the healthcare industry. Of course, as the story also points out, the industry is trying to hide their glee, because incredibly they still hope to get a more favorable final bill.
When even the AP can figure out that the Baucus proposal is basically a gift for the healthcare insurance industry, what else needs to be said. Of course, it's reported as if this was not obvious on its face, as if they are actually informing us of something. But it's hard to believe anyone, who would take the time to read an article on Senator Baucus' healthcare reform proposal, is not aware how much influence the industry lobby had in its creation.
The real story is that a US Senator can so blatantly shill for an industry, and suffer no consequences, either electorally or journalistically. The real story is how does a US Senator, who is supposed to be looking after the interests of his constituents, legislate as if he were simply on the payroll of the healthcare insurance industry, and get away with it. Oh no, what am I thinking, that's not news, that's business as usual. Dog bites man.
The fact that the AP reported the industry reaction to the Baucus proposal, as if it was anything other than inherently obvious, is the story, and also the real problem we face. Baucus' conduct throughout this entire episode has been little short of outrageous, but nobody expects there will be any consequences for the Senator. That story has no traction.
An American Political Tragedy: Congressperson takes money from industry. Congressperson crafts legislation that favors industry over constituents. Congressperson gets reelected. Few notice.