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My Opinion: Congress versus Medicare Advantage, score 1-0, down for the count

7/17/08 - The Democrat-controlled Senate, aided by members of the Republican Party, overrode a presidential veto and imposed new restrictions on Medicare Advantage plans, senior insurance programs that provide choice and efficiency into a health care market that desperately needs more, not less, of the same.

In a nutshell, here is what Congress did: They told me, the licensed insurance agent who faces license renewal and mandatory ethics training every two years, that I'm a dishonest bum who can't be trusted to pick up a phone and speak to ANYONE, regardless of my relationship with them, about any aspect of a Medicare Advantage plan. Bottom line: we now have Congress telling us how we can market and sell insurance, and how much we can be paid. And, if you think they are going to stop here, you are crazy.

Here are the Republicans who voted for government largesse and a return to a failing 'status quo', instead of the kind of private market initiatives that are, in this writers mind, the only solution for bloated and inefficient social insurance programs: Lamar Alexander, Chris Bond, Saxby Chambliss, Thad Cochran, Norm Coleman, Susan Collins, Bob Corker, John Cornyn, Elizabeth Dole, Kay Hutchinson, Pat Roberts, Gordon Smith, Olympia Snowe, Arlen Spector, George Voinovich, and Roger Wicker.

Tellingly, both Senator's McCain and Obama abstained from voting: another area where the difference bwteen the candidates is non-existent.

It should come as no surprise that many of the names listed above are among the first to "compromise" and move to the other side of the aisle whenever issues that draw clear distinctions between Republican principles and Democrat policy goals are put to a vote. Is there any wonder that the Republican Party is in decline? "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em" only works when you carry a white flag.

For Colorado voters who are considering the choices offered to them with the retirement of Senator Wayne Allard, you should know that Mr. Allard, to his credit, voted Nay to the legislation and against the veto override. Mr. Salazar voted with his party to override President Bush. Considering the backgrounds and voting histories of Mark Udall and Bob Schaffer, its obvious where each of these gentlemen would vote on future Medicare Advantage legislation in the Senate. My vote is with Mr. Schaffer.

While the Democrats won a tactical victory, it's only a small part of the overall strategy to eliminate private plans completely. This should come as no surprise to anyone who's watched this process over the last 40+ years. The only thing surprising is the number of Republicans who have no clue about the end game their opponents are close to winning. Perhaps they know, and just don't care. When is a Republican not a Republican? When they vote like a Democrat.

To the Republican Congressional Committee: next time you call asking for money, I think you have my answer.