Good question, Joe

[swampy]

The current House health care legislation states that members of Congress "may enroll" in the public plan. Wilson wants that changed to "must enroll."

"If the public option is good enough for the American people, then it's certainly good enough for Congress," Wilson said. "If this government-run plan is so good, why don't members of Congress take the plan?"

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/11/...ance-plan/

[Greg]

What do you think the answer might be?

[cbelt3]

Of course not. But we can wish !

[$tevie]

Why would anyone wish to establish a precedent that Congress can force people to take the public option even if they don't need to or want to? Isn't that exactly what you fear???

Does this really appeal to you guys or are you so blinded by partisanship that you wish to potentially force the entire country into something you don't like, just to have a Gotcha?

[cbelt3]

$tevie wrote:
Why would anyone wish to establish a precedent that Congress can force people to take the public option even if they don't need to or want to? Isn't that exactly what you fear???

Does this really appeal to you guys or are you so blinded by partisanship that you wish to potentially force the entire country into something you don't like, just to have a Gotcha?

$tevie, it's more of a 'are you people a bunch of hypocrites ?' question that should be asked of EVERY SINGLE BILL proposed by Congress. You see, Congress is our representatives. They put laws in place that WE have to follow. When they put laws in place that they do NOT have to follow..... well, they're not really representing us, are they now ? No, they're "More Equal than Others" ! (apologies to George Orwell)

I don't see this as a 'partisan' thing. I'm sure that when the Congress was in the other party's hands, similar questions came up from the party that is now in power.

[$tevie]

Exactly which part of the proposed health care bill are you going to "have to follow"?

You guys are suckers for really juvenile propaganda. Wake up.

Joe Wilson knows full well that Members of Congress have the same health benefits as the nearly 9 million other federal workers and retirees. If you have a problem with the health benefits that federal workers receive, and feel that federal workers should not have health insurance, then say that. Don't play a stupid little game.

[cbelt3]

$tevie-

well, without the personalizations, I will note that you are generally correct. Your response gave me some info I did not have, and caused me to do some research. It appears that the FEHPB is as you say

Here's the web site.

And their rates aren't that awesome.

HOWEVER.... Congress has additional benefits that are not part of the FEHPB, but they appear to pay for those as well.

So.... I WAS WRONG. :S :ohsnap:

[mattkime]

>>So.... I WAS WRONG.

Vote to move that comment to the other side of the forum!

[$tevie]

Thanks, cbelt! That Congresspersons have some sort of Gucci insurance is a really common misconception and I get kind of aggravated with it -- as I guess was all too obvious.

[Lux Interior]

$tevie wrote:
Thanks, cbelt! That Congresspersons have some sort of Gucci insurance is a really common misconception and I get kind of aggravated with it -- as I guess was all too obvious.

That goes along with the myth that serving one term in congress entitles you to a lifetime pension of $15,000/month for which they contribute nothing. Snope it.

Additionally, should we require congresspersons to life on welfare and use foodstamps?