Impeding changes to our Health Care system

[xoxoxoBruce]

The nation's largest insurers, hospitals and medical groups have hired more than 350 former government staff members and retired members of Congress in hopes of influencing their old bosses and colleagues, according to an analysis of lobbying disclosures and other records.

The tactic is so widespread that three of every four major health-care firms have at least one former insider on their lobbying payrolls, according to The Washington Post's analysis.

Nearly half of the insiders previously worked for the key committees and lawmakers, including Sens. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa), debating whether to adopt a public insurance option opposed by major industry groups. At least 10 others have been members of Congress, such as former House majority leaders Richard K. Armey (R-Tex.) and Richard A. Gephardt (D-Mo.), both of whom represent a New Jersey pharmaceutical firm.

The hirings are part of a record-breaking influence campaign by the health-care industry, which is spending more than $1.4 million a day on lobbying in the current fight, according to disclosure records. And even in a city where lobbying is a part of life, the scale of the effort has drawn attention. For example, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) doubled its spending to nearly $7 million in the first quarter of 2009, followed by Pfizer, with more than $6 million.

WSJ

$1.4 million a day, that they admit to. I don't see a chance for the public being a winner in this fight. However, if the little guy really wants to, this is an opportunity to track his/her elected representative's actions, and get involved with the political process during their next election cycle. Kick the bastards out, that are working against your interests.

That said, it won't happen. Joe Average will grouse and bitch about Congress, then quickly turn his attention to who will be the next American Idol on his HD, wide screen, Wallymart TV. Smug in the belief the American system is best, because it's of the people*, by the people*, and for the people*.


* At least the ones with the money and power... or the gumption to get off their fat ass and do something about it.