Repubs are screaming that there can be NO public option…..Conserv Dems are screaming that a c-op is the only way to a public option….and now there is a negotiation gpoing on with Sen. Snow of Maine for a “trigger” that would be met that would enact a public option.  But what the hell is a trigger and what does it mean?

From talkingpointsmemo.com:

Snowe’s idea is to use the threat of a government plan to force private insurers to become more competitive and cost conscious. She has been advocating the approach for months in closed-door negotiations with fellow senators and in talks with White House aides and the president.

The precise details have yet to be worked out, but the general idea is to give the insurance industry a fixed time to show that it can stem rising medical costs. If the private carriers fail, the government-run plan would be created. The approach could be tailored so that the government plan is used only in areas of the country where one or two private insurers control the market and have failed to bring down costs.

But the government plan wouldn’t have to be used in regions where consumers have a choice of insurance companies and competition has kept prices low.

However, liberals are wary of Snowe’s plan, favoring a robust government-run plan.

To me this is and will be a cop out if it is the rule……the so-called trigger is too broad and that will give the insurance industry too much leeway to keep the status quo.  I do not see where this will help the uninsured get insured.  This is a tweek not a reform and is just what the Repubs want…it will be much easier to eliminate down the line.

Even the president is lowering expectations by calling the public option “only a small sliver of the bill”.  His speech this week will be closely watched by many on the Left to see if he will cave to the BS of the cowards.