Having just thrown the state's health care law under the bus, it's hard to imagine that Tim Cahill thinks he can win the Democratic nomination for Governor. After all, the concept of universal health coverage is pretty important to most Democrats, especially those who vote in primaries.
State Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill has come out strongly against the $1 billion in tax increases approved by the Legislature, proposing instead deep cuts in the state's landmark effort at universal healthcare, calling it a luxury taxpayers can no longer afford.
A "luxury"? Good grief. Tell that to the folks who have insurance now, but who didn't a couple of years ago.
"Everyone wanted it to pass, to get it on their resume," Cahill said of the state's 2006 healthcare law. "Nobody asked the tough questions. It was expensive, even in good times. In tough times . . . it just doesn't seem doable."
Putting aside Cahill's revisionist history on how the health care law came into being, that's quite a remarkable statement. "Just doesn't seem doable." So, I guess we should what, repeal the law and go back to letting the uninsured fend for themselves? Yes, it's expensive. Yes, there will be cuts. But that doesn't mean you give up.
And get this:
"We're all still waiting for the savings," Cahill said. "Universal healthcare was supposed to eventually save us money."
"It's a warning for the federal government as it looks to do something similar," he added. "I'm not saying we can't afford any of it, but it certainly doesn't appear that we can afford all of it."
Perhaps some of our health care experts could weigh in on whether and how having everyone covered can "save us money." And now, apparently, Cahill is running against President Obama as well as Governor Patrick. Curiouser and curiouser... |
