Sold down the river

So how do YOU feel to now know for certain that Mr. Brilliant was right along, that the Democrats exist only to make us THINK we have a choice? How do YOU feel to now know for certain that your Senator doesn't represent you, he or she represents the insurance companies that shoveled boatloads of cash into their pockets? How do YOU feel to know that there is absolutely no one in government who gives a shit about whether you live or die? How does it feel to know that the only thing these so-called "public servants" care about is lining their pockets?

We always KNEW this about the Republicans. We've deluded ourselves for far too long that the Democrats are any different. Marginally less batshit crazy, yes. Marginally less in thrall to the Christofascist Zombie Brigade, yes. But that is no longer enough.

Congratulations, citizens! You are now living in the Corporate States of America:

After weeks of secretive talks, a bipartisan group in the Senate edged closer Monday to a health care compromise that omits two key Democratic priorities but incorporates provisions to slow the explosive rise in medical costs, officials said.

These officials said participants were on track to exclude a requirement many congressional Democrats seek for businesses to offer coverage to their workers. Nor would there be a provision for a government insurance option, despite President Barack Obama's support for such a plan.

The three Democrats and three Republicans from the Senate Finance Committee were considering a tax of as much as 35 percent on very high-cost insurance policies, part of an attempt to rein in rapid escalation of costs. Also likely to be included in any deal was creation of a commission charged with slowing the growth of Medicare through recommendations that would take effect automatically unless overturned by Congress.

"We're going to get agreement here," Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., the Finance Committee chairman, said Monday. "The group of six really wants to get to 'yes.'"

Obama has outlined two broad goals for legislation he is struggling to win from Congress: expansion of health insurance coverage to millions who lack it, and reining in increases in costs.

Like bills drafted by Democrats, the proposal under discussion by the six Finance Committee members would bar insurance companies from denying coverage to any applicant. Nor could insurers charge higher premiums on the basis of pre-existing medical conditions.

Note how it doesn't say whether insurers can drop you if you become sick.

Here's how Max Baucus serves his real constituency.