Where do we go?

Again, I want to remain positive. The fallout on Friday of the Energy and Commerce Committee creates some concern as to where we will go in health reform.

There are problems. It does create a prisoner's dilemma between the House and Senate. The problem is collective action. Even if they can talk, no one wants to take the first step and put herself out their for attack.

Perhaps it is time for the Blue Dogs to show their cards too (according to Steven Pearlstein) and outline specific proposals in greater detail and in public. Chairman Waxman should also avoid getting angry at them, which is something he rarely does but may feel more likely to do because of the great pressure.

Yes, it seems depressing, but again, I still remain guardedly optimistic that something will result. It is likely not to reach anything near what the liberals want, but it is also will start us down the path, incrementally, of restructuring our system.