Fighting the Good Fight

When Congress returns from their summer vacation, they will face a debate and vote on an expasion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).  The expansion is a relatively moderate one, pushed by Democrats who say it is necessary to keep pace with inflation in the cost of health care.  Republican oppose it.  They say it is "socialized medicine."  Of course, that is what Republicans always say about any health-care program. 

There'll be a fight in the legislature, but it will probably be a small one, because this expansion is relatively small when compared to the rework of the health-care system that is really needed.  It seems that is in line with the strategy of democrats.  They seem to want to take on Republicans is a series of small conflicts.  But, it you have to fight, why not go whole hog and fight the fight that needs to be fought.  Democrats should propse a comprehensive, universal health care program and take the fight to the Republicans straight out.  The arguments for and against the full program will be more or less the same as the arguments for and against the expansion of SCHIP.  Republicans will cry "socialized medicine" and Democrats will have to answer the charge.   As The American Prospect's Mark Schmitt, has written, sometimes it is just as easy or difficult to fight a big fight as a small one. 

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