agribusiness
Public Policy: For the Public Good or Private Profit?
(June 26, 2009) - At critical juncture points in public policy, stakeholders with the most power (read biggest and most effective lobbying organizations) go all out to tilt public policy in their favor. No surprise there. The amazing thing is how little flack they get when they openly contradict the very purpose of the policy or policy change.
The current health-care debate is a case in point. Reforming health care has become a "must-do" in this country. It costs too much and does not provide adequate care to all in need.
Several remedies have been suggested including the addition of a "public" health insurance plan as a way to broaden accessibility and lower costs of the health care delivery system.
In a June 21, 2009 Washington Post column, George Will asserts "Competition from the public option must be unfair because government does not need to make a profit and has enormous pricing and negotiating powers."