Two people recognize the health reform bill is not reform and are signaling that we need to start anew. 

Sen. Bernie Sanders,  the Independent from Vermont, is telling the world that the proposed legislation is not good.  Yesterday, he said that he could not accept the health reform bill in its current form because it does not control costs or rein in health insurance companies.  More important,  Senator Sanders showed the courage of his convictions and brought a real answer to the Senate and the American people.  He proposed a single-payer amendment to the current bill.  In calling up his amendment, Sanders said, “For the first time in American history, the Senate will debate a proposal to create a single-payer, Medicare-for-all health care system.” Unfortunately, Senator Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) objected to Mr. Sanders’s request to dispense with the reading of the 767-page amendment (as called for earlier by  Coburn).  After nearly three hours of listening to a team of Senate clerks read the proposal,  Mr. Sanders gave up and withdrew his amendment (Why,  Bernie? There’s nothing to fear but fear itself.)

(Of course, Coburn knew that would be the outcome because the dealy would prevent a vote on a funding bill for the Department of Defense. The current funding provision expires at midnight tomorrow).

George Will reflects today in The Washington Post on the latest CNN poll showing that 61 percent of the public oppose what the Democratic Senate is trying to do to health care.  “It is clear what the public wants Congress to do: Talke a mulligan and start over.”

Bernie and George are both saying that what we have is not good enough.  President Obama should say the same and ask for the creation of a “super special” congressional committee to start anew in January.  Health reform before the holidays may not make the season jolly.