Make the public option available and drive down insurance costs

A robust, public option can level the playing field in US medicine. When FDR pursued public power, his critics cried socialism. In a speech in Portland, Ore., he explained that it could be a “birch rod” in the cupboard to be taken out and used only when the “child” gets beyond the point where a mere scolding does no good, or that which the citizenry could use to punish private power companies that were gouging the public or not providing good service.We need a birch rod for the health insurance industry, especially with the health insurance mandate that was passed.