The Ultimate Paradox

E.J. Dionne: 'Here is the ultimate paradox of the Great Health Care Showdown: Congress will divide along partisan lines to pass a Republican version of health care reform, and Republicans will vote against it. Yes, Democrats have rallied behind a bill that Republicans -- or at least large numbers of them -- should love. It is built on a series of principles that Republicans espoused for years. Republicans have said that they do not want to destroy the private insurance market. This bill not only preserves that market but strengthens it by bringing in millions of new customers. The plan before Congress does not call for a government 'takeover' of health care. It provides subsidies so more people can buy private insurance. ... The single-payer idea fell by the wayside long ago, and supporters of the public option -- sadly, from my point of view -- lost out last December. ... Democrats, including President Obama, are so anxious to get everyone health insurance that they are more than willing to try a market-based system and hope it works. It's a shame the Republicans can no longer take 'yes' for an answer.'