On Monday, August 16, Democrat Representative Allen Boyd stated that he can not support the House healthcare bill “in the version it is in now.”   A member of the so-called “Blue Dog Coalition,” Boyd cited concerns over rising healthcare costs as a reason for his lacking support.  In order to reduce costs, he encourages “co-ops” as an alternative to the “public option.”

The “co-op” alternative — promoted by a growing number of Democrats in the House and Senate — is just another way to institute more government control over everyone’s health care.  However, the fact that an increasing number of  “Blue Dogs” now oppose the “public option” concept is proof that a rift is growing in the ranks of the Democrat Party.

• Kevin Bohn, “Blue Dog: ‘Excellent idea’ to start over on health care reform,” CNN (August 17, 2009)
• David A. Patten, “Democrats Turn on Obama in Fight Over ‘Public Option,‘” Newsmax (August 17, 2009)
• David Espo, “Concession on ‘Public Option’ Riles Left,” Associated Press (August 18, 2009)
• Connie Hair, “ObamaCare on Life Support,” Human Events (August 18, 2009).
• “Gibbs insists Obama not backing off public option,” Associated Press (August 18, 2009)

Also, on the cost of health care, check out Avery Johnson, “Tennessee Experiment’s High Cost Fuels Health-Care Debate” Wall Street Journal (August 17, 2009).  For more back ground material on “Who is uninsured in American” and on “How much Obama’s health plan will cost,” check out my healthcare page.

Video: Allen Boyd Addresses Town Hall Concerns