Teddy Kennedy, Missed by Obama

I was no fan of Ted Kennedy. But one has to admit that he was as effective in the Senate as anyone since Lyndon Johnson.

In the current health care debate, the bills seem to be written by liberal Democrats with not much interest in compromise. The are making demands that prevent many moderates and every conservative from supporting the bill, and worse, some of the demands are not related to what at least I see as the primary objective.

To me, the primary objective is Universal coverage. But liberals will fail to reach the goal, if their demand for a government option isn't met. Also, Republicans have long wanted tort reform, which will help reduce cost due to doctors practicing defensive medicine. But the ties the Democrats have with lawyers prevents that.

Ted Kennedy was a master of negotiating. Everyone gets something, gives something, and a bill gets passed. Today, there isn't anyone in the Senate that's has a clue how to do this, in either party.

The Democrats could pass a bill that provides universal coverage, if they would only give moderate Democrats a voice. Once in place, you can always make changes later.