You almost have to suspect they're running a strategy of demanding they not be thrown into the briar patch given how predicable the reaction to their screeds should be by now, but I have seen no evidence that they're bright to engage in even that facile level of subtlety.

And, more importantly, insurance companies don't do subtle. Period. They don't tolorate it from their lawyers in litigation and, even if one or two members bought into the concept, there's no chance they could collectively agree to allow their lobbyists to try it.

They're like World War I generals, over the top and charge straight into the machine guns in a bid to smother the opposition under your own troops' bodies.

When will these people learn - to AHIP and Olympia Snowe - please, stop talking? Thanks.

"driving real reforms that bring down costs and improve quality,"

And that would be in the form of federal diagnostic clinics, which the health care industry wants no part of, because that is where they make huge profits.

The only "improvements" the insurance industry wants is improvements in the way our politicians protect their monopoly. Any effort to actually streamline the system to save money is something only the CONSUMER wants, all the other parties involved depend on rising costs for constantly rising corporate profits.

And since the public does not contribute so generously as a single entity as the insurance and pharmy industries, "We, the People" are their last concern.