Could it be any more clear to us that Congress is a complete cluster when it comes to getting anything done? Democrats are running around in a daze protecting themselves because they can't believe they have the majority but don't know what to do with it and Republicans have no new ideas so they keep shouting as loud as they can hoping no one can see that there is no substance in their message.  Looks like it's up to us, neighbors.

OK, fellow Americans, stop your b*tching and start crafting  OUR bill.  Here is what I would like to see in a healthcare package.  Use comments to edit/add/delete your wishes until we have something WE want.

1. No public option.  Yes, I am starting with this one.  Too much government and bureaucracy when we just can' t afford it.  Please continue to read before you start judging me on this one.

2. A cap on insurance premiums of 2% or less for next 5 years.

3. The same cap on medical charges. Painful, maybe, but that's what insurance companies get in exchange for no public option.

4. A consumer tax on sugar, alcohol, and cigarettes. Those who are/will be the largest burden to the healtchare system should pay the biggest chunk.

4. For all Americans, a tax credit equal to a standard 1 year cost of healthcare premiums. If the citizen is uninsured, the amount is to be deposited into an HSA.  The citizen can shop for insurance and use that credit to pay for it but no withdrawals for anything else.  This can all be done electronically for pennies compared to pushing actual paper. This also eliminates illegal coverage.

5.  This is Health CARE reform. We need to change our mindset. we can't live a lifestyle that is killing us and then expect the government to pay for it.  That means making  fitness THE PRIORITY as a way of life for Americans.  You groan but nothing will work if we  keep our current obesity rates. Kids need to move and so do their parents and grandparents.  The right marketing program should not be expensive. Lots of athletes would be happy to make free public service announcements and endorsements especially for our kids.

6.  Health insurance needs some boundaries.  We shouldn't expect for-profit corporations to operate like non-profits. They dont' and they won't.  So, if theywant to do business in this space, live by our rules.  IF they don't, there are many other companies out there that would love our business.  Health insurance lobbyists, stop hiding behind our legisilators "planned " idiotic outbursts to keep us from a solution.  We are on to you.

7. Consumers may shop across state lines for insurance.  The best deal/coverage wins.  Also, all insurance companies must provide a standard ONE SHEET form in plain English that describes the consumer's coverage. Additional paperwork may be provided but a standard easy to read one-sheet should be available for Americans to comparison shop.

8. How do we pay for this?  Obama made a campaign promise to end government waste. It's time to look at every area of the "business" and cut waste.  Either use technology to streamline processes or kill the option altogether.  Don't worry about jobs.  Employees can be repurposed to areas where they are REALLY needed: healthcare, environment, and technology  jobs either in or out of government.  With #9, below, they can retain their healthcare.

9.  Make the insurance available to federal or state workers available to its citizens at the same cost.  Kind of like the Ford campaign a few years ago of passing on the employees discount to the masses.  The uninsured can use their HSA accounts to pay for it.  I am sure the Feds get a great deal on health insurance and the insurance companies get to fight/lobby/kiss butts every five years or so for the chance to get the big juicy contract.  We should have the option.

10. Federal government should stay OUT of hte healthcare business but protect its citizens from big corp greed.  At same time, citizens shouldn't expect the federal government to stay out or in at every whim.  You screw itup, you live with it.

These are my thoughts. By no means comprehensive which is why we should do this together. Please keep it going.