I did not make clear but I when I was talking about "jostling for their piece of the pie", I meant HI, pharma, etc.You may see this as heavy handed (or out of date), but there was a time when 'folks jostled to keep their piece of the pie' regarding slavery, women's rights, etc. Hope springs eternal.
Again, I am convinced until there's a mainstream demand for better access to affordable, quality health care - special interests are very well equippped to maintain the status quo. Politicians can't fight special interests (and can't really be blamed) without a serious groundswell behind them.
I agree, no groundswell is imminent. I support much of the content of the current healthcare bill but it is still total fail, went for a homer and ended up a bunt rolling slowly along first base line. May go foul.