I'm not questioning that Tom is giving criticism to the plan.

I'm questioning why his main form of response to any criticism (from himself or anyone else ) of the Bush administration is "The democrats would have done worse" - it's speculative at best, sometimes almost childish.

"And yes, it begs the question, what's Bowser's or your alternative if doing deals with the multinational drug companies is a bad thing?"

I'm was not dicussing the pros or cons of the actual policy being discussed, I was discussing Tom's reaction to it. I know too little of US medical policy to cast judgement.

FWIW, I believe that any developed nation that is unable to provide free heathcare for the entire population regardless of income or insurance should be ashamed.

Doug