News that the Senate Finance Committee will be putting forth a health care reform proposal that omits a public option and does not compel businesses to cover employees is disastrous. If this report is accurate and a bill such as this goes forth, the insurance industry will have won, yet again, and the American public will be much worse off for it.

Mostly, I feel a deep sense of regret. Another small part of me, however, chuckles at the pitiful plight of Americans so enamored by the ideology of free markets that they are willing to hurt themselves to uphold the ideal. I honestly and earnestly hate to say it but they get what they deserve.

But what do you think?