You know who the real winners will be with the passage of health care legislation?  The insurance industry and the IRS. 

Despite a small glimmer of hope, I think this bill will pass.  And despite Obama skewering the insurance companies, they will be the big winners.  The mandate equates to 30 million new customers, if you believe the administration’s numbers.  It’s closer to 8-12 M, maybe more in this economy, but still, a whole bunch of new customers.  Plus, the administration will give subsidies DIRECTLY to the insurance companies to cover people with incomes 133% of the poverty level. 

And, on top of that, many smaller companies who already provide insurance will see their premiums skyrocket and end up dumping their insurance and pushing their employees onto the open market.  No more group discounts, so the customers will end up paying retail prices instead.  Woo Hoo for the insurance companies!

And Ace has a great round up of the MASSIVE power and control the IRS will have over our lives. 

What a wonderful world this will be.

I just wanted to wish Texas a happy, happy birthday!  I lament that fact that no one seems to celebrate today, but we always have a ton of celebrations for Cinco de Mayo, a fake Mexican holiday. 

Anyway, here’s to 174 years of Texas and hoping for 174 more!

And don’t forget to vote early, vote often!  Just kidding.