Can Somebody Please Explain The Obamacare Bill To Me?

Myself

[CondoleezzaProtege]

Hi Freepers, I realize that only a few people are awake, but I am having trouble getting a clear, cliff-notes version explanation of the bill the Senate is about to vote on tomorrow. All I know for sure is that if Pelosi, Reid, and Obama are behind it--it must be very, very bad. It's finally sinking in that something "big" is happening. Up until now, I've avoided really examining the issue and its implications for fear of getting too upset.

I've listened to coverage on every news network and end up being more confused. I realize that it may be virtually impossible to sum up thousands of pages, but if somebody can list the basic things the bill will or will not accomplish, that would be great. I would also like to know:

1) How drastically did Joe Lieberman's provisions alter the bill? What is the difference between a public option and healthcare "exchanges?"

2) What exactly will be the disastrous consequences of this bill for hospital patients? for people diagnosed with long term and potentially fatal diseases?

3) Will any of the damage be reversible with the next Republican administration/Republican majority?

4) Is there ANYTHING the *LEAST* bit positive about this bill?

5) Is there any country's current healthcare system we can compare the model in Congress' proposal to?

Everyone's thoughts and contributions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

~ CP

[Russ]

Based on recent history I would expect a rollback or repeal but I doubt that it will happen. Once in power again the moderate/liberal wing of the Republican Party will revert to their big government mentality and form a coalition with the Democrats to block any meaningful reform. No. my friend, it will take a political revolution of historic proportions to rectify what is happening to this country.