In the first real fight for the public option, Democratic (and I use that word lightly) members of the Senate Finance Committee decided to become a death panel itself, disregard public opinion favoring public opinion and kill two amendments providing for such.
Senator Rockefeller's amendment was voted down 15 to 8, with Democrats Max Baucus of Montana, Kent Conrad of North Dakota, Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, Bill Nelson of Florida and Tom Carper of Delaware joining Republicans to kill it.
However, Nelson and Carper did support Senator Schumer's public option amendment. While that amendment still lost 10 to 13, these two Senators have never stated public support for any version of a public option before.
Now what really gets me is the fact that Baucus could care less about what the public wants. If I am correct, I believe we elect these people to do our bidding. We voted for drastic change in 2008. Having no public option only allows insurance companies to get fatter with profits while providing no check and balance nor a more affordable system for millions who do not have coverage.
I suppose the money to his coffers is far more satisfying.
It's time to stand up against these so-called Democratic leaders we elected. They have obviously catered to big business and corporations over the common good of the people. So, why support them again? It's time to find progressive candidates to run against them. We need to enact real reform. What these current "blue dogs" want is status quo.
Enough is enough. This morning's Washington Journal on C-SPAN had callers showing overwhelming support for the public option, even a few Republicans saw where it was needed - specifically in poor areas of the country. I was shocked that those few Republicans were brave enough to share their names, speak in defense of the public option and be compassionate enough to do so.
There it is. The public against private interest. The first salvo was fired and our own party has members who threw us under the bus yesterday.
Are you going to continue to support Democrats because they use the word? Or, are you going to support real Democratic candidates who push progressive ideas - liberal ideas - that coincide with the American people's values. I prefer the latter, friends.
They've had their turn. It's ours now. It's time to send a clear message to these lawmakers who continue to shaft us in favor of contributions from the companies they protect.
Is their job more important than our lives?
You decide...
1 comments:
I wanted to give you quick update about our work to pass a public health care option.
My amendment to add a public option to the Senate Finance Committee bill came up just two votes short of being adopted by the full committee this afternoon.
This is unfortunate news but not a surprise. Remember, the Senate Finance Committee is more conservative than the Senate as a whole. And 4 out of 5 Congressional committees with jurisdiction over health care reform have passed a public option.
This is the opening day of our fight, and I will continue to work to improve the health care reform bill as we take the legislation to the Senate floor.
The more the people hear the facts about the public option, the more they support our efforts. We must continue to work together and speak out. If we continue to fight, I am confident we will pass health care reform with a robust public option.
Sincerely,
Chuck Schumer
U.S. Senate
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