Just Back From Capitol Hill Which Is All Abuzz About Healthcare Reform.....

[global1]

I was up Capitol Hill the last couple of days. We were calling on all our representatives from Illinois - both Dems and Repugs - Congressmen and Senators. We were there regarding issues unrelated to health reform.

I want to relate the experience we had when we were in both Mark Kirk's office and Peter Roskam's office - as we happened to get into a discussion about Healthcare Reform in both offices.

The Repugs are totally against a public option. They cite that the people don't want a 'public option'. Upon pressing the issue as to why - I was told - look at the bad reception that Obama got from the AMA.

So the people they were talking about were the Doc's.

One aide in Kirk's office talked about the Tuesday Group - a group of 'centist/moderate' repugs.

Here's a link to some background on the Tuesday Group - the first I've ever heard about it was in Kirk's office the other day: http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/centrist-house-republicans-establish-tuesday-group-pac-2007-07-11.html

Here's another link for background info on the Tuesday Group: http://books.google.com/books?id=yLWnVAp8wagC&pg=PA157&lpg=PA157&dq=tuesday+group+caucus&source=bl&ots=QPt1bh40HG&sig=YvlhdSj_7ELMhb1O5QI_4c2DQRs&hl=en&ei=3IE6StWINaG-NPS2ua8F&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9

The Dem counterpart to this Tuesday Group I was told by Kirk's aide - are the Blue Dogs.

Kirk also presented something the other day entitled "Medical Rights & Reform Act" - Protecting Doctor-Patient Relationship, Improving Quality, Lowering Costs, Expanding Access.

Here's a link to this proposal:
http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/il10_kirk/centrist_leaders_unveil_medical_rights_and_reform_act.html

I got the impression that the Repug Tuesday Group and the Dem Blue Dogs may be joining forces on 'healthcare reform'.

Check out this slide show put together by the Tuesday Group on Healthcare Reform and you'll get a feel for the terms and the talking points that are circulating all over Capitol Hill. It's clear to see that it is one-sided and from what I heard on Capitol Hill - all the Repug Congressional aides - have drunk the 'koolade'.

http://tgpac.com/docs/pages/TG_PAC_Health_Care_Poll.aspx

One talking point is 'rationing'. The other is 'losing the ability to choose one's own MD'. I challenged them on both of these saying - don't the insurance companies do the same right now - they had no valid answer for that and tried to change the subject.

Other talking points are 'the government denying medical treatment" & "waiting weeks and months for medical treatment". All of these talking points are bogus - but they resonate with many American's that aren't educated or as well read on this topic.

I learned from these Repugs that both Medicare and Veterans' Healthcare don't work.

Folks - this is what is being said and touted on the Repug side in D.C.

We need to get people out dispelling these talking points. If all they hear are these Repug talking points and no one is pushing back - what do you expect?

Bottom line - all of Capitol Hill is buzzing about 'healthcare reform'. It seems to be the topic that is dominating the offices of all the Senators and Congress Critters. The aides in these offices can't seem to stop talking about it or changing the discussion around to 'healthcare reform'. I suspect they are trying to get a feel for what the rank and file American's are thinking.

One can sense a battle looming on this. I think it is apparent that something will pass - but it looks like everyone is looking for a compromise of some sorts. I believe from what I've seen and heard in the offices of Congress is that 'single payer' is totally out. The 'public option' I believe still has a chance - but - everyone has to get on the phones or meet with their respective Senators and Congressmen during their upcoming recess when they are back in their states and districts holding 'town halls'. Even if you have a Repug representative - call them up and let them know that they need to go with a public option.

The feeling that I got was that the people that the Repugs were talking to were all against the 'public option' - but I believe that they were practicing selective listening and talking to the wrong people.

I heard more than once that if a 'public option' is passed that they are concerned that the private insurance companies will go out of business and they won't let that happen. It is very apparent that there is a lot of insurance money floating around Capitol Hill.

We met a lot of 'single payer' advocates during our visit. It appears that they converged on Capitol Hill to lobby. They seemed dejected and disappointed and very tired. They are out there doing their best - but - I don't think that their message is resonating.

I had to laugh because we also were able to get into the new Capital Visitor Center - which by the way is well done. We sat for a 13 minute movie about our government. It was stressed over and over in the movie about how we have a representative government "for the people - and by the people". How our representatives in Congress are there for our best interest. As I listened I couldn't help but think of the lobbyist money floating around the Hill = by the corporations and for the corporations. I guess I'm jaded. I'm sure others in taking in that movie felt a sense of pride in their government. I felt a sense of sadness - because I know that 'our' so-called representatives aren't really there to represent us - but are really there representing themselves and the corporations.

Also - don't overlook calling your Dem representatives in Congress. I'm afraid that they will wimp out and cave to the Repug pressures. Please keep calling - even if you already called - pump up the volume. Let them know that you will not vote for them the next time they run - if they don't come through for us on this 'healthcare reform'.

[NV Whino]

1. Thanks for posting this

[onethatcares]

2. making the calls, as I type this.

Senator Bill Nelson/ FL ,,,,Rep. Kathy Castor Fl. Both are aware of my support for single payer, or public option if it comes to that.

Thanx for the review on the visitor center.

[bvar22]

3. Obama COULD deal with the Blue Dogs.....

...the same way he dealt with the Progressive AntiWAR coalition who were going to vote AGAINST the $100 Billion "Keep the WARS Going" additional funding bill.

Obama and Rahm called in about 25 of these Progressive Congressmen for a "private" conference in the White House. The Progressive Congressmen were told that if they voted aginst the WAR Money, they would be locked out of the White House. []i]"We will come to your district and run against you!"
Obama and Rahm were successful at scaring enough Anti-WAR Democrats into voting for more War Money.

I wish Obama and Rahm would use these tactics against against the BlueDog Traitors on issues of HealthCare and EFCA,
but NO, they just throw up their hands and whine...We don't have the votes."

[dgibby]

4. Why would they want to alienate these groups, esp the blue dogs. They're all DLC.

Not only is there no seat at the table for single payer advocates, there's no seat in the Party for Progressives.

[bvar22]

5. I'm about to take my little ...

...Progressive Ass and move it to a Party where I will have a seat.