Many of us in red states did all of the same things that those in blue states did.
We voted Democratic.
We signed the petitions for the public option.
We wrote letters.
We made phone calls.
We contributed funds.
That’s right; when the bucket was lowered down to us, we placed our hopes in it, along with our trust. Now the bucket has been lifted, and the take divvied up. Now that it’s time to attach a life preserver to it and lower it again, it looks like it’s about to become much, much shorter. Alas, too short to reach those of us at the bottom.
I’ve seen several diaries today on this so called "opt-out" public option, and some are commenting that we shouldn’t worry; our states are bluffing, and they wouldn’t dare opt out. Well, here’s my question: Why should I trust my red state government, when I can’t trust my own party? Hey, I fully acknowledge that these Democrats are representing their states’ interests, but somehow, we Texans were on all those distribution lists asking for contributions in the forms listed above.
There is no way I can trust my senators, my representatives (U.S. or state), or my governor. I wrote letters to everyone but Perry (must I explain why?), begging for a public option, begging for my taxes to be raised to support it, begging for my state not to screw me over.
First, this summer I wrote to my DEMOCRATIC state representative, Allen Vaught, expressing concerns that Texas might try to block federal legislation that would alleviate our 25% uninsured rate. His response:
Thank you for contacting my office regarding healthcare reform and the opposition of federal health care mandates by individual states. I appreciate hearing your comments on this important issue.
Unfortunately, while the legislature is not in session, we as Representatives do not have any ability to accept or reject federal mandates through changes to the Texas constitution unless we are called back by the Governor to specifically discuss the issue. Since Governor Perry rejected the stimulus money related to unemployment, he can and may reject additional money for healthcare or other purposes. However, I do not believe he has the power to reject federal laws unless the legislature passes specific constitutional amendments which would allow state rejection of federal laws in some form.
I would encourage you to contact the Governor’s office to voice your comments and concerns to him and let him know how you feel about the Obama Administration health plan. You may contact him at this site: http://governor.state.tx.us/... You may also wish to contact your federal representative and also the two senators from our state. Unfortunately, unless there is legislation in front of me which I can vote on, there is not much I can do about this situation.
I’ve put Vaught’s signs in my yard twice. Never again, and yes, I let him know why. The above response really set me off. I cannot even describe the level of anger, frustration, and sheer abandonment I felt. Apparently, I have no representation in Austin either. Good to know, I suppose.
After I settled down, rather than give up, I decided to play Mr. Vaught’s little game. That’s when I wrote to the others. Sarcasm was tempting, but I was 100% sincere and respectful. I even went so far as to offer my primary vote to Senator Hutchison next year (we have open primaries). She didn’t take the bait.
From Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison:
One of the most troublesome aspects of the legislation being considered is the massive government expansion it would enact. I strongly oppose a government-run option and believe current government-managed programs such as Medicare and Medicaid make a case against this proposal. Billions of taxpayer dollars are wasted on fraud and abuse in Medicare every year, and the program will be insolvent by 2017. Furthermore, 40 percent of physicians turn away Medicaid patients because the system is poorly administered, resulting in reduced choices and access to care for beneficiaries. I believe a government-run option will inevitably lead to a single-payer system in which private insurance providers are crowded out of the market and care is rationed to Americans. I would not want my family to be covered by this government plan, and therefore I do not find it acceptable for other American families and individuals.
(emphasis added)
From Senator John Cornyn:
I oppose the creation of a Washington-run "public" health insurance plan, which I believe is unequivocally a gateway to a single-payer system. I believe that a new Washington-run, public plan "option" will devastate private insurance markets by acting as a competitor, regulator, and funder. Independent estimates have found that such a plan could result in 118 million Americans losing their current health benefits, and 130 million Americans left to rely on a government-run health care plan.
(emphasis added)
From Congressman Jeb Hensarling:
Congress needs to remember the Hippocratic Oath when crafting a plan - "First, do no harm". I am concerned about the efforts in Washington to launch a government takeover of our health care. I fear the proposed health care plan would place bureaucrats in between doctors and patients in the exam room, delaying treatment and lowering the quality care for patients, all while forcing 114 million Americans out of their current health care plan.
I have serious concerns about the quality of care in a system that prioritizes controlling costs over providing care. When it comes to prompt treatment, I cannot imagine what it would be like for my wife and me to wait on a bureaucrat to decide when - or if - one of our children can receive a treatment that a doctor has ordered for them. To watch my children suffer as we wait for government approval would be too much to bear.
Are you buying any of this? Some say they are bluffing. Some want me to hang my hopes on these people. Well, you know what? I’ll give them this: At least they didn’t make me a promise they don’t intend to keep.
I’m appalled that this cop-out public option is even being considered by real Democrats. This is not progressive behavior. And for those who think we should just pack up and move to another state, be aware that Texas has been a blue state for most of its statehood. There are no guarantees. Yeah, we’re in a definite slump. Life might very well carry me away to another state before too long; it’s too early to tell. However, it won’t be because I’m running away from something. That’s not my style, or I wouldn’t have spent 40 years here.
There is still one person I trust in all of this. No, it’s not the President; I don’t mistrust him, but I’m wholeheartedly indifferent at the moment. I’ll fall off on his side of the fence if he gets something done on health care that doesn’t result in my state being sold out.
There is one person who, I believe, is still on my side, and that’s the person who delivered a heartfelt, empathetic monologue last night that left me speechless and in tears.
I have health insurance. I have a job that pays well. I am lucky. Not near as "lucky" as Mr. Olbermann, but also not quite as talented, in case you didn’t notice. I also realize that I could lose my job any day without notice, as could most of us, and that my insurance premiums could go way up while my benefits go way down. Anything can happen, but right now, my concern is for all of my fellow Americans, not just my fellow Texans, who do not have access to health care. It’s for them that I make this plea:
Please, don’t cut the rope.