I cannot believe I am writing this diary. Mike Capuano is one of the best congresspeople out there. However, he is still a maybe on this bill.
I realize there are reasons for No votes. There is reason for deliberation. I just can't figure out what is going on here.
I think part of it is that the people of the district (heck, the NYT!) assume he is a yes.
The right wing is pressuring him for No. And pressuring. And pressuring.
His office staff are beleaguered up in Cambridgeside when I've visited this week.
If you are reading this, and you are in MA-8 or know people in Boston, Cambridge or Somerville ... PLEASE get them to call his offices. Please.
Local office:
(617) 621-6208
BE POLITE. These are some very tired liberals and progessives over there.
DC Office:
(202) 225-5111
BE CIVIL.
Point out that you know that he is concerned about funding to district hospitals, but that you know people who work there who want a Yes for the bigger picture.
Or that you have heard that lots of local Doctors have been petitioning for a Yes for weeks.
Or that lack of coverage in other states drives people into our safety net hospitals out of belief they are covered in Mass. They almost always aren't, draining state funds.
Or that this is a budget cutting issue.
Or a national security issue; lack of good primary care and covered access prevents people from coming in during the first signs of illness, leaving swaths of the country vulnerable to subtle biological attack.
Or that it is a small step in the right direction for the nation, and for progressive action.
Or that you just cannot believe that he would allow the anti-choice forces to dominate the day.
Or those that would trade their votes for hobbling Grayson's measure.
Or that you cannot see Mike Capuano, Mayor Mike, the scrappy fighter, being on the No side of this vote.