Several weeks ago I wrote to my senator, Dianne Feinstein, regarding the health care issue. I was disturbed by reports (here and elsewhere) about her not being on board with a public option, so I wrote expressing my strong support for a public option and dismay with the current state of for-profit health care. Today I heard back from her:
Thank you for contacting me regarding health care reform and providing a public health care option. I appreciate the time you took to write and welcome the opportunity to respond.
I believe that there is much room for improvement in our nation's healthcare system. However, I believe that health care reform should not increase the federal deficit. I am deeply concerned about the large number of individuals and families in our country who do not have access to quality healthcare. This is a problem that touches every community and must be addressed at many different levels, including the Federal, State and local government. This problem is especially acute in California, where nearly 7 million people are uninsured.
The escalating cost of some premiums continues to make obtaining health insurance difficult, if not impossible, for many Americans. I am working hard to remove existing barriers to health care so that all Americans have access to the services they require.
One of the many proposals being considered to reform our system is to create a health care plan that is publically operated. Please know that I am reviewing all health care reform options and I will keep your comments in mind as the Senate continues to work to improve health care for all Americans.
I find this a very annoying letter. Is this what Sen. Feinstein calls being responsive to the concerns of her constituents? I concede that it's hard to argue with any single statement in her letter. Taken together, though, it's a model of "political speak": using a lot of words to say basically nothing.
Has anyone else heard from DiFi on this issue? I'm really on board with primarying her, though I'm not terribly sanguine about the prospects - she has very deep pockets and all the natural advantages of a long-time incumbent.