Congressman Tom Cole (OK-R, Dist. 4), my Representative, voted pro-Republican on all health care issues from 2003-2006. That resulted in yes votes on 17 of 18 measures, including funding for smallpox vaccines, AIDS awareness, low-income children's nutrition, and Medicare Part D.
From 2007 to present, my congressman has continued to vote pro-Republican, which resulted in voting no on 27 of 36 healthcare measures.
I'm unable to attend his scheduled town hall meeting, so I sent the following letter to him and to the local paper (the Daily Oklahoma doesn't print open letters to officials, so it'll probably get cut but I figured it was worth the effort).
Congressman Cole,
In 2004, you said it was "unconscionable" to make people choose between healthcare and basic needs, like food, and that healthcare reform would provide "tangible benefits to millions."
From 2003-2006 you voted YES on 17 of 18 healthcare related measures in Congress. Your lone NO vote in 2003 was to prevent importation of counterfeit medications. I believed it was the correct vote, which gave you a 100% pro-healthcare voting record.
Thank you for your support to better the health of Oklahomans.
In 2007, the Heritage Foundation reviewed each state's healthcare services and ranked them from 1st (best) to 50th (worst). Shockingly, Oklahoma ranked 50th! Congressman Cole, one would expect your continued support to improve Oklahoman's dire healthcare services, the worst in the country.
But, from 2007-to present, you voted NO on 27 of 36 healthcare related votes in Congress.
Sir, you were once a champion for Oklahoma on healthcare issues by working to make healthcare affordable and accessible to all. Now your 100% ACCURATE voting record has flopped to be 75% WRONG. Sir, you supported it before you voted against it!
From 2003-2006, you espoused the virtues of healthcare reform. Now, in 2009, you read right-wing talking points spreading half-truths and distortions, and you readily block any positive change to healthcare.
I want my better Congressman Cole back. I want healthcare reform now! You voted YES for major healthcare reform in 2003. I am asking you to vote YES in 2009!
Contact Congressman Cole
Congressman Cole's town hall meeting schedule