Question asked to Alan Grayson at his town hall forum tonight which I watched and liveblogged via Ustream
Why don't we just push health care through with our majority?
Grayson's Answer
I don't know. Let me elaborate. I really don't know. Next question
Classic response. But Alan Grayson proved to me and others that watched tonight that he is much more than a good soundbite..
cross posted at The Progressive Electorate and Left in Alabama
update -You Tube Clips from Tonight's event
- donation link to Grayson we can raise hundreds of thousands for unknowns lets do the same for one who has stood with us and for us
And the crackpot Republican,
who issued a press release to decline challenging Grayson, and then called him a "raving liberal lunatic" yesterday should be forced to watched the replay over and over again. He knows the details of health care reform inside and out. From exactly how the health care bill will be paid to what page the bill talks about cracking down on medicare fraud. He also knows how to explain the bill in a manner that makes sense, sounds feasible and tackles the lies and distortions being spread. All done civilly, humanely, and with disarming humor.
Here's a wrap up on the Die Quickly Congressman Hosting Health Care event
He then answered a string of questions from people opposed to health care reform, supporters and the undecided. Absent was the over-the-top rhetoric that has made him a YouTube sensation. And the crowd was mostly civil and supportive of the congressman that Republicans accuse of incivility.
Some of the highlights from the town hall meeting that should be incorporated into our talking points
1. How will we pay for this?
Drug companies will have to cut prices of all commonly used drugs by 80billion, hospitals will be released of burden having to cover anyone who walks into the door in exchange for universal coverage, they will reduce charges to fed customers by reducing prices by 150 billion. Also he did a good job of explaining emergency room fee for anyone who meets criteria but does not purchase as well. Also increase in taxes on those making more than 3 million per year.
- Will medicare premiums increase?
No - but does make three positive changes to medicare.
a) doughnut hole eliminated - won't have to choose between eating cat food and health insurance
b) no longer co-pays for supplemental care; no need for supplemental insurances
c) medicare advantage will have to pay out 85% or more; the percentages will not keep dropping
- What about med mal/ tort reform?
Florida one of the 20 or so states that has already had tort reform and it has not changed insurance premiums. Caps on damages do not save money.
- There is more than just one bill still on the table. Not just one bill as one questioner assumed
- When looking at health care reform two important components: will it save lives and will it save money
Again - we should reward good behavior. If you haven't done so and can, please donate a couple of bucks to Grayson on our Act Blue page. Where we have raised over $8,000 for Grayson since Friday. Feel free to post your link in the the thread.