Defazio considers himself principled Progressive, but would he principled if he destroys HCR?
Earlier today after learning that Defazio was potentially leaning against the HCR, I contacted his Washington and Eugene offices. I was informed by both offices that he was still "reading the bill." They clearly hoped to convey the notion that he was diligently reading the bill. Hilarious. If he doesn't know what's in the bill by now he been on vacation. This was clearly a dodge.
Defazio doesn't comprehend that this is probably the one and only chance he will have to vote for health care reform. This is unsurprising. He has clearly forgotten that it has taken us 17 years to address the problem again. If Democrats lose the majority in the house or senate this fall, then health care reform will be over. Even if the Democrats some how hang on it's unlikely that anyone will want to revisit this punishing debate.
Like Michael Arcuri, Defazio needs to put on notice that it is critical for him to support this bill. Oregon has been devastated by the recession. We have some of the highest unemployment figures in the country. Lane County (a big part Defazio's district) has been especially hard hit. His failure to act will have a direct impact on the numbers of unemployed people in his district. His actions will ensure that these people have no shot to get health insurance in the future.
Anyone who thinks that they will have a chance to reform health care in the future is misguided at best. Contact Defazio's office. Call your union. Make sure he not only reads the bill, but VOTES in favor of it. I understand some liberal folks objections to the bill. It's not perfect. It will never be perfect. It's time to hold your nose and do the right thing. Defazio depends on liberals and unions for the majority of his support. If he betrays that trust he needs to be chased out of office.