Like many others on here, I was devastated when the Public Option was dropped from the health care bill, but is there a chance it will return? I had the chance to speak with Chuck Schumer today, and the idea isn't dead yet!
I had emailed Schumer not long ago with concerns about health care. I need it. I need it now. He's my senator; I felt like I deserved a response. He's on the right side of this issue, but he seems to have failed America in not pushing the Public Option harder.
I was at a rock concert today, and before I knew it I was face-to-face with Schumer himself. I shook his hand, told him it was a pleasure to meet him, but I held on for just a second longer so that I could ask as quickly as I could: how was he planning to further health care in the Senate.
Without a moment of hesitation, he responded that we needed a newer, better Congress--I sort of thought it was strangely reminiscent of the kos mantra of "more and better" Democrats. He said he's aiming for 2014. It wasn't exactly the answer I wanted, but I felt better to hear him say he's still got it on his radar, and has a long term plan for it as well.