I just read the diary at the top of the rec list which included a key line -- "Now the oldest of our daughters is 26, and must seek coverage on her own. Fortunately, she lives in a Democratic state, where the Healthcare Marketplace works."
Then there are people like my wife and me, who live in New Jersey. It's actually a wonderful place to live but we have this guy Christie running the place. You may have heard of him. He's not a Democrat. And because of that, we are part of Healthcare.gov, instead of a state-run marketplace.
My point is not to bash the federal website, far from it. I've been on it a few times, filled out my application, found most of the information I was looking for. Then I called the federal phone number and the customer service person was very helpful. We'll be buying our new plan within a few days and it will be much better than what we have now although it will cost a bit more because of our income and age range. I don't mind that, it seems like we'll be getting what we pay for. No complaints.
But then I read that diary. "She lives in a Democratic state, where the Healthcare Marketplace works." Barbara Buono is the Democratic candidate running against Christie and as far as I can see is qualified to be governor and is running a decent campaign. But she's got no shot to beat Christie.
Why? Why would Democratic voters not turn out in force to beat this reactionary Republican? Why would Independent voters be willing to put up with a declining education system, less public services and bad roads -- even while there has been no significant reduction of property taxes (the Republicans' only real issue) -- when they could have something better?
Is it because Corzine was what he was? Well, how about we just get over that. Or is it because, compared to the rabid rightwing dogs in Congress, Christie is relatively reasonable? That's a lousy reason when you think of how far right he really is and witness the damage he is doing.
Barbara Buono may not be perfect but in my opinion any self-respecting Democrat who doesn't vote for her should be ashamed. And the Independents too.