Life over the last few days and months has gotten "interesting" in the Chinese proverb sense of the word, if you get my meaning. Without going into all the details, the net result has been to put me a bit on edge. So when I received this response from Sen. Feinstein to my letter asking for her reply to the four health care reform questions that have been discussed and promoted here on DK, I'm afraid I lost it a bit...
This was her reply...
Dear XXXXXX:
Thank you for contacting me regarding health care reform and providing a public health care option. I appreciate the time you took to write and welcome the opportunity to respond.
I believe that there is much room for improvement in our nation's healthcare system. However, I believe that health care reform should not increase the federal deficit. I am deeply concerned about the large number of individuals and families in our country who do not have access to quality healthcare. This is a problem that touches every community and must be addressed at many different levels, including the Federal, State and local government. This problem is especially acute in California, where nearly 7 million people are uninsured.
The escalating cost of some premiums continues to make obtaining health insurance difficult, if not impossible, for many Americans. I am working hard to remove existing barriers to health care so that all Americans have access to the services they require.
One of the many proposals being considered to reform our system is to create a health care plan that is publically operated. Please know that I am reviewing all health care reform options and I will keep your comments in mind as the Senate continues to work to improve health care for all Americans.
Again, thank you for writing. If you have any further questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3841. Best regards.
Sincerely yours,
Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator
Here's the response I sent to the Senator:
Dear Senator,
While I appreciate your sense of fiscal responsibility, you and I both know your reply is a snow job. The Congressional Budget Office has already determined that of the various healthcare reform proposals on the table, the strong public option is the only one that actually saves 200bn over the 10 year budget window. Considering your support for the war in Iraq which will ultimately cost 2 trillion dollars, I have to ask... why are you resisting supporting this initiative? Is it because of your long track record of supporting corporate interests over the interests of average Americans? After all, you and your husband's net worth increased 25% in the last reporting period due to the sale of your interests in two defense contractors... companies that received contracts through your committee. So, in my opinion, your reply is disingenuous at best, and an outright lie at worst. I am not an ignorant fool, Senator... don't treat me like one.
I have a recommendation, Senator... if you like your job and want to keep it, I suggest you refocus your attention and support on what will support the well being of your constituents and ignore your corporate buddies for awhile. The American people, myself included, are angry - very angry - at how our elected officials have allowed us to be bankrupted, taxed, and murdered by corporate and moneyed elites so that you and they can keep your perquisites. I suggest you make a strong public statement of support for the strong public health care option and take the actions necessary in the Senate to make affordable health care a reality. If you fail to do so, you will find me, and everyone I can influence, working and supporting your primary opponent in your next election. This is a make or break issue for many Californians, Senator. Don't blow it!
Sincerely,
XXXXXXX
Maybe not the most tactful response, but I'm sick of my elected officials treating me as if I am some one they can safely send off with a pat on the head. Anyway, see you in the comments...