Comments on: Sestak urges reconcilliation to pass health care

By: Bill S.

Bill S. — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 03:16:06 +0000

David,

Surely you do not mean to suggest that Mr. Specter has not played “follow the leader” throughout his life as a career politician. He became a Republican when Reagan was elected, a Democrat again when Toomey was breathing down his neck in 2008, and recently became a co-sponsor of public financing for congressional elections, something that he publicly opposed (see PBS) in 2000.

By: David Diano

David Diano — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 02:57:25 +0000

95 South-
There were a bunch of Democratic congressmen who agreed to switch to a public option or whatever they voted for. The Republican bill was smoke and mirrors, as they still weren’t going to vote for Dems plan, no matter how many Dems voted for their bill. And the Republicans wanted to keep their gold plated plan, just take the Dems off of it.

I did NOT say that the Dem plan was the same as the “gold plated” plan that the Dem AND Republican congressmen enjoy. What I DID say was that the Republicans were opposed to giving everyone the same plan they had.
I don’t see the Republicans offering to give up their “gold plates” (and silver spoons).

By: 95 South

95 South — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 18:23:28 +0000

David Diano, please indicate where it has been proposed that the SAME GOLD PLATED HEALTH CARE program that all members of Congress enjoy will be made available to all of us rabble. Here is proof that they, under current proposals will not.

Rep. John Fleming, R-La., a physician, asks if public health care is such a great idea, why don’t members of Congress who vote for it actually sign up their own families?

He has offered H. Res. 615 with 53 Republican co-sponsors, which states:

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that members who vote in favor of the establishment of a public, federal government run health insurance option are urged to forgo their right to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) and agree to enroll under that public option.

Fleming said that under both the House and Senate proposals, members of Congress won’t have to participate in the government plan for at least five years – and even after five years, enrollment will still be considered optional. Meanwhile, every other American will be forced to comply with government rules by obtaining “qualifying” plans.

Fleming told Fox News, “All these health care bills that are coming out on the Democrats’ side – the ‘reform’ bills – basically say that Congress is exempt for at least the first five years, and perhaps longer,” he said. “I’ve issued H. Res. 615 that simply says, look, if you vote for this, then you should choose it.”

He continued, “We’ve reached out to every Democrat in the House, and we have yet to have a taker. They want it for every American – except for members of Congress.”

By: David Diano

David Diano — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 15:54:38 +0000

95 South-
It’s the Republicans who are against that idea.

By: 95 South

95 South — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 15:01:48 +0000

Hey Joe, how about ALL Americans be enrolled in the EXACT SAME health care plan the the members of Congress are enrolled in.

By: David Diano

David Diano — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 00:47:40 +0000

I’m amazed Sestak didn’t get in trouble for his mailings in the 2nd quarter of 2009, when he was soliciting donations for a senate run, under the auspices of his “Sestak for Congress” account. I can’t understand how that can be legal. Seems like a loophole.

By: HateSestak

HateSestak — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:55:33 +0000

On an totally unrelated (but tantalizing) note, the Deceptive Mailings Prevention Act is an important piece of legislation. Perhaps you should check it out, Mr. Diano. Pity Representative Sestak didn’t. Dare I say it again? Run, Joe, RUN! In fact, run as fast as you possibly can! Poor Joe. Such terrible things are happening to him…

By: David Diano

David Diano — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:42:59 +0000

This is another example of Sestak playing follow the leader.
Specter discussed this in some detail during the PA Progressive Summit, last weekend.

It’s the first thing Specter addresses when his turn starts.
http://www.pcntv.com/streaming/pages/paprogsummdem_str.html
It’s at the half-way point of the entire video.

Specter proposed that House accept the Senate bill, and simultaneous offer changes to be made using reconciliation, like taking away the giveaways to to Nebraska and Louisiana. The changes would be negotiated in advance to guarantee 51 votes in the Senate.