Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Local Congressman To Have A Health Care "Reform" Town Hall

My congressman, Adam Schiff, is having a town hall meeting on the so-called health care "reform" next Tuesday at 7pm in Alhambra, California.
Now, why would I promote this for my Democrat congressman?
Because it is important that Congressman Schiff knows that there are those of us that oppose the proposal that will nationalize one-sixth of the economy.
Now, it is also important that if we do participate in any town hall on health care that we are respectful to any congressman or congresswoman. We should make our comments and ask our questions. But, it will not help if we sound like a "truther" or a "birther".
There are some serious questions to ask any member of congress that support or plans to support this government take over of our health care delivery system.
Here are a few

How do you plan to pay for this without raising taxes on the middle class?

Can you assure any one that is on a private health insurance plan through their employer that they will be able to keep it?

Can you assure that we will be able to keep our current doctor?

Can you assure that there will never be health care rationing?

Will you oppose any aspect of the bill that would encourage a government representative to visit elderly people and talk about "end of life options"?

Will you admit that this will be a back-door move for the government to fund abortions?

There are many others and I encourage you to think about what you would ask your congressman or congresswoman if given the opportunity.
This is a great link and it is being constantly updated as more members of congress provide the dates and times of their town halls on so-called health care "reform".
Many members of congress have faced the wrath of voters that are rightfully concerned about this impending legislation. These are not paid people getting wads of cash from the eeevvviiillll health insurance companies. BTW, if there is a money train I will be on it as fast as lightning! They, we want to make our voices heard. Just as those on the superbly organized other side will. But, we must do so with honor and dignity. Leave the theatrics to the other side.
I give Congressman Schiff credit for holding this meeting. And when I am there and if I have the opportunity to ask a question, I will do so not in anger but wanting an answer. That is all I or anyone else can do.
Here is the location information for Congressman Schiff's town hall:

Alhambra Civic Center Library Community Room on 101 S. First Street, Alhambra.
The event will be from 7 PM to 8:30 PM PST

3 comments:

Rightwingsnarkle said...

Oy. I said I was swearing off wingnuts, but somehow it's like biting down on a bad tooth - I know I shouldn't do it, but I just can't help it.

1. How do you plan to pay for this without raising taxes on the middle class?

Tax the rich, dude. They can afford to go back to rates in effect at the end of St. Ronnie's reign.

2. Can you assure any one that is on a private health insurance plan through their employer that they will be able to keep it?

Dude, have you even read the proposals?

3. Can you assure that we will be able to keep our current doctor?

See #2

4. Can you assure that there will never be health care rationing?

We already have rationing. Some people have jobs with employers who offer health benefits the employees can afford. Some people have jobs that offer benefits, but the cost to the employee is unaffordable. Some people have jobs whose employers can't/don't offer health benefits. Some people have lost their jobs, and thus their benefits. Some people with insurance have their claims denied or rescinded.

Whether or not you get adequate health care largely depends on which group you find yourself in today - knowing that it may change tomorrow.

That's rationing.

5. Will you oppose any aspect of the bill that would encourage a government representative to visit elderly people and talk about "end of life options"?

Wha? "government representative?" Are you smoking crack?

Everybody, of every age, and particularly those with potentially lethal disorders like thrombophlebitis, should actively discuss their wishes for how they would want to be treated in the event, god forbid, that they were not in the position to advocate for themselves.

The time to have the conversation is now, when there's no crisis at hand, and not when a loved one is unconscious in a hospital bed.

Everybody should have the conversation with their families and friends and health care providers, and they should have the conversation often.

Google 'The Five Wishes,' order the pamphlet (or several to pass around to family and friends), then pour a big glass of wine and sit down with your wife and have the discussion.

It's important. Maybe even one of the most important things you'll ever do.

Jeesh.

6. Will you admit that this will be a back-door move for the government to fund abortions?

Wha? Put that crack pipe down, dude.

Michael in Glendale said...

Right on the money, Rightwingsnarkle. Tey may be able to reign in the "not sounding like a Birther" crowd, but not the "sounding like a moron crowd."

I am hoping for a backlash to all the wing nut, mass emailing, sign waving, "checked my brain at the door" conservatives.

Anonymous said...

The Town Hall was a disappointment. I wished statements and answers focus on the proposed bill. Yes, Rightwingsnarkle, the current situation does exist with the health care industry. What is most important is how is the new bill going to solve these problems. Answers like "we have to work harder" or "the Senate will find a creative way to pay for this" is not exact enough. The reason why it is important for precise answers is that what we will be agreeing on will be law. 20 years down the road when new leaders take over, the doors will be open for them and I can only hope that their intentions are for our well being.