A few days ago I asked, on a listserv reserved to officials of the Nebraska Democratic Party (I am a Nebraska Democratic County Chair,) where Sen. Ben Nelson might be found, during this Congressional break, speaking to his constituents and learning what it is that we want in the way of public health care. I got no reply.
According to a video that he has recently aired - countering one produced by PCCC/DFA featuring a Nebraska businessman taking him to task on the issue - he has talked to Nebraskans about healthcare. I'm left with the impression the only Nebraskans he's talked to are those that have lined his pockets. His video is full of generalities and bumper-sticker one-liners.
Imagine my surprise when the information I sought was revealed by the Chair of the Nebraska REPUBLICAN Party, Mark Fahleson, on his personal blog. Turns out that our good Senator is otherwise occupied in the State of ALASKA, raising funds for The Great Land PAC chaired by Sen. Mark Begich.
For a guy that claims to be doing all this great work for the citizens of Nebraska, one would suppose that the Senator might be at one of the MANY health care forums taking place around the state right now. But NO, that would require getting out amongst the unbathed masses and actually having to be held accountable for his inaction, delaying tactics and outright support for Republican points of view!!
I did receive a note from the NDP headquarters several days ago that identified where Republicans - Sen. Mike Johanns, Rep. Adrian Smith, Rep. Lee Terry, and Rep. Jeff Fortenberry - would be appearing to address the issue of healthcare reform.
Is there something wrong with this picture and am I out of line for asking such heretical questions?
Brian T. Osborn
Holdrege, NE