I really wanted to rant because I'm sick with a cold on Christmas.(bah Humbug or bah flubug) ...sniff...
I decided to respond after reading Binger's diary here.
President Obama and Democrats need to begin to hear from those of us who are boots in the streets too. We are the Democrats who blog, become delegates, volunteer, get elected locally, smooze with candidates and send money.
We are activists in every sense of the word (Chris Matthews are you listening?)
and Daily Kos is my home page where I go for information and discussion. ( and a heated argument or two).
Dear President Obama and fellow Democrats,
As a precinct committeeman here in Colorado, let me state clearly, I DO NOT like this bill. I am hopeful that something better comes out of Conference and that some Democratic Senators lose their "holier than thou" attitude they seem to hold for the House. I would remind you and them that the House is the true people's assembly and has adopted provisions in their Bill which are much most closely aligned with prevailing public opinion on this subject.
Further, any Senator who feels that a vote against cloture is warranted even when the majority of the caucus is FOR a Bill deserves to be ejected from the Caucus immediately. The lack of White House and DSCC support for this essential discipline is noted. Mr. Emanuel needs to preserve his wrath for the lunatics in the GOP and for disloyal members of the Democratic caucus - not the progressive members and their constituents who are responsible for his current employment.
The lack of a Medicare Buy-In provision, anti-trust exemption revocation, and Public Insurance Option are all significant weaknesses in the Senate Bill and handcuffs the adminstration in policing the insurance business.
The mandates are totally unacceptable.
When President Obama signs a Bill with that omits the individual mandate and includes these provisions, I will sign a congratulatory letter and resume contributing funds to the party. This one feels too much like a sell-out to big money interests in the insurance, health care and drug industries.
Thank you,
Brahman Colorado