Earlier this morning, I got a fundraising e-mail from Senator Blanche Lincoln, alleged Democrat of Arkansas, who has fiercely opposed the Employee Free Choice Act and has waffled on real health care reform. She’s engaging in standard double talk. Here are the exact words of the e-mail:
Senator Lincoln was on point with her message that responsible health care reform will happen this year in spite of the misinformation and scare tactics being employed by opponents. She said: “No more deadlines. We will take the time to get this right.”
So which is it, Senator? Do you want health care reform to happen, or do you want to drag it out as far as possible to get it watered down?
This is what I wrote back, although who knows whether anyone is reading it:
I confess I am somewhat puzzled by Senator Lincoln’s “on point” message: one the one hand, she says that reform will happen, and on the other hand, she seems to support those who want to drag out the process. I am awaiting to see what this means and whether she will actually support real reform.I have supported Senator Lincoln in the past, and hope that I can do so in the future. If she strongly supports a real public option, a strong nationwide insurance exchange, tough regulations to ensure that insurance companies do not discriminate on the basis of pre-existing conditions, and adequate subsidies so that working families can afford adequate insurance, then I will be delighted to continue to write checks to her.
The mantra for August: every day, send at least one e-mail, one letter, and one phone call to wavering Representatives and Senators. Right now, I do not take a position on whether you should make up a zip code in order to make them think you live in their district. But if you do, it would be a time-honored American tradition.