Bill Nelson D FL says go slow on health care.

[madfloridian]

Nelson says go slow on health care

DAYTONA BEACH -- U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson told a gathering of area business leaders and public officials Tuesday that he has urged the White House to take an "incremental approach" toward solving the national health care crisis, as opposed to "going for the whole ball of wax."

Attempting to push through a sweeping health care reform bill at this time likely would be doomed to failure, said Nelson, D-Fla.

..."Efforts to forge a bipartisan agreement have failed so far, said Nelson, who sits on the Senate Finance Committee, which would write the legislation if the bill passed.

Nelson said he favors finding ways to lower the cost of health care through eliminating waste, such as duplicate medical testing, and creating insurance coverage exchanges where individuals could band together to buy coverage at lower rates, like employees at large companies. Also, pharmaceutical companies should lose millions of dollars in federal tax deductions for advertising brand name drugs on TV when cheaper generic drugs are available, he said.

"These are examples of steps I think we can reach agreement on to get the bill passed -- incremental steps," he said.

Incidentally, Senator Bill Nelson, Democrat of Florida, received more donations from the health care industry than the Republicans in Florida.

Health care reform

LOBBYING CONGRESS

Northeast Florida lawmakers received more than $3 million in contributions from the health care industry over the past 20 years.

SINCE 1989

Lawmaker Contributions - Rank (Florida) Rank (nation)

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D $1,258,660 - 1 57

U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, R $731,490 - 4 126

U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns, R $709,153 - 6 131

U.S. Rep. John Mica, R $337,686 - 15 266

U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw, R $198,550 - 20 378

U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown, D $112,010 - 24 456

2008 ELECTION CYCLE

Lawmaker Contributions - Rank (Florida) Rank (nation)

Sen. Bill Nelson, D $111,315 - 11 210

Sen. Mel Martinez, R $79,796 - 15 283

Rep. Cliff Stearns, R $71,315 - 16 314

Rep. Ander Crenshaw, R $24,900 - 24 479

Rep. John Mica, R $18,750 - 25 497

Rep. Corrine Brown, D $11,250 - 27 521

Source: Center for Responsive Politics, OpenSecrets.org

He is one of many Democrats in place, be they New Dems or Blue Dogs, to make sure the progressive changes don't get done while we have the majority.

[Jeanette in FL]

1. He will hear from me tomorrow

Thanks for posting this. Did not know where he stood.

[spartan61]

2. My e-mail to Senator Nelson

Dear Senator Nelson,

I see that you still have not committed to supporting the public option on health care reform. I fail to see why you are dragging your feet while there are people losing their lives because they have no health insurance or they lose their insurance because they had the audacity to get sick and were dropped from their insurance company. The profits by the insurance companies and big pharma are obscene as are the compensations for the CEOs. It's time Congress understands that they were elected to REPRESENT THE PEOPLE and the people overwhelming want health care reform... if not Single Payer, then the Public Option.

I am sick of watching the Democrats cower in fear of the Republicans or fear losing the contributions from the insurance companies.. It's time to grow a spine and do the people's business. Tell the insurance companies that you will no longer be bought and paid for by them. They can no longer buy your vote! Forget your next election. Do the job yu were hired by Floridians to do!

[scarletlib]

10. It's a good letter.

Who knows maybe this time he will vote with his party for the right thing.

[Dr.Phool]

22. Not a chance. He's another "The Family" cult member.

The only difference between him and Katherine Harris, is she has bigger thing-a-ma-jigs.

[flyarm]

33. You got that right Dr Phool!! got me giggling with the thing -a- ma-jigs!

[madfloridian]

48. LOL

Oh, yes, she does. :rofl:

[formercia]

57. I didn't know that Katherine Harris has Testicles.

:rofl:

[ChiciB1]

81. That Comment Sort Of Says It All! Katherine Harris Was Once My Congressional

Rep., and a "lovely lady witch" who in turn taught many in this district how to scam others around here!! One in particular is my current Supervisor of Elections Kathy Dent! I have inserted her name many times here because I WISH there was some way to "rid" her from my existence!!

Harris seems to be out of sight, but I wonder if she's actually out of mind! I learned a long time ago that Bill Nelson was one of those who attended those "cult" meetings, that he's basically a DINO, and generally jumps on board when he puts his finger to the wind to see which way the wind blows!

I've contacted him many times, and know that he doesn't accept emails, or at least he didn't the last time I tried. I've pretty much written him off, but know of NO WAY to rid Florida of him. My experiences with political activism has been shut down so many times because of where I live and who I'm represented by. All have Repukes for decades, and now there's only Bill Nelson that has a (D) behind his name! Which says very little!

I so miss Bob Graham!! I moved here when Florida was represented by many more Democrats, but over the years that has eroded, and especially where I live, it's non-existent. Many say write and call representatives, but I've found this to be futile. I get the usual... "thank you for contacting us, we appreciate your input, yatty, yatty, yatty" and know exactly what that means!! Mostly, don't let the door hit you on the way out!

My frustration abounds, my cynicism grows and I can't even turn to my local Democratic Party for much help either! It's so DINO too! Making waves here will only get you weird looks and left out in the cold! I speak from experience and frustration!

[Fla Dem]

36. Already sent him a letter.....his response

August 19,2009

Dear XX. XXXXXX:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the health care reform process. Anyone who has battled a major illness knows the system is broken, and we can no longer wait to fix it.

The Federal government currently spends over $733 billion annually on health care and the costs are rising at twice the rate of inflation. If we stay on our current path, the Federal government’s health insurance responsibilities are projected to cost nearly $1.34 trillion a year by 2019, putting a high burden on the Federal budget. This also presents a challenge for the small businesses that represent the backbone of our economy. This year the cost of health care has jumped by as much as 21 percent for small businesses, putting a strain on their balance sheets and the economy as a whole. Without a change in direction, the nation’s health care costs will become the greatest threat to maintaining a balanced budget and ensuring a vibrant economy.

The health care industry is massive and complex, and there are a range of ideas on the table for reforming it. Chief among our aims must be to rein in the out-of-control costs of care. This means a new emphasis on wellness and prevention, a recommitment to researching innovative, more effective treatments for diseases, and additional efforts to lower the cost of prescription drugs. I introduced the Medicare Prescription Drug Gap Reduction Act (S.266) to reduce the large gap known as the "doughnut hole" that occurs when Part D beneficiaries who have paid pay $2,700 in prescription expenses receive no further benefit until they have racked up a total of $4,350 in out-of-pocket expenses, despite the fact that they never stop paying premiums.

Equally important is the issue of the uninsured. Nearly 50 million Americans lack adequate health insurance, and that is unacceptable. I am working toward reforms that would make health insurance available to all Americans through an insurance exchange and would provide subsidies to those who cannot afford coverage. I also believe that Americans should never be denied health insurance or charged exorbitant fees because of a pre-existing condition.

Finally, we must ensure that there are enough health care providers in America and that they are adequately reimbursed by Medicare and Medicaid so they can continue providing care to those most in need. I introduced S. 973, the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2007, to address this growing problem. This legislation would expand the number of Medicare-supported physician residency training positions, with an emphasis on funding new primary care residency slots. The number of physician residents eligible for reimbursement has not been altered to reflect changing demand since 1996. I have also fought consistently for fair Medicare reimbursement rates.

The task before us is immense, but Americans will rise to the challenge. I will be sure to take your views into consideration as the debate progresses. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future.

Sincerely,
Senator Bill Nelson

[ChiciB1]

82. Your Letter From Him Is Exactly What I Commented About Above! n/t

[Fla Dem]

85. This was the letter I sent him.

Senator Nelson, my understanding is you are still weighing whether or not you will support a healthcare reform bill that contains a “Public Option”. As a Florida Democrat, I urge you to get behind the public option plan. Your lack of support for such a plan will surely cost you my vote and that of many Florida Democrats and Independents. Stand up and be counted Senator Nelson.


Stand up and get on board Senator Nelson.
Stand with the Democrats who support a public option.
Stand up for the millions of Americans denied heath care by the insurance industry for pre-existing conditions.
Stand up for the American families who are living paycheck to paycheck and cannot afford health insurance.
Stand up for the American families who are one serious illness away from bankruptcy.
Stand up for the millions of Americans who if they lose their jobs, lose their health care.
Stand up for the millions of Americans who would like to start their own business, but cannot leave their current job because they will lose their health insurance.
Stand up against the health insurance industry and their co-pays, deductibles, and caps.
Stand up against the health insurance industry that award their management with million dollar bonuses.
Stand up to stop health insurance companies from getting between us and our doctors.
Stand up against the health insurance industry who incentify claim denials.
Stand up against the health insurance industry who has poured billions of dollars into lobby groups and Senators’ pockets to stop any type of healthcare insurance reform.
Stand up against the likes of Dick Armey, Glen Beck, Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity who have vilified YOUR President and his efforts to reform health care insurance.
Use some of the courage you had when you flew in the Shuttle in 1986 to stand up against the right wing crazies who would tear our country apart.
In 2005 you voted in favor of the bankruptcy "reform" bill that made it harder for individuals to rid themselves of insurmountable debt.
This year you voted against setting a limit on credit-card company usury.
That’s two strikes against you Senator Nelson, don’t let there be a third.
Stand up and be a Democrat, not just in name but in your actions.
Stand up and be counted Senator Nelson.

[ChiciB1]

89. Nice Letter.. But the Only Standing Up I See From Him Is His Finger In The Air!

To see which way the wind is blowing! Seen it many times! He always makes it a point to be at any Democratic Rally, standing there with his silly grin, and then slinks away, probably chuckling as he goes off stage.

And most of the Rallies are only when the "big players" are running! Like Gore, Kerry & Obama!! And THEY always let him speak!

[DaLittle Kitty]

94. Yoy are Giving This Republicrat FAR Too Muh Credit! His JOB Is To Preserve The Status Quo!

Bill Nelson is the LOWEST Form Of SHIT That This Planet Can Create!

[valerief]

3. Wouldn't it be ironic if he got very sick and the doctors could cure him but they decided instead

to go slow. Slow with meds. Slow with necessary surgery. Slow with emptying the bedpan. Slow with everything.

:shrug:

[smokey nj]

6. I'd love to rip the bandage off...SLOWLY.

[valerief]

8. LOL!!! nt

[waiting for hope]

42. Pulling a breathing tube out very slowly ...

Giving him a catheter very slowly .... and a spinal tap that takes ten hours to perform. There, I feel better. ;)

[valerief]

69. That's Blue Cross med treatment I like to hear!

:applause:

[debbierlus]

19. I am going to include that in my email to the slimebag

[valerief]

21. Great. You might want to add something like, I hope when you need

an ambulance, it arrives slowly, very slowly. I hope when the paramedics need to give your heart a jumpstart, they deliberate slowly, very slowly, before taking action. And when the angel of death finally comes to your bedside, your painful death is slow, very, very slow, because that's what your slowness is doing to millions of Americans every year.

[scarletlib]

4. I've given up on calling him. It' s pointless. He has no backbone.

Is there any chance of getting a real Democrat to run against him next time?

[madfloridian]

5. Not really.

He appeals more to Republicans than he does to Democrats, and there are too many of them around here..

He has more money than God, so that's not a problem.

[valerief]

29. So Joey Knuckles is gonna have to take care of business for us, I guess.

If you can't shame them out or buy them out or threaten them out, you get someone who can.

[ChiciB1]

83. You Are Again Correct... He's So Entrenched And I Can't Think Of Anyone

who could go up against him and win! Barring his uneventful demise, I think we're STUCK with him for years to come!

[seafan]

7. Good old Bill-- lily-livered, but sure does love those campaign contributions.

If only he thought health care reform was as important as snake hunting.


Sen. Nelson: Go slow on health-care reform, August 26, 2009

[Patsy Stone]

9. I hate him so much.

At least Mel ran as a Republican.

[ChiciB1]

84. Does Anyone KNOW What's Up With Mel Martinez?? I May Have Missed It...

but I can't figure out WHY he ran only to retire?? Does he have skeletons in his closet, or did he just not like D.C.??

I know this is off topic, but it's something I've wondered about a lot. I did leave DU for some time and it may have been discussed and I missed it.

Thanks!

[HughMoran]

11. Kick his sorry ass

He's no Democrat. Motherfucker.

[csziggy]

12. Time for me to call his office yet again.

And let them know that if health care does not pass this year I will be campaigning for whoever runs against him in every Democratic primary until he is defeated.

I am tired of having a DINO Senator representing my part of the state.

[watercolors]

54. his staff will tell one thing and he always seems

to do the opposite. I have lost my respect for him!

[ChiciB1]

86. That Too Is True... I Even Visited His Office In D.C. And Was Told Complete

lies about an issue I inquired about! His staff was very nice, but Nelson only seems to have them there as window dressing!

[Deja Q]

13. Bought and paid for, I see. I had no idea testicles were for sale; he obviously doesn't have a pair.

:puke:

[ddeclue]

14. I'm gonna have to call him up and tell him how I'm gonna "go slow" on my next campaign contribution.

[AllyCat]

15. Dear Senator Nelson, BITE ME!

While we are waiting for health care reform, how about you give yours up? Eh? That sounds fair to me.

[RoccoR5955]

16. I'm glad I don't live in Florida,

or I'd give Nelson a full nelson!

[JerseygirlCT]

17. Let's not be hasty here, it's only been 40 or 50 years... nt

[seafan]

18. He blew off having any town halls; instead he and the Mrs. went to Borneo to *talk trade*.

Coward., August 18, 2009


Just F$$$$$G useless.

[BlueIdaho]

20. What a Whore.

"We all know what you are, we're just haggling over the price..." Its a shame these gutless wonders see their political office as a cash cow instead of honorable public service.

[im1013]

23. Been hanging around LIEberman much??

Huh, Billy-boy?

:puke:

[1776Forever]

24. Let me tell you about my experience with Sen. Nelson (FL) & his staff:

I thought it would be good to get a Senator involved when my son became chronically ill and lost his business and had no insurance. Well the person assigned to the Health Care issues in his office was less then helpful. I don't know where he got her but she did nothing! I had to go to another staff member who worked hard to get what he could done. I told Sen. Nelson this but I don't think he ever had a talking with the person.

I wondered more about him too after I wrote him about Blackwater and he replied he saw NOTHING wrong with them. He did nothing to look into the information I gave him and I was very upset about it. So I think that he is about as "blue" as they get! I would like to see him removed and I can't tell you how happy I am to be able to say that my Senator now is Sherrod Brown! Wow what a difference!

[Stinky The Clown]

25. Can we just blast his ass back into space and leave him there?

Maybe he can run for Mayor of the Space Station.

[TicketyBoo]

26. Yeah…

Ben Nelson, Democratic Senator from Nebraska, a former insurance agent, says the same thing.

The name is pure coincidence; the sentiment is not.

Furthermore, our Senator Nelson doesn't have an e-mail address. I have a letter written; just need to print it out and mail it.

[madfloridian]

27. Nelson is part of Bayh's Conservadem coalition...

Those "Conservadems" are angering me with their arrogance. .

Bayh won't call them Blue Dogs, but he might as well have done so.

Rahm once made it clear that they did not want to let the "liberal" wing get too much power.

The complexion of the Democratic presence in Congress will change as well. Party politics will be shaped by the resurgence of "Blue Dog" Democrats, who come mainly from the South and from rural districts in the Midwest and often vote like Republicans. Top Democrats such as Rep. Rahm Emanuel (Ill.) see these middle-of-the-road lawmakers as the future of the party in a nation that leans slightly right of center.

In private talks before the election, Emanuel and other top Democrats told their members they cannot allow the party's liberal wing to dominate the agenda next year. Democrats will hold 30 or 35 seats that went for Bush in the past, meaning that Democratic candidates such as Brad Ellsworth in rural Indiana are likely to face competitive races again in 2008. Still, their interests are likely to collide with those of veteran liberals such as Reps. Henry A. Waxman (Calif.) and John Conyers Jr., (Mich.), who will chair committees."

When centrists empower the Republicans so much it hurts our party for the future.

Centrist Democrats already have posed problems for some of the Democrats' liberal leaders and lawmakers. They have frustrated hopes of quick action on a measure making it easier for unions to organize, and they forced changes to a House bill that would allow bankruptcy judges to modify mortgages, ensuring that the legislation better reflected the concerns of the financial-services industry.

Here is a list of Bayh's group, though not complete.

When Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) announced the formation of his new "centrist" Senate caucus on MSNBC yesterday, he was a little evasive about his group's membership.

For what it's worth, Roll Call had an item about Bayh's endeavor -- it's apparently being called the "Moderate Dems Working Group" -- citing a press release of its membership. Bayh will apparently lead the group, along with Sens. Tom Carper (Del.) and Blanche Lincoln (Ark.). The rest of the membership includes, Sens. Mark Udall (Colo.), Michael Bennet (Colo.), Mark Begich (Alaska), Kay Hagan (N.C.), Herb Kohl (Wis.), Mary Landrieu (La.), Joe Lieberman (Conn.), Claire McCaskill (Mo.), Ben Nelson (Neb.) , Bill Nelson (Fla.), Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.), and Mark Warner (Va.).

That's 15 people are willing to be identified with the group. Bayh said there are "three or four" other Democrats -- he said they're in the "witness protection program" -- who are affiliated with this, but didn't want their names on the announcement. Ryan Powers noted three Democratic "centrists" who "have been reported as attending Bayh's meetings in recent weeks," but whose names weren't disclosed: Sens. Bob Casey (Pa.), Klobuchar (Minn.), and Pryor (Ark.).

That brings the total up to 18 -- about a third of the Senate Democratic caucus -- which is anxious, for reasons I'll never fully understand, to water down the popular agenda of a popular president.

[madfloridian]

28. It infuriates me that he waited until Kennedy died to voice an opinion openly.

He and his office have been slow to respond on any straight answer. I much resent this timing.

[Dappleganger]

30. In the 8 years we've lived here...

I've decided that most FL democrat politicians are just a beer away from being all-out republican.

[Dr.Phool]

31. Your powers of observation are pretty good.

[George II]

32. Please...NOT today...hold off on your criticism of Democrats at least today - PLEASE?????

[Sebastian Doyle]

35. Somebody should have told Turncoat Nelson that.

It's him and the rest of the pathetic DLC/Blueballed Coward crowd that have been attacking DEMOCRATS for years.

[madfloridian]

43. IMO Bill Nelson is not concerned about praise from Democrats.

So toddle off George II.

[George II]

75. I'm not concerned about praise FOR Democrats, but................

.........for one day at least hold off on your constant ABUSE of Democrats.

I know that's difficult for some........

"Toddle off", indeed! You would do well to try, just try, to emulate Senator Edward M. Kennedy. Read about how he became so successful and so well respected by all.....please?

[Hugabear]

47. Why should we - just because they call themselves a "Democrat"?

Why should that automatically grant them an exemption from criticism? This man is diametrically opposed to what Ted Kennedy wanted. Bill Nelson is not a true Democrat.

[Freddie Stubbs]

60. Florida Democrats seem to think that he is a Democrat

They have nominated him to state-wide office four times.

[csziggy]

78. Problem is the alternatives have been worse - last time it was Katherine Harris

Running against Bill Nelson. Who would you vote for?

I called Nelson's office yesterday and told them in no uncertain terms what I thought. And told them that I will campaign for whoever runs against him in the primaries if health care reform does not pass this year.

Now I just have to hope someone will run against him.

[Freddie Stubbs]

88. No one ran against him in the Democratic primary last time

[csziggy]

93. Yes, there has been no Democratic alternative, just whoever the Repubs run against him

So we can vote for whatever piece of trash the Repubs throw at Nelson, not vote in that race, or vote for Nelson. I chose to vote for Nelson rather than take a chance that Katherine Harris would get in. What pissed me off was that LeRoy Collins Jr. ran as a Republican - his father was a good governor who overcame his early prejudices to work for civil rights.

We have to find a progressive candidate to run against him next time, but I have no clue who that could be.

[Dinger]

34. K & R madfloridian. Excellent As Always : )

:patriot:

[2Design]

37. 60 years is slow enough - if not now - when n/t

[Jim Sagle]

44. Here's the Blue Dog answer, I'm afraid:

[madfloridian]

67. Good one. And just about right.

Thanks for sharing.

:hi:

[GreenPartyVoter]

38. What, several decades of being slow wasn't enough??

[Divine Discontent]

39. OH Senator Bill Blue Dog! You are officially a waste of a senator.

finally, after this, I cannot defend him one iota. I cannot stand him, he's a fake - a conservative teeter-totterer that frankly, doesn't deserve his damn seat another day!

I will let the Space Man know I think he really is a Republican the next time I see him.


You have to admit - he looks like a Republican.....

[burrowowl]

40. Nelson

Be a real Democrat or be damned!

[Roland99]

41. I moved from KY to get away from McConnell and I get *THIS*???

If healthcare reform moves any more slowly, it'll be going in reverse!

[madfloridian]

45. FL Dem Ron Klein not sure about public option either.

http://www.postonpolitics.com/2009/08/klein-tells-tele-town-hall-hes-not-quite-there-yet-on-supporting-dem-health-care-bill-public-option/

"U.S. Rep. Ron Klein, D-Boca Raton, told a “telephone town hall” meeting tonight that he likes some aspects of Democratic health care reform proposals, but has concerns about costs and other areas that he called “not quite ready for prime time yet.”

“I’m not quite there yet on saying I’m supporting the bill,” Klein said early in the 70-minute teleconference. Klein’s office said about 6,460 callers participated.

Klein, who represents a Palm Beach-Broward district with slightly more Republicans than Democrats, said he hasn’t taken a position yet on a government-run “public option” for health insurance that is a key issue for many Democrats.

“I’m still looking at it. I haven’t committed to it,” Klein said when a caller asked for his position on the public option. Later, he told another caller he would not support a public option that relied on taxpayer subsidy."

[madfloridian]

46. Nelson got $31, 500 more than Sen Martinez the Republican.

That's just weird.

[Warren DeMontague]

49. Verily, the sun isn't due to burn out for another 4-5 Billion years.

No sense in rushing things.

:eyes:

[Deep13]

50. Wait and see = wait and fail. nt

[Kermitt Gribble]

51. I emailed him a few months ago about health care reform.

All I got was a generic, bs response - looks like I'll have to start emailing him every day, not that it will be anything more than personal satisfaction...

[The Backlash Cometh]

52. Bill Nelson is a blue dog Florida Dem.

He's fallen off the beaten path from his roots. So sad.

[mod mom]

53. ..says go slow on health care, so his cronies can continue raking in the big $ at the expense

of the American people. Who cares if more families will be financially ruined-he's getting his!

[Freddie Stubbs]

55. Do it quick, or do it right?

How many times has Congress quickly passed legislation, only for us to find out after the fact what exactly was in the bill?

[Dr.Phool]

56. H.R. 676 has been ready to fly for 3 years now.

It's the best option out there for everyone but the insurance companies.

Now they decide to come out with some larded up 1100 page bill, and say go slowly. Throw that thing away and pass 676. We all know what's in that bill.

It's the old adage K.I.S.S.

Keep It Simple Stupid.

[reflection]

58. k/r. n/t

[Proud Liberal Dem]

59. What? 50+ years not "slow" enough for ya, Bill?

:eyes: :puke:

[PassingFair]

61. Public Option IS the "incremental approach".

Let's do it STATE BY STATE if we have to.

Let the Republicans and Blue Dogs explain
to their DYING constituents WHY they are
not eligible for government regulated,
affordable health care while the blue
north IS.

[WI_DEM]

62. Conrad, Lieberman, Nelson, Landreau...Can we even get 50 votes in the Senate for a public option?

[AzDar]

63. 'Slow' = 'Kill'

Fuck OFF, Senator.

[GreenTea]

64. The Nelson Twins, Bill & Ben (no relation to Rickey) slimy paid-off republicans with a "D"

next to their names.

They are both, (Bill & Ben) so purposely disruptive to any progressive democratic change & agenda....Just two more bend-over boys, (Bill & Ben) for the corporations and not-so-secret shills for the republicans.

We need Health Care with a Public Option for all, NOW!!

Not later, the shills KNOW if they can stall health care as in decades past all will next be accomplished, (no Health Care and certainly no Public Option) the republican Nelson Twins, (along with slimy "Dems" Senators Max Baucus & Kent Conrad) will have done their job in the senate for the insurance corporations & their republican corporate fascism ideology.

All these phony "democratic" pig senators have to be called out and exposed for what they are, slimy paid-off republican shills!

[Vinca]

65. Go slow. Tell that to a cancer cell.

[DefenseLawyer]

66. Will you support a Republican filibuster? Yes or No.

Otherwise I don't care what your position is on anything, Senator Nobody.

[Orsino]

68. We already are.

The present crisis is decades in the making, and the "whole ball of wax" (universal single-payer coverage) is not on the table. Senator Nelson is trying to reframe a reframing.

[LeftishBrit]

70. Slow incremental change is sometimes a good thing; but good grief!

It's over 60 years since Truman 'first brought this up, and since the UK and France got our healthcare systems. Even a snail would find 60 years a bit *too* incremental.

[buzzycrumbhunger]

71. Contact form

I contact the bastid every time I get a chance, today's reminder compliments of DFA and Dr. Dean. Thanks a lot for the specific numbers so I was able to wipe the generic letter and make some not-terribly-complimentary points.

Of course, in the dozens and dozens of times I've done this, I don't think I've ever gotten more than a canned reply from him. Prolly a good idea to back them up with actual letters they have to physically open and pretend to look at.

[madfloridian]

73. Thanks for posting that. I was going to do it, and now I don't have to do it.

Because you did.

:hi:

[buzzycrumbhunger]

76. You're welcome!

Mainly for purposes of bumping the thread. :)

[ChiciB1]

87. Ah Yes, The Canned Reply... I Know It Well!!! n/t

[Lorien]

72. He needs to go. Completely worthless DLC piece of crap

I loathe him.

[lovelyrita]

74. I sent him another letter about health care. It may be my fifth or

sixth one. The fact that he waited this long to come out with the no-opinion opinion, is insane. He needs to go.

[Third Doctor]

77. Go slow..

after 50 years of waiting? While people are suffering as he spoke these lines? In full knowledge that his HC benefits are publicly funded?

[Union Yes]

79. FU Bill Nelson!

:grr:

[avaistheone1]

80. Easy to say when the public pays for your health care, and also pays you

over $160,000 per year, plus a wonderful retirement and benefit package.

Very easy to say.

:grr:

[kentuck]

90. Yeah....60 years is not enough...

They have been working on this since the time of Harry Truman. This is not a new idea.

[Jim Sagle]

91. Do the Health Care Limbo

Limbo slower now
Limbo slower now
How slow can you go

6 decades and counting...

[madfloridian]

92. ha ha

Funny part is that Bill has so sense of humor. He's really serious about our going too fast.