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UPDATE: Kerry spokeswoman Jodi Seth responds with a statement:
"Let’s be clear, if Sen. Kerry had his way, there’d be no debate: we’d have universal coverage tomorrow with a strong public plan at its core. Sen. Kerry strongly supports a robust public option and has been pushing for it since day one of this debate. When he ran for president, he campaigned on a public option and everywhere he went he reminded the country that Congress shouldn’t deny them the public health care that Members of Congress give themselves. The past five years have only strengthened that conviction. Any suggestion that he prefers proposals that would delay or trigger the implementation of a public plan is outright false, end of story. But it’s no secret that the Finance Committee is looking at a whole range of progressive options with an eye on what can make its way to the president’s desk to become law, and obviously if it’s the only way to get universal health coverage then people will consider a trigger that ultimately guarantees a strong public option."
The update is at the bottom of the original article. Great job to those who called.
10 Comments
Clearly, they’ve entertained this idea and most likely intend to introduce something very much like it at the end of the day. They will make the case before the public that it’s the only possible solution.
sorry to report
The WaPo reports that John Kerry and his wife Teresa Heinz Kerry hold at least $5.2 million in companies such as Merck and Eli Lilly.
Lawmakers Reveal Health-Care Investments
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ wp…9061204075.html
No wonder Kerry favors the “trigger” option — bigger dividends for himself and his billionaire wife!
Yes, Kerry votes for his wallet.
He has also invested in defense contractors and has made millions off of the Iraq/Afghanistan wars, while proclaiming to be against them. *cough*
Isn’t this what we call a “non-denial denial”?
yes.
see related:
i’m a strong supporter of single payer (hr 676) healthcare reform, but….
i’m a strong supporter of legislation to stop climate change, but….
I think that Obama should acknowledge that he doesn’t have the votes for anything but a charade that will continue to serve the interests of the vampires at Big Pharma and the insurance companies.
He should drop health care reform for now, and concentrate on helping to get some progressives elected in 2010.
The demand for a real health care system won’t go away, because unfortunately people will continue to get sick and injured.
When he ran for president, he campaigned on a public option and everywhere he went he reminded the country that Congress shouldn’t deny them the public health care that Members of Congress give themselves. The past five years have only strengthened that conviction.
This is what Obama and all other supporters need to keep repeating. Congress has access to great health care paid for by our taxes. Why don’t they want their constituents to have the same choice? They need to put these politicians on the spot, in front of an audience or on TV. Look them in the face and ask them why they don’t want to do right by their constituents. Make them answer that question.
If another country’s governing body was actively witholding health care from its citizens our government will be complaining and criticizing.
Yes, and McCain should be the poster boy for a robust public option. He’s been the beneficiary of such an option since birth, after all. He’s too addled by booze and his doctor clearly doesn’t provide good advice.
Article 30 and Article 31 of the Iraq constitution:
Article (30):
1st — The state guarantees social and health insurance, the basics for a free and honorable life for the individual and the family — especially children and women — and works to protect them from illiteracy, fear and poverty and provides them with housing and the means to rehabilitate and take care of them. This shall be regulated by law.
Article 31:
1st — Every Iraqi has the right to health service, and the state is in charge of public health and guarantees the means of protection and treatment by building different kinds of hospitals and health institutions.
2nd — Individuals and associations have the right to build hospitals, dispensaries or private clinics under the supervision of the state. This shall be regulated by law.
Do we have to rebel and then be conquered to get what the Iraqis, Japan and Germany have?
Congress is following Obama. Slam the White House on this crap.
Say No to the Status Quo.
I continue to be unimpressed by John Kerry. He may have been a better choice than Bush but…
he seems to be our version of Mitt: a somewhat capable waffler. And that’s my bipartisanship for ya.
Thanks for the due diligence in the comments. They always help me keep my eye on the ball. If other Senators can bring Kerry around to vote to back up his comments and against his own personal wealth, that would be awesome.