Even as Michael Capuano and Sam Farr have decided to abandon the promises they made to millions of people across the country who are hoping for delivery from indentured servitude to Blue Cross and Blue Shield, other representatives understand what is at stake here and are stepping up.
David Swanson tells us that Betty Sutton will vote against any bill that does not have a robust public option:
Mary Nichols Rhodes of Progressive Democrats of America introduced me to Sutton. I gave her my book "Daybreak." One of her staffers took a photo of the two of us with the congresswoman holding the book up. Then I asked her if she would vote No on any healthcare bill that did not have a strong immediate public option.
At first she tried to fudge it by saying "I think a robust public option is essential…." I asked "Is that a yes?" Then she said "I have told the leadership that the bill must include a robust public option…" I asked "Or you’ll vote no?" And she said "yes, yes," and looked at me, and she understood perfectly that she was making a commitment. I’d had to ask three times before she did. But she did. Mary is my witness.
The only way that members of Congress are going to have the resolve to stand up and vote against any bill that doesn’t have a public option is if people like David Swanson confront them and let them know what is expected of them.
Thanks to Rep. Sutton for doing the right thing. Call her office and make sure that she knows that a "public option" does not mean co-ops, nor does it mean triggers.
Sutton’s offices: (440) 245-5350, (202) 225-3401, (330) 865-8450





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Go Jane Go !
Dems will either make good on their promise to represent their Constituents or we will drive them
from Office !
Thanks to David Swanson for doing the legwork on this.
thanked her, via her website.
YES! and go Betty go, and all freinds in congress.
YOU GO GIRL
and Loves me some Saint Jane
Up to $3,800 fine for failure get health insurance
Sep 8 12:54 PM US/Eastern
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Baucus Pushes Health Care Compromise
Maxine Waters Urges Obama to Pass Health Care Using ‘Nuclear Option’
Obama Expresses Belief in Public Option During AFL-CIO Address
Dragnet Remix: ‘Jack Webb Schools Barack Obama on Healthcare’
WASHINGTON (AP) – A top senator is calling for fines of up to $3,800 on families who fail to get medical insurance after a health care overhaul goes into effect.
The plan from Democratic Sen. Max Baucus of Montana would make health insurance mandatory, just like auto coverage. It would provide tax credits to help cover the cost for people making up to three times the federal poverty level. That’s about $66,000 for a family of four, and $32,000 for an individual.
But those who still don’t sign up would face hefty fines, starting at $750 a year for individuals and $1,500 for families. The maximum penalty on individuals would be $950.
Baucus is hoping his plan can win bipartisan support. A copy of his proposal was obtained by The Associated Press.
just called all 3 numbers to voice sincere thanks and approval!
PLEASE pass this around
During Obama’s speech tomorrow…he should say,
” I want everyone in this room who has the Government Healthcare plan to stand up.”
” I want you to sit down if you do not like your healthcare plan.”
B I N G O!
TPM reporting the Arm Twisting proper gets underway
weasels
Do we have the option of paying off this fine with home-grown marijuana, at the going street price per the ounce? Of course, Hocus Pocus Baucus would need to include a legalization clause in the bill.
push back HARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
has anyone managed to talk to Susan Davis’ (CA-53) office recently? She’s been unwilling to commit to anything so far as I know and from the last time I spoke with her office, but then she goes and puts up on her House website this weekend stuff about how’s she’s diligently fighting to preserve the public option, and even said at her town hall meeting last week that there has to be PO. So what’s her strategy – deny to her constituents privately that she’s committed and then publicly say that she is? What kind of strategy is that? Color me confused.
I just saw where Josh Marshall is suggesting a bad plan is good, because it is something. I don’t believe he understands any longer. Something has changed at TPM. We do not give up protecting everyone, ever. I understand the way his reply to a reader is defined, but the definition is that of defeat. We do not give up before there is even a “plan” that is yet to be created. There are several political “plans” now floating like turds in the pool. But there is no plan that is ready to be voted on. We still do not know what will be submitted by congress, let alone each house of congress.
Much determines when someone gives up a right in their life. It sets their sites for a future certain to include defeat.
Thank you Rep. Betty Sutton.
called and thanked and promised if she keeps hers i will donate via actblue, and get faimly and friends to do the same!