Zack and John

Hope Dave is wrong about what Zack Space is doing tonight at his town hall.  But John Boccieri deserves praise for his stand and statement tonight on health care reform.  John is not only doing the right thing, he is sounding the right themes as he faces a tough re-election battle this year.  Compassion and fiscal prudence are twin themes that may help him survive -- with the help of progressives and rest of Dem base.  His email statement to supporters tonight really hits the nail on the head.  Check out the boldfacing in this liberal quoting of his statement:

" I have met too many families and small businesses in our area who are one medical emergency away from bankruptcy. Today, I invited three such families effected by our broken system to come to Washington to tell their stories and stand beside me as I made my commitment to vote in support of health care reform that would protect them from financial ruin while providing them with life-saving health care.

"The current cost of health care is breaking the financial back of American small businesses, middle class families, and seniors.  If Washington decides to do nothing our country’s deficit will continue to grow, the health insurance industry will continue to raise premiums, and 32 million Americans will go on without health care.

"That's why I'm supporting health care reform. The reform package cuts the federal deficit by 1.2 trillion dollars over the next two decades, gives tax credits, contains cost, reduces existing fraud and waste in the current system, and extends affordable high-quality health care to an additional 32 million Americans - including 414,000 16th District residents.

"What does all this mean for the 16th Congressional District.  Working families in the district will receive the largest middle class tax cut in history.  The 9,800 uninsured individuals in the district who have pre-existing conditions like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes can no longer be denied affordable coverage.  Our seniors will see the cost and quality of their Medicare improve while providing new discounts and rebates for prescription drugs.  The new health insurance exchange will offer group rates and more choice for small businesses in the district that provide health care for their employees.  Finally, the 38,500 residents who cannot afford health insurance in the district will receive coverage."

Well said and well done, John.  You are one standup Dog.