correspondence from Senator Lieberman regarding a public healthcare option

I read in the news yesterday that Senator Lieberman declared he will not support healthcare reform if it includes a public healthcare option. Finding this difficult to believe (or NOT), I wrote to Senator Lieberman and questioned him on this. In response, he wrote:

"Dear Mr. Price:
Thank you for contacting me to express your opinion regarding health care reform efforts. I appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts with me, and I want you to know that I hear and understand your concerns.

Americans today are faced with great uncertainty about their health care coverage and insurance. These concerns focus around rising medical costs, access to coverage, and quality of care. With more than 45 million uninsured Americans and health care spending levels that exceed any in the world, our current health care system is unsustainable. Too often, we reward quantity over quality. The need for health care reform is clear. We must begin to provide Americans with the high-quality, affordable health care they need.

As you may know, various health plans have begun to emerge from both houses of Congress. These initial plans outline key objectives that President Obama has stressed as essential elements to any health care reform plan, including cost reduction, preventive care, health systems modernization, and long-term care and services.

I will continue to work with my colleagues and the Obama Administration on a bipartisan basis to resolve the remaining aspects that are key to reaching an agreement. A broad coalition is needed when addressing an issue as large, and as important for our nation's citizens, as health care reform. I do feel strongly that any health care reform legislation that I support must not only be budget neutral, but also reduce health care costs over the long term for individuals, groups, and businesses and for the federal government. That is the primary reason why I oppose a public option. It would be better to first sustain the long-term solvency of Medicare and Medicaid before creating a new government-run health insurance program.
Some have asked about my remarks regarding votes on health care reform on the Senate floor. When the bill comes to the Senate floor, I am planning to vote to allow debate to begin on the bill, which in this instance will require 60 votes. I very much look forward to debating the various aspects of this critical legislation and voting on proposed amendments. If, however, when the subsequent motion to limit debate time on the bill is voted on, with a 60-vote requirement for that motion to succeed, I will not vote in favor of that motion if the bill at that time includes a public option, for the reasons stated above.

I am hopeful that Senators on both sides of the aisle will come together to achieve meaningful health care reform that expands coverage, reduces costs, and improves the quality of care for everyone.

Please rest assured that I will continue to keep your concerns and suggestions in mind as the health care reform debate continues to play out and as we move forward on this important issue. I hope you will continue to visit my website at http://lieberman.senate.gov for updated news about my work on behalf of Connecticut and the nation. Please contact me if you have any additional questions or comments about our work in Congress.

Sincerely,
Joseph I. Lieberman
UNITED STATES SENATOR"

In disgust, I replied to Senator Lieberman the following message:

"I am very sad to hear that you, Senator Lieberman, will not support health care reform if it includes a national healthcare option.

I see absolutely no reason why not give the public a choice of a national health care program or private insurance.

Without a public healthcare plan, for millions of citizens there still is NO choice.
With no choice, the healthcare problem in the U.S. will persist and drag on and rapidly get worse.

The United States healthcare system is a worldwide disgrace!

A public healthcare plan would finally give millions of Americans a choice.
You, Senator, are also opting to deprive millions of U.S. citizens health care insurance.

Your very vague arguments not to support a public option clearly indicate you are not voting in the interest of your constituents.

That begs the question of who do you represent? Your constituents or special interests… maybe the insurance companies?

The answer appears to be clear and I am very disappointed in your choice of allegiance.

Voting on the side of special interest groups is the main problem in our elected officials today. It is apparent that you are part of the problem.

I will do my best to elect in a Senator that will vote for citizen interests, not special interests.

While you chose to continue to support the enormously expensive, ill-conceived, and fraudulent war in Iraq during the Bush administration, you choose to deny funding for a public healthcare option. Where are you priorities Senator?
I am forwarding your message, along with my reply, to all my friends and family in Connecticut to make them aware of your priorities and decision regarding healthcare.
I also ask them to forward this email to their friends and family in Connecticut.

Steve Price"

If you feel as disgusted as I am, write your opinion to Senator Lieberman and just maybe he will realize that his constituents are aware of his priorities and decisions and maybe will change his mind. His website to contact him is:
http://lieberman.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm?regarding=issue