Two Kansas politicians eagerly engaging in the current health care debate have made recent news. Unfortunately for the citizens of Kansas neither pol has offered alternative solutions to the health care reform legislation they adamantly oppose. They have, however, perfected the use of scare and stall tactics.
Further evidence that Kansas Republican politicos are truly out of touch with Kansas families.
From Think Progress:
At a recent town hall meeting in Kansas, Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R) claimed that Democratic health proposals would “determine what every doctor in America will make.” While he may have gotten away with that claim over the summer — when his audience would have been stacked with right-wing loyalists — this time, his audience cut him off with “outbursts of moans, gasps and laughter.” Watch it:
From Think Progress:
Before the vote took place, Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS) offered a defense of Bunning’s amendment by arguing that the 72-hour provision was critical because it provides time for senators to consult with health insurance lobbyists:
All the Senator from Kentucky is asking is for 72 hours to determine the cost. Senator Snowe has spoken eloquently about sunshine, and the openness, and the fact that the American people would support this 90 percent, 95 percent. But the thing that I’m trying to point out is we would have at least 72 hours for the people that the providers have hired to keep up with all of the legislation that we pass around here, and the regulations that we pass around here, to say “hey, wait a minute. Have you considered this?” And that’s all I’m asking for — is not only cost, but also the content of a bill. And that 72 hours, I think, is highly, highly important.
To be clear, Roberts is referring to health insurance lobbyists when he references the “people that the providers have hired to keep up with all of the legislation.” Watch it:
According to the Center for Responsive Politics, Roberts has received over $172,000 in political contribution from insurance companies over the last five years. Unsurprisingly, Roberts opposes a public option because, he claims, “it won’t work.” Presumably, that’s because that’s what health insurance lobbyists have told him.
From Funny Or Die:
A public service announcement on the importance of protecting the insurance companies. Me thinks Sen. Roberts doesn’t understand satire?
What, you don't want to post about the little kids singing to Obama? The video is so cute. I'm sure your readers would love it.