Pelosi/Hoyer calls townhall protesters 'un-American'...

[Hazcat]

'Un-American' attacks can't derail health care debate

By Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer

 Americans have been waiting for nearly a century for quality, affordable health care.

Health coverage for all was on the national agenda as early as 1912, thanks to Teddy Roosevelt's Bull Moose presidential run. Months after World War II came to an end in 1945, President Harry Truman called on Congress to guarantee all Americans the "right to adequate medical care and protection from the economic fears of sickness." From President Lyndon Johnson to President Bill Clinton, to President Obama's winning campaign on the promise of reform, there hasn't been a more debated domestic issue than the promise of affordable health care for all.

(Steny Hoyer/USA TODAY)

(Nancy Pelosi/USA TODAY)

We believe it is healthy for such a historic effort to be subject to so much scrutiny and debate. The failure of past attempts is a reminder that health insurance reform is a defining moment in our nation's history — it is well worth the time it takes to get it right. We are confident that we will get this right.

Already, three House committees have passed this critical legislation and over August, the two of us will work closely with those three committees to produce one strong piece of legislation that the House will approve in September.

In the meantime, as members of Congress spend time at home during August, they are talking with their constituents about reform. The dialogue between elected representatives and constituents is at the heart of our democracy and plays an integral role in assuring that the legislation we write reflects the genuine needs and concerns of the people we represent.

However, it is now evident that an ugly campaign is underway not merely to misrepresent the health insurance reform legislation, but to disrupt public meetings and prevent members of Congress and constituents from conducting a civil dialogue. These tactics have included hanging in effigy one Democratic member of Congress in Maryland and protesters holding a sign displaying a tombstone with the name of another congressman in Texas, where protesters also shouted "Just say no!" drowning out those who wanted to hold a substantive discussion.

Let the facts be heard

These disruptions are occurring because opponents are afraid not just of differing views — but of the facts themselves. Drowning out opposing views is simply un-American. Drowning out the facts is how we failed at this task for decades.

Health care is complex. It touches every American life. It drives our economy. People must be allowed to learn the facts.

The first fact is that health insurance reform will mean more patient choice. It will allow every American who likes his or her current plan to keep it. And it will free doctors and patients to make the health decisions that make the most sense, not the most profits for insurance companies.

Reform will mean stability and peace of mind for the middle class. Never again will medical bills drive Americans into bankruptcy; never again will Americans be in danger of losing coverage if they lose their jobs or if they become sick; never again will insurance companies be allowed to deny patients coverage because of pre-existing conditions.

Lower costs, better care

Reform will mean affordable coverage for all Americans. Our plan's cost-lowering measures include a public health insurance option to bring competitive pressure to bear on rapidly consolidating private insurers, research on health outcomes to better inform the decisions of patients and doctors, and electronic medical records to help doctors save money by working together. For seniors, the plan closes the notorious Medicare Part D "doughnut hole" that denies drug coverage to those with between $2,700 and $6,100 per year in prescriptions.

Reform will also mean higher-quality care by promoting preventive care so health problems can be addressed before they become crises. This, too, will save money. We'll be a much healthier country if all patients can receive regular checkups and tests, such as mammograms and diabetes exams, without paying a dime out-of-pocket.

This month, despite the disruptions, members of Congress will listen to their constituents back home and explain reform legislation. We are confident that our principles of affordable, quality health care will stand up to any and all critics.

Now — with Americans strongly supporting health insurance reform, with Congress reaching consensus on a plan, and with a president who ran and won on this specific promise of change — America is closer than ever to this century-deferred goal.

This fall, at long last, we must reach it.

Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., is speaker of the House and Steny Hoyer, D-Md., is House majority leader.

http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2009/08/unamerican-attacks-cant-derail-health-care-debate-.html

Comments at link

[tombogan03884]

 We should do some thing REALLY American. When the King of England appointed officials to collect the stamp Tax the Colonists in Boston and Providence expressed their displeasure by tearing down their houses and burning the timbers.

[Hazcat]

Pelosi of course, would not know of this as it is not taught in public government schools.

[tombogan03884]

Pelosi of course, would not know of this as it is not taught in public government schools.

Perhaps a demonstration is in order ? For educational purposes of course, we could call it "a teaching moment" .
After all "it's for the children".

[Hazcat]

Perhaps a demonstration is in order ? For educational purposes of course, we could call it "a teaching moment" .
After all "it's for the children".

Tom, you're soooo civic minded!

[Sponsor]

[Woody]

 Typical commie response. Twist the words and blame your foes, she has a twisted view of what being American means. She gets her marching orders from China. What's up with all those no bid contracts your hubby gets?
 They are portraying the protests as orchestrated, LOL. Maybe we should get orchestrated.

Let them hear the grinding and sharpening of pitch forks at night in order to put fear in their hearts for the treason they are committing, and still they do not repent.

[Neon Knight Anubis]

Its funny (in a sad way) when the very same group of people who not only invented but continue to use the very same tactics balk when they are used against them. Except they also have their own basij militia, the SEIU and ACORN, to beat people up and create chaos. I just hope we don't have our own version of Neda, but I'm not holding my breath.

[Hazcat]

Its funny (in a sad way) when the very same group of people who not only invented but continue to use the very same tactics balk when they are used against them. Except they also have their own basij militia, the SEIU and ACORN, to beat people up and create chaos. I just hope we don't have our own version of Neda, but I'm not holding my breath.

Don't forget the union thugs! (AFL-CIO)

[ericire12]

***Click***

Another degree colder...... Keep running your mouth, Nancy. You are costing your team votes each time you do.

At this rate, I would not be surprised if each and every Dem that is up for re-election goes down in flames.

[rojawe]

Notice her and the other Democraps are ordering 550 million worth of new jets so they can fly around on our tax dollars, She even gets a new BROOM STICK ONE so she could care less about the people she works for.