Welcome Home?
“Democrats face hostile homecomings from health care reform critics”, “Healthcare debate gets uglier”, “Rowdy protesters overrun health care meetings.” So read the headlines this week. For some, this is their worst fear realized. It is even reported that some returning lawmakers have instructed their staff not to release their speaking and town hall schedules for fear of facing angry audiences. Of course, a few minutes on YouTube provides a telling demonstration of what they may fear.
Several reported developments this week are likely to fan the flames of many of those resisting the current proposals:
• The Washington Post reported yesterday that the insurance industry continues to resist quietly, though many industry insiders are pushing for a more aggressive response.
• The Abilene Reporter-News reports that the government-sponsored insurance plan would cover abortions with federal dollars. A development that is sure to reopen a hot button issue.
This subject is likely to become critical, if the Obama administration pushes legislation that all Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) be required to provide contraceptive medications, a proposal with which many faith-based organizations will take issue.
• The recent Quinnipiac pole, which indicates that 72% of those poled do not believe that President Obama will keep his pledge to reform healthcare but to not increase the deficit. In fact, by a margin of nearly 2 to 1, those polled are more concerned with the deficit than health care reform.
These issues will continue to gain attention throughout the recess. And our representatives will, no doubt hear about them.
For a comprehensive, yet succinct recap on the health reform status as lawmakers are “welcomed home”, check out Kevin Phillips latest blog entry .
