… has to be Alan Grayson, a freshman congressman from Florida.
First, on Wednesday he spoke on the House floor, saying the Republican health care plan calls for sick people to “die quickly.”
He then made another floor speech in which he apologized to the dead and their families for not acting sooner on health care reform, and later defended both speeches on CNN’s “The Situation Room.” “What I mean is they have got no plan,” he said. “It’s been 24 hours since I said that. Where is the Republican plan? We’re all waiting to see something that will take care of the pre-existing conditions, to take care of the 40 million Americans who have no coverage at all.”
Look, I’m a fan of civility. A big fan, really. I love long walks on the beach, post-game handshakes and hugs with short people. But enough is enough. For the past six months or so, Republicans have been killing Democrats on health care reform, citing one lie (they want to pull the plug on grandma) after another (Socialistic agenda) after another (death panels). I dig Barack Obama—but he needs to start slugging back. At least someone needs to start slugging back.
Truth is, the public option is a great idea—a way to have open competition between the established BS health care providers and an alternative source. The reason all Republicans and too many conservative Democrats oppose it is because (gasp!) health companies contribute tons of campaign dollars, and money talks. The politicians who vote for a public option can kiss the dough farewell. And, I assure you, some eager primary opponent will be more than happy to take it.
So bravo to Mr. Grayson. At least he spoke the truth.
