Cooch explains the reason why his case against the national health care reform law is moving forward. Here's the part that should make every Democrat angry:
...The court basically ruled on four different items...The first one was whether or not Virginia was injured, because if you don't have an injury you can't have a case; courts don't give opinions about what they might do, they resolve actual fights. And the court ruled, because . And Virginia's law said that no Virginian can be forced to health insurance against their will; Virginia has its own law; we have a Virginia Healthcare Freedom Act, passed on a bipartisan basis this year - and we have a Democrat Senate and a Republican House - so it had to be bipartisan to get throughthat became law before the president signed the federal health care bill...
That's right, Cooch's #1 reason for why his lawsuit is moving forward is because Virginia passed - on a "bipartisan" basis - Bob Marshall's Healthcare Freedom Act. Unfortunately, Cooch is right, it was bipartisan. Let's review.
First, the House of Delegates, where Sideshow Bob's lunacy passed by a 72-26 margin. True, Republicans control that chamber and Bob Marshall's crazy law was going to pass, no matter how Democrats voted. Still, it's lame that anyone calling himself or herself a "Democrat" voted for HB 10. First and foremost, I point my finger at Minority Leader Ward Armstrong, who rumor has it wants to run for governor in 2013. Sorry, but just on this vote alone - helping give Cooch the ammo he needed to push his lawsuit against what is arguably Barack Obama's #1 achievement as president - Armstrong should be disqualified from any serious consideration by Democratic voters. Seriously. Outta here. Bye bye!
Now, on to the Senate, a chamber controlled by Democrats, and where the vote was close (23-17). So how did Sideshow Bob's lunacy pass there? For that, we have five people who put a "D" after their names -- Chuck Colgan, Edd Houck, John C. Miller, Phil Puckett, Roscoe Reynolds -- to thank. Essentially, these are the Ben Nelsons and Blanche Lincolns of Virginia, super-conservative Democrats who might as well be Republicans when it comes to health care, energy, environment, and a bunch of "social issues." I mean, "big tent" is one thing, but giving Kookinelli "bipartisan" cover to go around trashing health care reform? Argh.
Remember the actor who lost his job because of a regrettable drunken call to Freedom Works? He's back with the best You Tube video I have seen in a while. While admonishing us to "never" do likewise, he manages to make all the best points against the astroturfs.
It has now been a little over a month since I signed health insurance reform into law. And while it will take some time to fully implement this law, reform is already delivering real benefits to millions of Americans. Already, we are seeing a health care system that holds insurance companies more accountable and gives consumers more control.
Much has been made recently of the many angers of the Tea Partyers, to wit: the swollen big federal government, taxes, the national deficit (both budget and trade), Second Amendment rights, states' rights, restoring the Real Constitution, President Obama's socialist/fascist agenda with special fury reserved for the Health Care reform bill, and so on. Now there is another anger-trigger: anyone who implies that the Tea Party members and its many angers are in any way racist, or even slightly prejudiced. No, no, you elitists, the Tea Party's anger is pure! "Give us our country back!" " Restore the Constitution our Forefathers' created!"
Closer examination reveals what is really going on under all the cacophony: almost all of these hot issues are in fact a stalking horse. A stalking horse, you will recall, originally meant a figure behind which a hunter stalked game, and came to mean something used to "mask a purpose," or to hide the true objective. That is, a pretend goal or project which conceals the real objective; the pretend object can even create so much excitement and hysteria that it can convince not just outsiders but the participants it is a serious matter---- yet it still is a mask.
From Tom Perriello's YouTube channel: "Rep. Perriello meets with students at Danville Community College to discuss the benefits of health care reform." Nice job, as always, by Tom!
Outcome of Lawsuit Is Predetermined Editor, Times-Dispatch: As someone who has worked in health care policy for more than 15 years and is now an elected official, I am dumbfounded by some of the statements being made by opponents of health care reform -- and most recently by the editorial, "Unconstitutional."
Gov. Bob McDonnell -- who campaigned with a promise to reach across the aisle in a bipartisan fashion to help solve our most pressing problems -- weighed in with misstatements of his own that only feed into the anger and frustrations that have played out recently.
"This was a momentous week for America. It was a week in which, together, we took bold new steps towards restoring economic security for our middle class, to rebuilding a stronger foundation for our future. It was a week in which some of the change that generations have hoped for and worked for finally became reality in America."
There are so many examples of this phenomenon, it's hard to know where to start. I'm talking about Democrats voting for a right-wing bill, then hoping that nobody remembers (or something) so they can use that same bill as a campaign issue against Republicans. Recent Virginia examples that leap to mind include: Democrats voting for - and Tim Kaine signing into law - the 2007 "transportation monstrosity" (including "abuser fees" and "regional taxation authorities"), which took that issue off the table for Democrats in the General Assembly elections that fall; Democrats voting for Bob McDonnell's crappy budget this year, then hoping to run against McDonnell's policies next year; Democrats voting for Bob Marshall's crazy anti-"mandate" bill, then attempting to criticize Ken Cuccinelli's constitutional challenge to mandates.
On that latter issue, a classic example came yesterday, as Democrats held a press conference in Richmond to denounced Cuccinelli's anti-"mandate" lawsuit. The two featured speakers were Sen. Donald McEachin and Del. Jennifer McClellan (also a member of the DNC, a "superdelegate," and vice chair of the DPVA). In McEachin's case, that's fine, as he voted against this horrible bill. The problem is with Jennifer McClellan, who - believe it or not - actually voted for the so-called "Health Care Freedom Act," which declares "that a resident of the Commonwealth shall not be required to obtain or maintain a policy of individual insurance coverage." In short, Del. McClellan spoke at the press conference yesterday denouncing HB 10, even though she voted for HB10. I'm confused.
By the way, Jennifer McClellan was not the only Democrat who voted for this horrible piece of legislation. The only reason I'm singling her out is that she was chosen to represent Democrats at a high-profile press conference denouncing that very same legislation. Does that make any sense to anyone? If so, I'd love to hear the explanation.
P.S. I forgot to mention earlier, the VA GOP Caucus posted about this first thing this morning, pointing to the difference on this issue between Jennifer McClellan and her husband, DPVA Executive Director Dave Mills. You see how this undercuts our messaging?
"Those lawyers that are going to be working on this lawsuit are going to be using their time, which is what we pay them to do to work for the state of Virginia on a frivolous action, when they could be tracking down bad predatory lenders, they could be taking aim at internet predators, they're going to be engaged in a lawsuit that is doomed to failure..."
Sen. McEachin is absolutely correct, both that Cooch is "using this office for his political agenda" and also that "[t]here is a ton of constitutional law that suggests that these lawsuits [by Ken Cuccinelli] are frivolous." Unfortunately, Cooch is Attorney General, which means that he's able to wasting our tax dollars doing those things. Our only real option? Do what we can to stop him, slow him down, rein him in, and of course gain politically off of Cooch's lunacy and wild overreach.
I certainly agree with Mark Warner that "there's no free market in health care." I also agree with him that, when it comes to our health care system, "the system is so broken...the status quo is gonna kill us." Which, I'm pretty sure, is why Warner voted "yes" on health care reform.
The following statement is from Jim Webb's office. According to this article, the main purpose of Webb's legislation is to "set the record straight," because "here has been too much confusion about the effect of health care changes on Tricare." In other words, Webb's legislation will make doubly sure that Tricare is in good shape, even though there's no indication that it isn't.
Today, Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) introduced a bill that would explicitly state in law that TRICARE and Department of Defense (DOD) nonappropriated fund (NAF) health plans meet the minimum essential coverage for individual health insurance required by the health care reform bill passed yesterday by the House of Representatives. While beneficiaries of these programs will already meet the minimum requirements for individual health insurance and will not be required to purchase additional coverage, the TRICARE Affirmation Act would provide clarification by changing the tax code to state it in law.
Good work by Mike Stark on this. And, of course, great work by Tom "Conviction Politics" Perriello!
Also, check out the health care reform SUPPORTERS who greeted Tom Perriello as he walked outside after the vote last night. As Mike Stark writes, "You don't hear much about these folks, do you?" Yeah, I guess it's that "liberal media" (suuuuure) at work once again. Heh.
Does the stock market like "socialism?" Ha, well, it sure looks that way. Possibly because the health care reform legislation passed by the House last night is about as far from "socialism" as you can get. In fact, what "Obamacare" really does is expand the market for private insurance, which is probably why "Health stocks lifted the market Monday following House approval of an overhaul bill that would extend insurance to millions." That's also why there's been opposition to this from people, mainly on the "left," who believe in "single payer" or the "public option." Go figure.
By the way, Republicans like Eric Can'tor and John "Boner" are 180-degrees wrong on this, not that they care. Still, it's rather amusing to hear them wailing about "socialism," "government takeover," and "the death of private insurance" at the same time as private health care stocks shoot upwards.
UPDATE #2: The News & Advance confirms that Perriello will vote "yes," noting that "he's convinced that the bill will not use tax dollars for abortion, and also has provisions that could reduce the number of abortions."
UPDATE #3: Tom Perriello's statement.
After all of the valid ideological debates, health care reform for me comes down to whether this bill will save money for working families and small business and whether it will keep our hospitals and clinics from closing their doors. It will. At this moment, we either move towards solutions or point fingers while our health care system, our federal treasury, and our middle-class families go bankrupt. I will not sit by while that happens to our nation and our families. I came to Washington to do what is necessary, not what is easy, and reforming our health care system ranks near the top of that list.
This legislation will reduce our federal deficit by $1.2 trillion, and for a family of four making $60,000 a year, they can expect to see their costs lowered by $1,000-$2,000 every year under this legislation, and probably more over time. That is real money back in the pockets of working families at a critical time.
I believe this health care reform legislation is a critical step forward for America. But I cannot support the backroom deals and kickbacks infamously inserted into Senate side, like the Cornhusker Kickback and the Louisiana Purchase. Nor can I support the crushing 40% tax that would fall on many middle-class families under their bill. So I am prepared to vote yes on health care reform as soon as 51 Senators commit to seeing this reconciliation bill through to completion.
The following is a guest diary from Christopher Lillis, MD (Internal Medicine) of Fredericksburg, Virginia. Last week, Dr. Lillis - a champion of health care reform - was onstage with President Obama in the East Room. Now, in the closing days of the battle we've seen waged over the past year, Dr. Lillis has some thoughts he wanted to share with us. Thanks to him for doing so, and keep up the good fight!
I am thrilled to be a guest blogger here at Blue Virginia (even more thrilled to be one of the millions who helped turn Virginia Blue)! I love my day job - as a primary care physician, I share in the lives of my patients, and derive great satisfaction in helping improve their lives and health.
I had the privilege of being invited to stand with President Obama on March 3rd in the East Room of the White House as he began to close the deal on the passage of health reform. He was as inspiring as ever, reminding us why passing the bill at hand will improve the lives of Americans that need reform the most.
Since that day, patients have been much more open in asking me why I support reform. And while I am adamant about keeping politics out of my relationships with my patients, I am happy to provide some education about what is in the bill.
For years, I have been fighting insurance companies who try to deny care to patients. For years, I have been volunteering in free clinics, helping those who are denied care or who cannot afford it. For years, I have been frustrated watching patients skip medical care due to skyrocketing costs. This bill will begin to change that for 31 million Americans who will have the opportunity to have health insurance - no longer denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions, and - through insurance exchanges and subsidies - will find coverage affordable.
So I can tell my patients I have 31 million reasons to support this bill. I became a physician because medicine is about healing. Somewhere along the way, the health care delivery system went astray - now "medical loss ratios" and "recission" are part of the national dialogue. How did we let this happen, in the richest nation on Earth? I feel there is a moral imperative to extend coverage to all of our fellow Americans, so that their suffering can be alleviated. This bill will begin to stop the greater than 44,000 pre-mature deaths that occur each year in our country due to a lack of health coverage.
This bill will benefit Virginia greatly. I live in Congressional District 1, belonging currently to Congressman Whittman - who I have met with a few times, only to be confounded by the slippery reasons he gives for voting against this reform. In my district alone, the bill will improve coverage for 556,000 people. It will give tax credits to purchase coverage to 138,000 families and 16,000 small businesses. It will close the Medicare drug coverage "donut hole" for 104,000 people. And it will help get coverage for 21,000 district 1 residents.
Tom Perriello deserves great praise for his "yes" vote in district 5 for reform, while Glenn Nye and Rick Boucher need to hear from you! Check out your district at: http://energycommerce.house.go...
I tell my patients I became a doctor to help people. This bill accomplishes exactly that.
Kaine also calls out the Republicans for the "phantoms" - "death panels," for instance - they have thrown up over the past year.
UPDATE: Also, here Kaine says - correctly, I'd add - that the Republicans don't want to debate the substance of the bill but instead prefer to use every procedural "trick" in the book to defeat President Obama's agenda. That is, after all, why we call it the "Party of No."
Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) announced this morning that he will in fact vote for the Senate health care bill. Kucinich's switch was a major pickup for Democrats who are clinging to a razor thin majority on health care reform and have been struggling to find the votes to get it passed.
"This is not the bill I wanted to support, Kucinich said. "However after careful discussions with President Obama, Speaker Pelosi, my wife Elizabeth and friends, I decided to cast a vote in favor of the legislation."
Kucinich originally voted no on the House version of the bill last fall.
What's interesting about Kucinich's decision is that he, more than almost anyone else, represented opposition to the current health care reform approach from the left. Like many on the left, Kucinich would have preferred a single payer system or at least a robust public option. In the end, however, Kucinich came down on the side of pragmatism and "don't let the perfect be the enemy of the possible." With that, it appears that opposition to health care reform legislation from the left has essentially evaporated, with one notable exception in the blogosphere. Personally, I'm with the pragmatist camp, which I'm amazed to report now includes Dennis Kucinich.
P.S. Among Virginia Democrats, it appears that Rick Boucher is undecided, Tom Perriello is undecided, and Glenn Nye is undecided. Jim Moran and Glenn Scott are definite yes votes, and my guess is that so is Gerry Connolly, but we'll see...
UPDATE: See here for every representative's position on health care reform legislation.
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Much has been made recently of the many angers of the Tea Partyers, to wit: the swollen big federal government, taxes, the national deficit (both budget and trade), Second Amendment rights, states' rights, restoring the Real Constitution, President Obama's socialist/fascist agenda with special fury reserved for the Health Care reform bill, and so on. Now there is another anger-trigger: anyone who implies that the Tea Party members and its many angers are in any way racist, or even slightly prejudiced. No, no, you elitists, the Tea Party's anger is pure! "Give us our country back!" " Restore the Constitution our Forefathers' created!"
There are so many examples of this phenomenon, it's hard to know where to start. I'm talking about Democrats voting for a right-wing bill, then hoping that nobody remembers (or something) so they can use that same bill as a campaign issue against Republicans. Recent Virginia examples that leap to mind include: Democrats voting for - and Tim Kaine signing into law - the 2007 "transportation monstrosity" (including "abuser fees" and "regional taxation authorities"), which took that issue off the table for Democrats in the General Assembly elections that fall; Democrats voting for 
The following statement is from Jim Webb's office. According to 
The following is a guest diary from Christopher Lillis, MD (Internal Medicine) of Fredericksburg, Virginia. Last week, Dr. Lillis - a champion of health care reform - was onstage with President Obama in the East Room. Now, in the closing days of the battle we've seen waged over the past year, Dr. Lillis has some thoughts he wanted to share with us. Thanks to him for doing so, and keep up the good fight!
