It’s time, Representative Giffords

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by David Safier
On Saturday, July 11, Raúl Grijalva is hosting a health care rally (11:30 am [doors open at 11] at the Tucson Convention Center, North Exhibition Hall, 260 S. Church Ave.). Here is his statement.

“We need
legislation that guarantees healthcare coverage that is affordable,
high-quality, accessible and which lowers costs for all consumers,
regardless of age. We need a single payer system or at least an
enhanced Medicare-like public health option. We need health care reform
that takes care of patients, not the insurance industry.”

Couldn't be clearer. Single payer, best choice. Public option, acceptable compromise.

Krysten Sinema is heading a group of Democratic legislators who will be stumping around the state for health care reform.

Key to changing the system, Sinema said, is allowing for a public option — basically a government insurance program, like Medicare, that would be open to everyone.

Couldn't be clearer. The public option is key.

In the same article, Giffords said she believes we need to explore all options, including a public option.

Here is a statement from her spokesman, C.J. Karamargin, who I know and like. Having said that . . . C.J., this statement is unacceptable, political bullshit. Not just mumbo jumbo. Pure, unadulterated political bullshit. My bullshit detector is maxing out at 11.

"Congresswoman Giffords believes that we must protect what works and fix what's broken," spokesman C.J. Karmargin said Tuesday. "Health-care reform should reduce cost, protect choice and assure affordability. She wants to see viable, pragmatic solutions that can succeed and all proposals should be given serious consideration, including a public option. This isn't going to be easy but health-care reform is not an option — it's an imperative."

Health care is too important for fence straddling. This is a moment for Giffords to show what she's made of, not as a politician, but as a human being. If Giffords wants to say she's for something other than the public option, she should say it and be willing to take the heat from those of us who will be satisfied with nothing less than a public option. If Giffords is for a public option, now is the time to say so, and take the heat from those who disagree.

Few issues are as directly, immediately related to people's lives as the health care they receive, or don't receive. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to accomplish what Democratic presidents have been striving for since FDR. Next year will be too late. A watered down compromise to get Blue Dogs on board who are trying to cover their asses will be a tragedy, because we have a chance for a good bill if we can get solid, unwavering support from enough Democrats.

Gabrielle Giffords, it's time for a clear, unequivocal statement. Where do you stand on health care legislation?

The phone number of Giffords' local office is (520) 881-3588. You can email her here.

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