by David Safier
Today's Star has short op eds on health care by Giffords, Grijalva, Kyl and McCain. Three are exactly what you would expect — the right stuff from Grijalva and the usual No's from Kyl and McCain. The fourth, from Giffords, seems to indicate she's moving in a positive direction.
Giffords makes no firm pronouncements, but her language is stronger than I've heard from her in the past.
I support reform that allows Americans to keep their current health-care program, keep their doctors and keep their hospitals.
I support reform that creates competition through a strong public option that lowers everyone's costs and competes with private insurers.
I support reform that allows Arizonans who lose their jobs to afford insurance so they can get back on their feet without fear of getting sick.
I support reform that will slow the growth of health-care costs and does not impose new taxes or burdens on our nation's most valuable economic contributors, small businesses. [bold face added].
The phrase "strong public option" encourages me. From what I've heard, she has been using similar language in her public appearances lately.
The proof will be in the way Giffords talks and votes in the next few weeks. No one will be completely happy with the legislation that finally comes out of the House. That's a given. Will she use her qualms to impede passage of a good bill, or will she work with others to create a bill whose strengths outweigh its inevitable weaknesses?
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