GOP health care plan and a punch in the face

Most people have been very critical of Representative-Elect Greg Gianforte's actions when he body-slammed and punched a Guardian reporter May 24. However,, his actions may be the most honest response to a question about the Republican health care plan we have yet heard.

The reporter, Ben Jacobs, asked Gianforte about the Republican health care plan and the Congressional Budget Office's recent score of the legislation. According to a team of Fox reporters, Gianforte then body slammed the reporter, slugged him, and yelled "I'm sick and tired of this."

Make no mistake about it, Gianforte was correct - the Republican health care plan is a punch in the face to every single person in this country. As the CBO confirmed, the GOP bill will leave an estimated 23 million more individuals uninsured in the next decade. The Center for American Progress estimates that 710,200 Illinois residents will lose coverage over the next 10 years.

The Republican health care plan that was rushed through the House (for good reason), which includes a massive $800 billion cut to Medicaid, is nothing short of a punch in the face to America.

Granted, Gianforte could have simply provided his response in words rather than assaulting the reporter. However, even his answer might be considered better than that of some elected officials in our state.

Republicans like Gov. Rauner and U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam have done nothing to oppose the legislation (Roskam even voted for it), and have done everything in their power to avoid hearing or addressing the subject altogether.

Illinois needs leaders that are willing to support affordable health care for all Americans - not just the most fortunate. Aren't you, like Gianforte, also "sick and tired" of elected officials not supporting health care for all Americans, both healthy and sick? If so, then call your Republican representative to make your voice heard.

Jay Mitchell

Naperville