Health care backers are influencing Bean
Across the political spectrum it is agreed that Congressional health care reform is a massive giveaway to special interests paid for by the public, especially the middle class.
Liberal analyst Jonathan Cohn says the proposals dramatically enlarge pharmaceutical profits through tax increases, higher premiums, and price hikes paid at the pharmacy. Conservative economist Michael Cannon calls the emerging bill "a $450 billion bailout for private insurance" that will "drive premiums and taxes higher while reducing quality." Centrist California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, describes reform as "a trough of bribes, deals, and loopholes."
Claims that the legislation expands consumer choice or that it is "deficit neutral" have been thoroughly discredited. Nothing in the proposals bends costs downward or enhances the doctor-patient relationship. For example, there is no tort reform. And millions will remain uninsured.
Why would anyone support this?
Regarding Congresswoman Melissa Bean, the answer is obvious: Her vote is bought and paid for. According to OpenSecrets.org, the groups contributing the most to Bean's current campaign committee include insurance companies, law firms, and pharmaceutical companies. This explains her sudden change from "undecided" to staunch advocate.
Before, Bean avoided questions. Now, she has all the answers, including how to finance her re-election bid.
Her vote will hurt your pocketbook. It has already enriched hers.
Dr. David McNeil
Barrington