Gus Bilirakis; why did you vote NO to healthcare reform? Letter from Arnie Sherr

November 8, 2009

Congressman Gus Bilirakis:

It is too disconcerting to know that you acquiesced to special interest pressures rather than to align yourself with those who will ultimately decide your fate in the next congressional election. There are continuing propagandized reports that the majority of seniors appose healthcare reform. Well sir, I am a senior and I’ve yet to speak to another – and I know many – who are against healthcare reform. The truth, we see right though the scare tactics promoted by the healthcare industry. Of course they are happy with status quo; it has allowed them carte blanche to join in on the rape-athon being implemented by America’s Banks and Credit Card issuers. While I am at it; whose side do you support of that travesty?

Congressman, it is true and I’ve told this to you in prior letters; I am a Dem, but not an extremist. I appreciate many right side platforms and even if I don’t agree with them in totality, I am mature enough to see the merits that may drive the right’s position. However, opposing Healthcare reform is a stiff and painful kick in the pants to America’s middle class (if there is still a middle class?).

Congressman Bilirakis, it is my understanding there is to be another, hopefully the last vote on healthcare reform. As I do not beg for anything and am not inclined to do so now for me, I will beg and plead for those like my 40 year old son and his 38 year old sister and the kids of other families through this great land who can’t afford today’s premiums, let alone what they will grow to if reform and the public option are not voted into law and reality. And for so many that clog our ER system with everyday colds and such because they are, in-part, members of the legitimate uninsured.

Congressman, I know you sincerely believe the altruistic claims of the healthcare carriers, that if reform is passed rates will climb at greater rates than if not. May I remind you what the banks promised when they plead for bail-out monies – we’ll pay it all back and quickly, and we’ll get busy helping small business so they can rehire the laid-off and put new employers on the payrolls. Well, they’re payin’ it back alright; the American people are being forced to pay loan shark credit card rates to finance the repayment of our money. “We the People” made these financial entities into mega-corps to begin with; of this they have conveniently forgotten. Now as a way of saying thanks, they’ve taken to actually stickin’ it to us and they are not even kind enough to use KY Jelly in the process.

Congressman, please remove your blinders; doubting as I do that your are, in-fact, blind-sighted, it’s time to do what the people of Florida expect from all they honor with their loyalty and votes, stand-up and support the American people. Vote yes for “We the People” in the next go-around – vote YES for healthcare reform with a public option.

May G-d give you the wisdom to do the right thing? Amen.