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News & ArtsMonday, November 9, 2009
Health Pelosi's First Stop After Passing the Historic Health Insurance Reform Bill: Seattle?
Posted by Eli Sanders on Mon, Nov 9, 2009 at 9:24 AM
- Office of Nancy Pelosi
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will be here early this afternoon for an event intended to remind us "how the groundbreaking health insurance reform legislation passed on Saturday by the US House of Representatives helps Seattle."
Which begs the question: Why Seattle?
The 7th Congressional District (that's us) is arguably the last place in the country that needs to brought on board with the idea that heath insurance reform is urgent and important. And our Congressman, Jim McDermott—his big problem with the current health insurance reform bill is that it isn't radical enough. He's been shouting about single-payer, since, well, forever.
So, again, why Seattle? Jay Inslee and Norm Dicks, two other Democratic congressmen from Washington who voted for the bill, have also been invited to hang out with Pelosi today. Perhaps the event is a way to implicitly ostracize congressman Brian Baird, the Democrat from Vancouver, Washington, who voted against the bill. But there are better ways to do that than not inviting him to a Seattle press conference.
I wonder: Is this part of some deal Pelosi struck with members of our delegation to keep them on board despite the limits on coverage for abortions that were placed in the bill at the last minute? "Vote for the bill, guys, and I will come out and explain to your constituents why we had to do something that infuriates all the pro-choice voters in your district..."
That's just speculation. But whatever the reason for her visit, it's certain that Pelosi will be doing some explaining on abortion funding at today's event.
UPDATE: Darcy Nothnagle, district director for McDermott, says the visit to Seattle was initially discussed weeks ago, but only confirmed yesterday.
2
she's coming for the devo concert. duh.
if pro is the opposite of con, what's the opposite of progress?
if pro is the opposite of con, what's the opposite of progress?
3
Perhaps the Seattle media market covers areas outside Seattle city limits? Areas including Dave Reichert's district? Duh.
5
She was actually scheduled to be in Portland last night for a ($2500 a guest) fundraiser. So y'all ain't actually first.
6
It's called a "working vacation", and she's a pro at it.
She could probably find a way to justify a press conference on Miami Beach if she wanted a little sun.
She could probably find a way to justify a press conference on Miami Beach if she wanted a little sun.
7
I heard from Publicola the Reps are gonna be at Swedish Hospital. Do you have any details about when the press conference is gonna be or anything like that? Cause I work nearby and would love to be there in person.
8
This is actually what has me worried about a public option. Conservatives, now out of power, have still managed to stop funding for abortions in the bill. If we do get government health care in place, there will come a time when conservatives are back in power, and then what? They'd love to cut treatment for AIDS, cut funding for birth control, stop a lot of vaccinations (especially for HPV), etc. I mostly trust Dems to put together a fair health-care system, but I also know the GOP will some day be back in control and then we're all screwed if we depend on the government for health care.
11
Cue some student, who is oh-so-impressed-with-himself for having learned the history of the phrase "beg the question", preening for all of us...
Oh, wait, it already happened @10.
Oh, wait, it already happened @10.
12
Yes, J-Lo, It does really beg the question.
"More recently, 'to beg the question' has been used as a synonym for 'to raise the question'."
Language evolves.
"More recently, 'to beg the question' has been used as a synonym for 'to raise the question'."
Language evolves.
13
from CNN.COM:
"Democrats voted for the bill and A Republican voted for the bill. That equals bipartisan," Pelosi said later
"Democrats voted for the bill and A Republican voted for the bill. That equals bipartisan," Pelosi said later
15
this is pointless and shows the utter ineptitude of the democrats at managing democrats.
she should be in olymnpia on stage with brendan williams or the head of the olympia democrats saying someone is going to challenge Brian Baird.
Now THAT would be a good TV moment, saying THAT with McDermorr and Dicks by her side.
she should be in olymnpia on stage with brendan williams or the head of the olympia democrats saying someone is going to challenge Brian Baird.
Now THAT would be a good TV moment, saying THAT with McDermorr and Dicks by her side.
16
She should have showed for the 43rd Dist Holiday Party right after she got elected Speaker - we had invited her before we knew she was Speaker.
Oh well, better late than never.
Oh well, better late than never.
18
Agh Eli it RAISED a question, it didn't beg anything! I appeal to Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Begging_the…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Begging_the…
19
Nancy just wanted to take her plane out for another expensive coast to coast ride on the tax payers. Maybe if we get rid of her the money saved can go towards health reform!
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