Because the procrastinators and studiers and status quo people are
hearing loudly from the insurance, medical and pharmaceutical
industries that have the largest financial stake in preventing change.
The Washington Post published an article this week detailing
which senators had received the most contributions from hospitals,
insurers and other medical interest groups. It should come as no
surprise that the procrastinators - Republicans, Blue Dog Democrats and
other Democrats like - received significant contributions.
Senator Max Baucus (D-Montana), chair of the Senate Finance Committee
is the leading recipient of such funds. The health care industry and
its employees gave Baucus' political committees almost $1.5 million in
2007 and 2008.
During the first three months of 2009, the health industry gave $5.4
million to Democrats. A significant amount of that $5.4 million has
gone to Baucus, Iowa, Republican Charles Grassley (ranking Republican
on the Senate Finance Committee) and other moderate senators as well.
There is no way accepting these funds won't result in senators being
beholden to the donors and their wishes. Many elected officials, sadly,
are far more influenced by these donations than they are by what is
best for their constituents and the rest of the country.
Without a public hue and cry, without constituents calling, emailing,
writing letters and making their wishes known, the opportunity for
affecting real change in how health care is provided in this country
will be lost.
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