ted kennedy

I'm not surprised Larry would keep his promise. I might not always agree with his fiscal conservatism, but I agree that we don't improve healthcare in this country by taking away almost $400 billion in benefits from senior citizens. What are octogenarians to do? Go get jobs for the benies?

Kissell's statement:

"From the day I announced my candidacy for this office, I promised to protect Medicare," Kissell said. "I gave my word I wouldn't cut it and I intend to keep that promise to the citizens of the Eighth District and the senior citizens of this nation. While I believe comprehensive health care and insurance reform is necessary, I cannot vote for H.R. 3962 in its current form, which cuts $399 billion from Medicare."

My goodness! He almost sounds like a liberal in that quote. I mean, literally a very well-known liberal.

Thank you, Senator Kennedy. Thank you for always reminding us that as Democrats we are unified under one core belief - that we are here to help lift others up.

Sleep well.

I have obtained a copy of the letter that Senators Kennedy and Dodd distributed to their colleagues on the HELP committee. It's public information, so will post the entire letter.

Dear HELP Committee Member:

No issue is more important to our constituents - or to our economy - than health care reform. As President Obama has said - and as even those who disagree about the particulars of reform understand - inaction is not an option. The status quo isn't just unacceptable, it's unsustainable.

Senators Kennedy and Dodd sent a letter to the rest of the HELP (Health, Education, Labor & Pensions) Committee outlining the final plan from the committee. The plan has a smaller price tag than originally reported and will provide coverage for 97% of Americans. It has a healthy public option and is unlikely to garner bipartisan support.

I have a call in to Senator Hagan's office to verify her support for the plan. With all of the hyperbole and nastiness thrown at Kay Hagan the past two weeks, if she comes out in support of the plan I not only expect some here to offer apologies, but I expect us all to embrace the new Kay Hagan Health Care Plan and work like hell to see it through both houses of Congress.

If she fails to support the plan then I provide the next round of rotten tomatoes.

This story is developing.  I will let you know more when I hear it. 

Update:  CSpan is now reporting that Senator Robert Byrd was also taken from the luncheon for medical reasons.

Update II:  CNN is now reporting that Senator Ted Kennedy began to have a seizure at the end of the luncheon and the seizure lasted for some time and he was still seizing when medics wheeled him out to receive medical care.

Update III:  CNN is reporting that Senator Kennedy is now alert and talking with his family.

"I have come here tonight to stand with you to change America, to restore its future, to rise to our best ideals and to elect Barack Obama president of the United States," Senator Ted Kennedy roared as he appeared before the Democratic National Convention.

"Teddy" as Caroline affectionately referred to him during her introduction is battling brain cancer but is not giving up the good fight. "The dream lives on!" Kennedy told us tonight.

The Medicare vote in the Senate this week, highlighted by Ted Kennedy's triumphant return, was encouraging for proponents of universal health coverage. At least, that's how Paul Krugman sees it (and I agree):

Crossposted from Left Toon Lane & My Left Wing


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