Health care reform’s defenders

Here’s something to make you optimistic: The left is learning how to unite to have power in the House. The Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, and the Congressional Progressive Caucus are uniting and saying they won’t vote for a plan that doesn’t have a strong public option:

“We cannot move forward without a strong public option,” stated Congressman Raul M. Grijalva (AZ-07), Co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. “Health care costs are skyrocketing for everyone, and our health is worsening. It is time that we attain health care reform that prioritizes and alleviates the financial burden on families.”

“The benefits of a public health plan are clear. A public health plan will guarantee coverage regardless of pre-existing condition. A public health plan will give patients a choice of doctors and hospitals. And a public health plan will build in incentives for private insurers to lower costs to compete,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. “When it comes to the public plan, know that the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, the Congressional Asian Pacific Caucus and the Congressional Progressive Caucus speak with one voice.”