From press briefings and goings-on around Washington, D.C.
Lawmakers returned to their districts last week for their month-long break and health reform was pretty much at the top of the agenda for meetings with constituents. Right away, it was clear that this was not going to be an ordinary summer recess, however. Many representatives and Senators were met by angry mobs demanding to stop what they said was a “government takeover” of health care.
Courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons user Robert Couse-Baker
Hmmm, anyone remember way back in 1988 when disgruntled senior citizens chased then-Ways & Means Committee Chairman Dan Rostenkowski down a Chicago street like they were paparazzi after Britney Spears on a Beverly Hills shopping spree? Some say that action derailed the Medicare Catastrophic Coverage program that was in play on the Hill at that time. Could lightning strike twice? Such thoughts are ricocheting around the blogosphere (see here and here ) now that the debate’s shifted to Congress’ home turf.
For the latest on the war of words over health reform, take a listen to this week’s podcast. Two, short-but-sweet, minutes.
Policy & Practice Podcast, August 10, 2009
–Alicia Ault (on Twitter @aliciaault)
