Push Schrader off the fence: the trifecta

Carla Axtman

Update 1:00PM: David at HorsesAss has some interesting commentary on this as well.

Update: 11:15AM: It would appear that even though the main office line isn't being answered, the internal staff lines are. Rep. Schrader's Legislative Director is Chris Huckleberry. His office number is [redacted -editor. Main number is 202-225-5711.]. If nothing else, you should be able to leave a voice mail.

Update: 10:50AM: Well...well..well...here's an interesting turn of events. It seems that all of the Oregon Democratic delegation is answering their DC phones today, except Schrader's office. Wu, Blumenauer and DeFazio's offices all pick up when you call. Interesting constituent services, Congressman Schrader.

Update: 9:30AM: The voicemail at Schrader's DC office is full, and as it's Saturday they're not picking up the phones. You can send him an email here.

As we hit the home stretch on health care reform, the House is scheduled to vote later today on legislation which includes the public option. The vote is expected to be very close, and Oregon Congressman Kurt Schrader has been officially undecided.

This morning, the Oregonian pushed for a "yes" vote, noting that the bill on the table is historic and the kind of legislation that transforms things in a huge way for the better:

As in the 1960s, the momentous change is accompanied today by much wringing of hands and gnashing of teeth. Right up until the final votes on Medicare in 1965, congressional conservatives vigorously opposed it, warning that it would lead to "rationing" of health care and "socialized medicine."

It did not, yet the same hoary arguments echo on Capitol Hill today as Republicans battle to block reform and hand President Barack Obama and his Democratic allies a stinging political defeat. Also seeking defeat are thousands of angry "Tea Party" protesters, gathered at the Capitol Mall at the behest of the right-wing talk-show hosts who reign over today's conservative flank.

In any close examination of motive, the noisy demonstrations defy logic and present a bizarre spectacle. Tens of thousands of Americans, outraged that Congress might change the country's completely dysfunctional health care system?

There must be something else going on here, but we'll leave that up to the social scientists and historians. Instead, it's more useful to focus on what's real in the health care debate.

The AARP of Oregon specifically targeted Congressman Schrader this morning in today's Statesman Journal:

Those of us here in Salem and across our state and nation urge Rep. Schrader to seize the moment and move us one step closer to enacting true reform that will at long last bring quality, affordable health care within reach of most Oregonians and Americans. These bills embody the essential elements of reform — affordability, comprehensiveness and choice.

They are good for those of us on the sunny side of 50 because they enhance and protect our access to care. As AARP pointed out in its endorsement of the bills this week, they would strengthen and protect Medicare now and into the future, lower prescription costs for seniors stuck in the Part D "doughnut hole," attack systemic waste as well as abuse and fraud, cover preventive services, prevent insurers from discriminating on the basis of age or pre-existing conditions or dropping people after they become sick, and add benefits that will allow more ailing seniors and people with disabilities to remain at home.

But make no mistake, these bills are also good for Oregonians of all ages. Even after the good work in the last state legislative session extended coverage to children, four out of five adults who would otherwise qualify for coverage under the Oregon Health Plan remain uninsured for lack of funding. And a report released last month by Families USA says that among all states Oregon will have the largest percentage point increase in 2009 of working-age adults without health insurance due to rising unemployment.

Alright Oregon, let's raise some hell. Start burning up the phone lines.

Schrader's contact information:

Washington DC Office
1419 Longworth Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-5711

Salem District Office
494 State Street, Suite 210
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: (503) 588-9100
Toll Free: 1-877-301-Kurt (5878)

Oregon City District Office
112 8th Street
Oregon City, OR 97045
Phone: (503) 557-1324

By Carla Axtman Nov. 07, 2009