tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-318451546343557331.post6681968068524098505..comments2009-08-19T08:46:57.386-04:00AmeriGushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10654378652446538035noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-318451546343557331.post-59298342216681500912009-08-19T08:46:57.386-04:002009-08-19T08:46:57.386-04:00I phoned Engel, Gillibrand and Schumer yesterday with a simple message: Do NOT support health care reform that does not include a strong public option. The response I got in all three offices was the same &quot;Engel/Gillibrand/Schumer supports a strong public option.&quot; Not good enough I say - they must pledge to not support a plan without the public option, and that is where the person at the end of the line gets very officious and says, &quot;I will let him/her know about your opinion.&quot; Engel is not one of the 60 congresspeople who have pledged to vote no on a plan without a public option, and he should make that pledge, he would be backed up in this district. Similarly, for the two NY senators not to be out there as a counter to Conrad and Baucus is inexcusable. The Blue Dogs say we can&#39;t do it without their votes, well isn&#39;t it about time the progressives stood their ground and said, &quot;Not without our vote?&quot; After all, they are supposed to have our backs.<br /> <br />EmilyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com