Saturday, November 7, 2009
Congress / Woods Jim Cooper: Mr. Compromise!
Posted by Jeff Woods on Sat, Nov 7, 2009 at 11:54 AM
I will vote yes on H.R. 3962. My vote is not an endorsement of all the provisions of the bill because I find much of the bill to be deeply flawed. There is little chance that H.R. 3962 will become law due to the long legislative process.My reason for voting yes is to advance the cause of health care reform by forcing the Senate to act. Without passage of this House bill, the Senate could delay reform indefinitely. That would be the worst possible outcome because our current health-care system is not sustainable. Congress needs to pass good health legislation in the next few months for the good of the country.
We'll never know whether all the threats from Daily Kos and the rest of the liberal blogosphere motivated Cooper, but you certainly can make that case.
Here's a guy who's always stubbornly claiming to stand on principle--who will vote even against fixing a leaky Tennessee dam just because he's against earmarks, for instance--and he's suddenly deciding he actually can bring himself to compromise. For Cooper, that's weird. Do you think he's doing it because he knows there's a bunch of liberals willing to fund a challenger if he votes against the wishes of his constituents on this important issue?
Update: State and city elected officials put the heat on Cooper, telling him in a letter to vote for the bill. The signers: Rep. Joe Armstrong - Chair of Health and Human Resources Committee Rep. Mike Turner - Chair of House Dem Caucus Rep. Gary Odom - House Democratic Leader Rep. Sherry Jones Rep. Mike Stewart Rep. Mary Pruitt Metro Council Members Megan Barry - Member at Large Lonnell Matthews - District 1 Frank Harrison - District 2 Walter Hunt - District 3 Erik Cole - District 4 Pam Murray - District 5 Mike Jameson - District 6 Darren Jernigan - District 11 Anna Page - District 16 Kristine LaLonde - District 18 Erica Gilmore -District 19 Buddy Baker - District 20 Vivian Wilhoite - District 29 Parker Toler - District 31 Text of letter: *An Open Letter to Jim Cooper from Middle Tennessee State and Local Officials* It's no secret soaring health care costs are hurting Tennessee families, businesses and the economy. For those with insurance, the average family cost for premiums has already increased 77 percent since 2000. Out-of-pocket costs are driving families with and without insurance into bankruptcy and foreclosure. Tennesseans who can't absorb the increasing costs are forced to drop their coverage and as a result are more likely to develop preventable, yet more severe and costly health problems. The treatment for these uninsured are ultimately paid for by those of us with insurance or become the responsibility of local and state governments. Our current system has become a vicious cycle that only Congress can stop. Across Middle Tennessee, we've seen our constituents speak out for health care reform at rallies, over the phone, in person, at our churches, and out in our neighborhoods. It is clear to them and to us that now is the time for real reform. Everyone has to play a role in fixing our broken system and now it's our turn, as elected officials from Middle Tennessee, to join together and urge Congress to change the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in our communities. The Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009, recently introduced in the House of Representatives, puts us on a direct path to making health care more affordable and accessible for all Tennesseans. As a result, our constituents will have peace of mind that quality, affordable coverage will be there - no matter what happens. Hardworking families across Tennessee deserve reform. The House bill will provide a uniquely American solution where families have the freedom to keep their current plan and doctor, choose another private plan or choose an affordable quality public health insurance plan. It shares the responsibility of solving this crisis with everyone, ensures delivery of cost-effective preventive and primary care, and allows Americans and their doctor to make health care decisions rather than insurance company CEOs. Fixing our broken system is the right thing to do and will help revive the small business climate in Tennessee. Currently, businesses that want to do the right thing find they can't afford to provide their employees with quality health care as prices rise every year. To address this problem, the legislation provides tax credits to assist small employers who want to offer coverage for their workers. The House bill also levels the playing field for small businesses by providing access to large-group rates in the new Health Insurance Exchange, lowering administrative costs and enabling small businesses to offer a larger choice of plans to their employees. America has debated and weighed health care reform for decades. Soon, the Congress will put an end to the debate and vote. To our elected colleagues in Washington, we have a simple message: Vote Yes. We can and must pass the Affordable Health Choices Act this year. *Tony Cani* Tennessee State Director Change that Works Campaign
Comments (18)
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I emailed his office yesterday, imploring him to vote yes.
So, pretty much that did it. Case closed.
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This op-ed in the Nashville City Paper ("The Smartest Man in Congress") couldn't have hurt. I'm sure Cooper doesn't want to be reminded - as he was - of the debacle that was his incredible vote *against* the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. A no vote on health reform would look similar imo.
http://tinyurl.com/yzkrk2s
Bottom line - you're missing that the bill changed. I'm not his biggest fan, but he's been nothing but consistent on his stance. He said no to the 1st house bill saying it needed changes. Voila - changes, and he voted for it. Period.
He was looking for a way to cast half a vote for it and half a vote against it, but that wasn't listed as an option in The Weasel's Rules of Order.
Meanwhile Bart Gordon and Lincoln Davis are voting no. Maybe Kos and Jane Hamsher would make better use of their time targeting those TN Blue Dogs.
Tanner is voting no as well according to Politico. And, Rob, he said no to the first bill claiming he did so because it had no chance of passing the senate. So, yes, he's changed stances.
I think everyone had a hand in turning Cooper around,he wants to be reelected and he's in the 5th drst. so he had to vote yes or else lose the his seat and he wants to retire on his own.
Women's Civil Rights lost as this bill came in on our backs. Birth Control isn't covered under this bill but Viagra is! That is such a shame .I feel that I have stepped back 60 yrs and looking at my mother who was pregant again and didn't want another child as we were a large Catholic family to begin with. Women once again thanks to a lot of male Dems have brought the Chattel into view once more.
Marsha Blackburn is happy about this part of the bill,she can crow to her RTL's about it as she is garnering votes for her re election ,why isn't someone running against her? Williamson County has got to have a Strong Democratic Woman who can beat her.
Cooper is just another whore--like the journalists who cover him. He, of course, will probably vote against any final bill that looks too much like the House version so that he can tell both sides he was on their side. By the way, he voted for the Stupak amendment.
Cooper needs to keep having his feet held to the fire. He is notorious for voting for initial passage, and then against conference (or vice versa) so that he can tell everyone he supports their views.
Sadly, Cooper voted for the abortion restrictions. This means that any health insurance plan that takes any government subsidies cannot offer abortion services. This vote was one of the largest gains for the anti-choice crowd in recent history, and Cooper was on the wrong side of women and their reproductive freedoms.
I believe in freedom, and since 80% of private plans will take government funds, Cooper voted last night to restrict my freedom.
He might have voted for the overall bill (good), but can't be a solid Democrat for his district given his vote on abortion.
I still hope a primary challenger comes out against Cooper given his anti-choice vote and his dithering on health care.
While I commend Cooper for voting for this bill, why do we have to exert so much effort just to get him to do what he SHOULD do based on (1) the obvious sentiment in favor of health care in the district; and (2) what is the right thing to do?
Wouldn't it be nice to have a Democratic member of Congress in this Democratic district that supported Obama that actually didn't need his arm twisted by the majority of his constituents?
If Coop is so smart, why does he need to be reminded of how his district votes and what they think so much?
And I too am appalled that he voted to restrict a woman's right to choose. Another mis-read of his district.
I really hate to state the obvious, but.......here's a suggestion. Let's just all buy health insurance? Wow, what a concept. I mean I already do, even on a moderate income but I realize they true benefit of having it and also what a liabilty I could be on my fellow citizens, so I buy it, have for years with no health problems to speak of.
So.......let's just all do it instead of say......giving up our freedom and liberties up to a bunch of Washington power-mongers, hmmmmm?
Can't afford it? I know, me neither my friends, but guess what, I'm responsible enough to make it happen anyway. What's your excuse?
I'm going to pretend like you're an ignoramus, instead of a facile troll loser, lolabull.
Health care insurers regularly deny people for pre-existing conditions. They deny claims and throw people off their policies with little or no warrant. They make money off denying coverage, and premiums are escalating at a rate far above wage growth or inflation.
The health care reform bill that passed addresses all of that.
Lola:
I'm truly happy that you are enjoying your good health and your hard-earned, paid-for health coverage. But for those of us who have cancer, or diabetes, or high blood pressure or other conditions, we cannot now buy health insurance on the open market. You are simply one of the lucky ones.
Reform is absolutely essential. Thank goodness Cooper recognized that this is a rare transcendent issue. If he'd voted no, he would have lost his seat AND the respect of his community. As for Tanner and Davis, they will end their careers knowing that when the time came for them to cast a vote that would provide health and life to thousands of their own neighbors, they voted with the chickenshits. A pox on them both.
I agree, what is the story? Why is Cooper turning his back on women in his district?
Seems odd though Cooper has never been 100% pro-life. Does he think this amendment is a poison pill so he can vote for it in the House with the hope it then dies?
Or is he actually conservative on abortion, once again out of step with his district.
It's very interesting that Cooper is now discussing the Stupak amendment without stating that he voted for it - or even as though he didn't vote for it. It's also interesting that Nashville's best political writer has not touched the story.
http://news.firedoglake.com/2009/11/09/jim-cooper-discusses-stupak-amendment-without-revealing-he-voted-for-it/
SOME OF THE REASONS I WANT CONGRESSMAN JIM COOPER REMOVED:
I called and talked to the press secretary for Congressman Jim Cooper in Washington, DC. I asked him if any of the below information was incorrect, for I didn't want any incorrect information on my web site about Congressman Cooper. He then looked at the web site while I waited on the ... See Morephone, and then said he would call me back if anything needed be corrected. To date, I have not received a return phone call.
The web site is: http://s295478857.onlinehome.us/
Below is a sample of information posted:
Jim Cooper has refused to support the “Restoring the Constitution Act of 2007,” which would make “significant changes to provisions of the Military Commissions Act of 2006 by restoring the writ of habeas corpus for individuals held under U.S. jurisdiction, narrowing the definition of an unlawful enemy combatant, preventing the use of evidence gained through torture and coercion, and requiring the U.S. to abide to its Geneva Convention obligations.” More importantly, Jim Cooper has declined to sign onto legislation that requires the U.S. to live up to the Geneva Conventions.
Jim Cooper has refused to support efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Iraq.
Jim Cooper supports continuing the U.S. aggression in Iraq, he is against insisting on Congressional oversight of the war effort, and wants to give the NSA a pass to go around the FISA Courts.
Jim Cooper refused to support legislation that would hold mercenaries (a/k/a “contractors”) to the same standards of conduct expected of American soldiers.
Jim Cooper has refused to push for a ban on cluster bombs used in the vicinity of civilians.
Jim Cooper has refused to support legislation that would ban the so-called “outsourcing” of torture.
Jim Cooper has refused to sign onto legislation that would investigate and probably reign in WHINSEC, the U.S. government’s notorious training school for torturers and terrorists.
Jim Cooper isn't interested in repealing the so-called “Real ID” act. In case you have not heard, “Real ID” was slipped through into law without debate a few years ago. It gives states a very expensive unfunded mandate to create a national ID card, and many privacy experts see the database it is supposed to create as an invitation to snooping and identity theft.
Jim Cooper has failed to achieve a leadership position within the U.S. House of Representatives over the past six years in office.
Jim Cooper voted for the $825 billion economic stimulus package without reading it first.
Jim Cooper refused to have hometown meetings with the citizens of his community on the issue of Health Care.
OR COULD IT BE:
Here are the industries that have donated to Jim Cooper’s campaigns, according to OpenSecrets.org:
$651,803 Lawyers/Law Firms
$502,323 Securities & Investment
$299,103 HOSPITALS/NURSING HOMES
$237,532 HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
$216,255 Real Estate
$197,306 Retired
$184,759 INSURANCE
$133,981 HEALTH SERVICES/HMOS
$128,930 Misc Finance
$125,398 MISC HEALTH
$112,050 Commercial Banks
$107,696 Accountants
$105,107 Education
$104,650 PHARMACEUTICALS/HEALTH PRODUCTS
That totals up to almost $1 million for Jim Cooper from health care special interests!
