My E-mail to Roland Burris
Senator Burris-
You probably don’t remember me. We have met three or four times at political events. I believe Paul Simon introduced us the first time. About three years ago we even had a nice conversation at Governor’s Day at the State Fair. I am an active Democrat, currently Secretary of the McHenry County Party, and was proud to support your previous state-wide campaigns.
I was critical of the way you came into office in the Senate, but I have never been a "Burris hater."
And I had every confidence that on the most critical issue you will face in your brief Senate career that I, and the people of Illinois, could count on you to stand fearlessly with our President and with Senator Durbin for strong, comprehensive health care reform that includes a public option. I felt so confident that I did not pester you with e-mails, phone calls and letters as I have other officials.
Now, to my great disappointment, it seems I may be wrong.
I was astonished to find your name among the Freshman Democrats rallying to the side of Senator Baucus and his obstructionism in the Senate Finance Committee. Baucus claims to be working with Republicans on a "compromise." But the Republicans are not interested in compromise, only in killing reform. Instead Baucus, heavily in debt to lavish support from the insurance industry, has made it clear that he wants to hold out against a public option in favor of some smoke and mirrors illusion that will preserve insurance profits while cheating the American people out of the best-and most affordable-option available.
I am ashamed of you. For the sake of the legacy you seem to treasure, redeem your reputation by withdrawing your support from this stab-in-the-back and forthrightly state your full support for real healthcare reform.
Patrick Murfin