Napa Valley Register - Rep. Thompson Bases Decisions on District Needs
October 24, 2012
By Cathy Roche
I feel compelled to respond Mr. George Blevins and his “Open letter to Rep. Mike Thompson” on Oct. 16. Let's get the facts straight.
First, I have talked with the congressman numerous times about his “Obamacare” vote. Not only did he read the legislation, he wrote an amendment to the House bill, and worked behind the scenes to strengthen the Senate bill that eventually became law.
I also received a great fact-versus-fiction newsletter from the congressman on Obamacare, which I encourage everyone to read. It's on his website.
Second, Mike votes based on what is best for our district, not based on political affiliation. I'm sure I was not the only one who got an email from the MoveOn.org group criticizing Mike for not voting with Democrats on a tax plan that would add billions to the deficit.
When I contacted his office, his staff explained his vote. We would have to borrow billions from China, and it isn't in our long-term interest, so Mike voted against it even though it was a Democratic bill.
Third, Obamacare didn't cut one dime of Medicare benefits. It's the Romney-Ryan group, which Mr. Blevins wrote so passionately in support of, that wants to turn the program into voucher system. Romney and Ryan want to give seniors a coupon for their health care, and then forget about them when that coupon doesn't cover the full cost of treatments.
Fourth, Mike held a town hall meeting in Calistoga a month ago and debated his opponent a week ago. If you heard the debate, you would know there really isn't a reason for another.
The differences between our congressman and his opponent are so glaring, one debate is all anyone needs in order to see the clear disparity. Our congressman wants to protect Social Security, and his opponent wants to privatize it.
Our congressman wants to make cuts to government programs, lower defense spending and ask people like Mitt Romney to pay their fair share in taxes to lower the debt. His opponent wants a national sales tax and supports the Ryan budget that cuts taxes for people like Mitt Romney.
It is important to know the facts.
First, I have talked with the congressman numerous times about his “Obamacare” vote. Not only did he read the legislation, he wrote an amendment to the House bill, and worked behind the scenes to strengthen the Senate bill that eventually became law.
I also received a great fact-versus-fiction newsletter from the congressman on Obamacare, which I encourage everyone to read. It's on his website.
Second, Mike votes based on what is best for our district, not based on political affiliation. I'm sure I was not the only one who got an email from the MoveOn.org group criticizing Mike for not voting with Democrats on a tax plan that would add billions to the deficit.
When I contacted his office, his staff explained his vote. We would have to borrow billions from China, and it isn't in our long-term interest, so Mike voted against it even though it was a Democratic bill.
Third, Obamacare didn't cut one dime of Medicare benefits. It's the Romney-Ryan group, which Mr. Blevins wrote so passionately in support of, that wants to turn the program into voucher system. Romney and Ryan want to give seniors a coupon for their health care, and then forget about them when that coupon doesn't cover the full cost of treatments.
Fourth, Mike held a town hall meeting in Calistoga a month ago and debated his opponent a week ago. If you heard the debate, you would know there really isn't a reason for another.
The differences between our congressman and his opponent are so glaring, one debate is all anyone needs in order to see the clear disparity. Our congressman wants to protect Social Security, and his opponent wants to privatize it.
Our congressman wants to make cuts to government programs, lower defense spending and ask people like Mitt Romney to pay their fair share in taxes to lower the debt. His opponent wants a national sales tax and supports the Ryan budget that cuts taxes for people like Mitt Romney.
It is important to know the facts.