Nine of the ten Republican Senators (the dissenter was Sen. Olympia Snowe of ME) submitted a letter to President Obama asking him to drop a government-run program from any and all health care reform.

“Creating a brand-new government program will not only worsen our long-term financial outlook but also negatively impact American families who enjoy the private coverage of their choice.”

Read more about the letter and a breakdown on the Media Matters blog.

Note: The 9 Senators — Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.), Jim Bunning (R-Ky.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), John Ensign (R-Nev.), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), and John Cornyn (R-Texas) — have collectively taken $17.7 million from insurance and health care interests according to opensecrets.org sponsored by the Center for Responsive Politics.

Are you happy with your health care choices after 1993?

The key word is “choice.” Another key word is “cost” which probably comes before choice. Single payer can be an option; private plans can also be supplemental in addition to being an option, i.e. you want more, you pay more, no? AARP has a supplemental plan for its members.

Why not offer these Senators a choice. Opt out of your government health care program for a private one. Do that, and maybe the argument for dropping a public option would have some teeth. If the government healthcare plan is good enough for the Executive Office, Congress and Senate, it’s good enough for the American people, is it not? If you had a choice between a plan that accepted you regardless of any and all pre-existing conditions, is paid for by your employer, and will not bankrupt you should you have a major illness, which would you choose?

UPCOMING MEETINGS ON THE HILL
The Committee on Education’s Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions Subcommittee will hold a hearing on the single payer health-care option.
10:30 AM, June 10, 2009
2175 Rayburn H.O.B
Washington, DC

Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Healthcare Reform
Thursday, June 11, 3:00 p.m.
Place: TBD