A LETTER FROM RUSS

My brother lives in Russ Carnahan's district and received this letter yesterday. Carnahan is a tool. After hiding from his constituents, holding secret meetings and seeing people beat by union thugs at one of his town hall events he has come to the conclusion that his constituents are in favor of health control. Is this REPRESENTATIVE government or a thugocracy? You decide.

Missouri should never elect another Carnahan for any office, ever.

"After hearing from people back home it's clear that contrary to what you may see and hear in the news, there is far more common ground on the issue of health care than being reported. People across America - Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, alike - are struggling to keep up with rising costs, and they are anxious about what the future holds.
We all agree that the current system is unsustainable and unaffordable. We know that health care is the number one contributor to our deficit and to personal bankruptcies. It's the greatest economic threat to individuals and families, to businesses large and small, and to our nation's long-term fiscal stability.
And we know that if we do nothing, the problem will get worse. Health care costs will continue to rise three times faster than wages, millions more Americans will lose their coverage, and businesses will find it impossible to compete in the global market.
We have a tremendous opportunity right now to prevent that future from becoming a reality. We can - and must - provide a uniquely American solution to this crisis, a solution that builds on what works and fixes what's broken.
We can - and must - put doctors and patients back in charge, lower costs, offer more choices and competition, and improve the quality of health care for everyone in this country.
We can - and must - give Americans peace of mind that they can keep the care they like and never be denied the care they need.
I know that some of you still have concerns about insurance reform, and I want to briefly address these concerns.
First, I understand - and share - the concern about government spending. I am a strong supporter of balancing budgets just as each family must do, and I will not support reform that is not deficit neutral.
Secondly, I will not support legislation that does not allow you to keep your current coverage and doctor. No one - not the government, and not the insurance company bureaucrats - should get between you and your doctor. If you like your current coverage, you can keep it. If not, a public or non-profit option will help provide a quality, affordable alternative that will help increase competition, hold the private insurers accountable, and keep costs down.
Finally, there has been a lot of disinformation spread by those who are profiting from our broken system. The legislation before the House of Representatives explicitly prohibits the use of federal funds for abortion or for covering those in this country illegally. There is also no such thing as "death panels" and absolutely no cuts to Medicare benefits.

We need to have common-sense solutions that restore the stability that has been missing for far too long. Now is the time to fix it. That's what the American people expect and that's what they deserve. As always, do not hesitate to write or call to share your views about this important issue intended to hold health insurance companies accountable and reduce the costs of health care for every American.
Sincerely,

Russ Carnahan"