January 2007 newsletter

The Polk County Democrat

News. Views and Events: the monthly newsletter of the Polk County, Oregon Democrats

Iraq, Health Care Top Concerns at Wyden Town Hall meeting in Monmouth

"Iraq,Iraq,Iraq."

"Pure, unfiltered democracy" is Senator Ron Wyden’s term for his
Town Hall meetings, and that’s exactly what he got from local residents jammed
into Monmouth Public Library. It was a feat of endurance for the lanky Senator
who shuttled between Philomath, Albany and Salem on Friday, sandwiching Polk
County’s Town Hall between two more Saturday in Oregon City and Newberg. Here,
as there, the audience wasted no time telling him what was uppermost in their
minds. "Iraq, Iraq, Iraq," said Wyden staffer, Mary Gautreaux, adding
the same held true at the other Town Halls. Wyden reminded the audience he was
one of only 23 Senators who voted against a military invasion of Iraq. The
Senate Select Committee on Intelligence on which Wyden serves plans hearings
soon putting the war, its rationale and all related terrorism issues under the
microscope.

Prolonged War?

Wyden fears a prolonged war, noting President Bush said last spring the
ultimate solution will come with the next President. "Why tip off the
Iraqis to your strategy?" he asked. He advocated taking the steps needed
to "force a political settlement between Shiites and Sunnis, divide up oil
money, and begin bringing troops home." In response to an audience
question he said he is opposed to the building of permanent bases in Iraq,
however believes neighboring Iran poses "a serious threat to our country
and to the world. " Wyden said he strongly supports economic sanctions
which now "pinch" the country, and may force a moderation of the
regime. The resistance of younger Iranians, he added,
"gives us hope."

Wyden's Healthy Americans Act

Employer-based health care "melting away"

Hands shot up most often about health care. The only handout at the meeting
outlined Wyden’s Healthy Americans Act, a national health system overhaul
guaranteeing universal health care. Wyden claimed the present health care
system is unsustainable, citing a tripling of obesity rates in the last 15
years, an increase in chronic illness and employers facing a 10% annual rise
in health care costs.

"Employer-based health care coverage is melting away," he said, due
in part to policies which disproportionately favor the wealthy. The new system
requires employers to convert their current health care premiums into higher
wages for their employees who will use them to buy private health insurance.

Employers who aren’t currently providing health benefits would be required to
start making phased-in payments to ensure everyone can afford their health
insurance plans by funding premium reductions. The act creates a Health Help
Agency where states receive federal and insurance company money to coordinate
payments from employers, individuals and the government and help people compare
plans for the best rates. Billed as providing health care more dependable than
employment, the Healthy Americans Act promises not only affordable health
insurance, but guaranteed quality care even if they change jobs, lose their job,
or become too ill to work.  
Continued