Questions for Virginia Representatives

I think we all agree that it is unacceptable for adequate health care to be out of reach for many of our citizens, but does it really take more than 2,000 pages of unreadable legalese and millions of dollars in special deals to cover the estimated 30 million uninsured?I have several questions regarding health care reform for Sen. Mark Warner, Sen. Jim Webb and Rep. Tom Perriello:

• Why were the states of Nebraska, Louisiana and Connecticut singled out for special deals and payments? If this is business as usual for passing a bill, why didn’t you fight for Virginia to receive special incentives?
• How can you pass a health care bill without addressing tort reform and portability?
• Mr. Perriello’s dad was my son’s pediatrician. President Obama said sometimes doctors will remove tonsils instead of treating a sore throat to receive more money. Do you agree with that statement?
• Were you voted into office to represent the citizens of Virginia or to follow the orders of your leaders Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi?
• Did you learn anything from the overwhelming victory of Gov. Bob McDonald and the recent election of Scott Brown from Massachusetts?
• Finally, regarding the current health reform bills passed by the House and Senate: is this really the best you can do?

Obviously, I do not think the current bills are the best our representatives can do. I believe most people want common-sense reform that will make health care more affordable and accessible. Rein in the attorneys, allow insurers to compete across state lines, hold the negotiations in public and pass legislation that will actually bring change we can believe in.