Congressman Fleming To Congress: Why Don't You Sign On For Public Option?

Up until now, Congress members have been able to keep private insurance policies. They've been exempt from the laws they are passing, essentially. This whole "health care reform" thing is something they talk about at the office, and then go home, to their privately insured families and possessions. Fleming's suggestion which is really just turning the point of view around is a novel, not to mention refreshing concept.

Fleming is also a physician, and has stated that as such, he is "amazed at the number of bureaucrats in this House who are quick to claim a government-run health care plan is the reform this country needs." Perhaps looking through the eyes of someone who is personally involved in the current national health care debacle has given him a more balance view.

Congressman Fleming's resolution page at fleming.house.gov includes this text:

"Under the current draft of the Democrat healthcare legislation, members of Congress are curiously exempt from the government-run health care option, keeping their existing health plans and services on Capitol Hill. If Members of Congress believe so strongly that government-run health care is the best solution for hard working American families, I think it only fitting that Americans see them lead the way. Public servants should always be accountable and responsible for what they are advocating, and I challenge the American people to demand this from their representatives."

If the people who are making the laws are not only making them for some nebulous "public" out there, but are in fact will be directly affected by what they vote for and put into motion, then it seems like issues will be more completely addressed.

As John Fleming states on his site fleming.house.gov, the resolution "will offer members of Congress an opportunity to put their money where their mouth is, and urge their colleagues who vote for legislation creating a government-run health care plan to lead by example and enroll themselves in the same public plan." A noble concept, but will it fly? We'll just have to wait and see.