Let's Maybe Plow Congress: The Attack on Health Care Reform

Armed with new business cards and a supposed mandate to repeal "ObamaCare," Tennessee's freshly minted GOP congressional delegation is ready to take on the Affordable Care Act.

Reps. Diane Black and Scott DesJarlais are gearing up for the big vote. But Eighth District Rep. Stephen Fincher is already tamping down his fervent base's expectations.

Channel 4 has the scoop:

"It's going to be hard to repeal it," said Rep.-elect Stephen Fincher. "We are going to move forward and do what we can, but we are only the House of Representatives."

That's not what he said on the campaign trail! I believe his words were: plow congress. He certainly never said, "We'll maybe plow congress."

I'm sure the "Awe shucks it's going to be harder than I ever imagined" explanation will please the anti-Obama zealots who elected him.

Other than Steve Fincher running the risk of sounding like a seasoned politician, there is a real danger to repealing the Affordable Care Act.

Before you pull the repeal lever, ask yourself these questions:

• Should we unplug the Medicare Part D supplement and force Tennessee's 85,000 senior citizens in the donut hole, maybe your grandmother, to pay even more out of pocket expenses for their prescription drugs?
• Should health insurance companies be allowed to drop me from my plan because I got sick?
• Should insurance companies be allowed to deny coverage to parents who have a child suffering with cancer?

There are many more reasons for Tennesseans to support the Affordable Care Act (small business tax credits, no lifetime limits on coverage, affordable coverage for Tennesseans with pre-existing conditions) but these three seem to drive home my point.

So instead of beating the drum for repeal that it turns out you don't want -- call your newly elected congressman or congresswoman and tell them.

Here's what you'll say: "Hey, I just read this amazing blog post that explained a few of the benefits of health care reform and we should keep ObamaCare! In fact, I think you should read up about this thing too because it doesn't sound like you know what you're talking about. Keep up the good work!"

In the comments, let me know what lines you've used or heard to get health care reform opponents to button their lips.