by Chris Scoville, Capital District Organizer
Last Saturday, Congressman Murphy voted against his constituents and all those in favor of quality, affordable health care. Prior to the vote, we held a rally outside his Clifton Park office as one last push to let the Congressman know that we were counting on him to represent us and make good on his commitment to support health care reform. Our plan was to do a follow up rally at the same office a week later – hopefully a thank you event. We organized a rally but it was not the thank you event we had hoped for. When we reached out to the same people we had reached out to for the pressure rally people were discouraged. People felt that there was no hope and had given up on Congressman Murphy. People were mad.
Murphy’s office knew of this anger because of the many phone calls, office visits and emails from all of you and Citizen Action. His office reached out to us to try and explain why he voted no, but we had heard the reasoning before and explained to them that their reasons came up short. The House bill represented the reform our country most desperately needs for the health and well being of its citizens. This was Congressman Murphy’s chance to make history and he did nothing.
At this week’s rally, people turned out to express their anger and frustration over Congressman Murphy’s no vote. Not only were our feelings expressed amongst each other, but Congressman Murphy himself heard first hand how angry we are. He came to us because of the many ways we had expressed our anger and disappointment.
Congressman Murphy arrived as the rally was winding down and heard from many of those in attendance. He heard how much this bill meant to people. He heard that though it passed, without his vote, people are struggling with the fact that their representative voted against the bill. What we heard from the Congressman was more of the same – that the bill did not go far enough. We agree, but we also know that this is our best chance to take a step that we have waited for decades to take. It’s a step toward offering everyone in America the health care they need and deserve. It’s a step we cannot wait to take. This reform must happen now!
We also heard from Congressman Murphy that there is still one vote, one chance for him to make a difference, when the conference bill comes to a vote. We need to continue to let Congressman Murphy know how angry we are. We need to continue to make calls, send emails, and visit his offices. There is one last chance for him to make good on his promise to support health care reform and the will of his constituents.
Congressman Murphy is holding a tele-town hall on Monday. If you are a constituent of his, please call him and hold him accountable for his no vote. To be on the call, you need to email his office today.
Details:
“Residents of the 20th District are encouraged to participate in the call. Those interested in participating MUST call Congressman Murphy’s office at 202-225-5614 by 5pm on Friday, November 13th, or email [email protected] with their name, address, and phone number by noon on Sunday, November 15th to be added to the list. Those who have signed up will receive a phone call Monday evening inviting them to join the call.”
Coverage of the rally:
http://www.fox23news.com/news/local/story/Murphy-Health-Care-Rally/6N7GYmJxzU2K87OoNyCr4w.cspx