Last Tuesday night I emailed Barney Frank(my rep.) after becoming incensed with his recent comments claiming advocating for Medicare for All, which he’s “always supported” was “suicide”. I told Mr. Frank that if he supports Medicare for All it is not enough to sit on the sidelines, you have to advocate for it.  I told him the health finance reform proposal being crafted in Congress is very similar to the failing Massachusetts reforms.  I insisted he do his job and be my voice in Congress by at least pushing for the CBO to analyze Medicare for All.  Pointing out a policy that will cover everyone for less money with better health care is not suicidal, it's sensible.  And, further, the American people are entitled to all the information available about the spectrum of solutions to our health care and health care finance issues. 

Two days later...

I received an unexpected call from the US Capital.  Barney Frank's legislative assistant, Diego Sanchez, was on the line.  The first thing he said to me was, "I just want to hear what you have to say."  I can not explain what a relief it was to finally just having someone on the Hill listening to me.  He did not try to sell me Obama-Care. I told him  when you outright say something isn’t “politically possible” you make it so(FDL's letsgetitdone calls this, "reflexivity"). I told him more than that. I was loaded with facts and figures as to why Obama-Care wouldn’t work but Medicare for All would work.  He agreed with many of my points, and I asked him to ask Barney to direct the CBO to analyze Medicare for All, and we’ll see what Americans think about better health coverage for less. I encourage everyone to write their congresspersons and request the same before the fall vote.  Make yourself heard lest you have any regrets about what could have been.  Sanchez was a delight to talk to. We had quite a long discussion.  He said he would pass on my request to Barney.