Cong OH-12: VIDEO - Shamansky (D-Bexley) Denounces Republicans for Ignoring Health Care Crisis, Pledges Reform

Former congressman and current candidate Bob Shamansky (D-Bexley) delivered a fiery speech on health care reform at yesterday's press conference in Columbus by Democratic Congressional candidates. There are two short video excerpts from his remarks in this post.

{I have removed the embedded link, but the video can be viewed here.]

Shamansky declared that "the so-called health care system is completely broken" and called for fundamental changes. Citing rising numbers of uninsured, higher premiums and lower benefits, he said "it is just plain wrong for anyone who works hard and plays by the rules to go without healthcare or be driven into bankruptcy by healthcare costs." He identified the prohibition against the Social Security Administration negotiating for lower drug prices under the new Medicare Part D prescription coverage, and the ineffectual "Health Savings Account" privatization plan championed by George Bush, as egregious examples of how the Republicans have ignored the health care crisis and instead enriched their friends and campaign donors at the big insurance and drug companies.

[I have removed the embedded link, but the video can be viewed here.]

After the event was over, Shamansky commented to me that "the issue of adequate and affordable health care affects every person -- none are exempt. Even Republicans are mortal, whether they recognize it or not. That's the reality." Then he added, "I'm big on reality therapy."