Kurt Zellers vs. Margaret Anderson Kelliher

A cynical non-voter recently engaged me and told me that there really is no major difference between a Republican and a Democrat.  And in a sense, it is hard to argue with that on the national level somtimes.  But in my mind, there are huge differences on the local and state level.

Last night’s House Minority Leader election of Kurt Zellers proves there is a huge difference.  Simply by looking at the two house party leader’s websites instantly shows you straight forward differences between the newly elected Zellers and Majority Leader Margaret Anderson Kelliher.

Margaret Anderson Kelliher’s website states:

“Most Minnesotans agree on the basic elements that make Minnesota strong – a thriving economy, excellent schools, health care that is affordable, safe communities and a clean environment.

Over the past two years we have made significant progress on these bread and butter issues by securing bipartisan support and cooperation. We recommitted Minnesota to quality education, made critical health care reforms, passed a nation leading renewable energy standard and provided needed property tax relief to Minnesota homeowners.”

So MAK seems to be concerned about what the average person cares about: a strong economy, healthcare, schools, and safety.  Things a lot of people, including me, consider basic rights.  And not only that, she is willing to work in a bipartisan manner and make concessions to get what we need.  That was demonstrated very clearly in the DFLers actions on the budget this session.  

On the other side of the aisle, new Minority Leader Kurt Zellers seems to have a very different agenda.  If you look at his website, you will notice he is not in the house to improve Minnesotan’s standard of life.  He does not want to make Minnesota a great place to live and raise a family.  And he certainly doesn’t want to work with others to make it a better place.  His first mission is “battling Democrats.”  So right off the bat, forget bipartisanship.  He is not in St. Paul to get things done, he is there to fight.  Seems like a pretty stark difference between the two parties right there.

Zellers is in the house to “keep your taxes from rising” and that seems to be it.  So to those cynical voters who don’t think there is a difference, think about this.  Can you seriously tell me there is no difference between a political party willing to do what it takes to make sure we are taking care of the those who cannot take care of themselves, bridges are not going to collapse, the next generation is going to have educational opportunities to make our state better, and the air we breath and water we drink will continue to be safe for generations to come?  Compared to a political party simply concerned with how much money wealthy people get to keep in their bank accounts?

There is no question, these are major, future impacting differences.  Do we follow leaders who look to a better future, or do we follow leaders looking to keep a buck in their pocket at the cost of a better future.

Compromise Will Not Solve the Problem

This is a busy week for my family.  My middle son has hockey camp every day, and finishes three of those evenings with  two lacrosse games and a lacrosse practice.  My oldest son turns 12 on Friday, is having a friend birthday party, which will include a matinee showing of some movie popular with tweens and a family birthday party at grandpa and grandma’s house.  My wife not only is responsible for planning and getting those two to all of there activities, but she will tote around a four year-old while she does it.  Then to top everything off, I throw a little wrench into the whole week with foot surgery.

The great thing is, we have healthcare.  My wife can concentrate on the clock and the kids, without the added stress of worrying about how we are going to pay my medical bill.  Unfortunately, over a million Minnesotans don’t have that “luxury.”  I put luxury in quotes because that word was intended to be a sarcastic shot at republicans who think healthcare is a privilege, only available to those who can afford it.

Healthcare is right.  The Declaration of Independence says our inalienable rights are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  Life is the first right, and yet 18,000 Americans die every year from preventable illness because they don’t have access to adequate medical care.  Do those 18,000 people each year just not have rights because they don’t have enough money?  And how can you pursue happiness if you are spending hours arguing with an insurance rep that sees a declined procedure as added dollars to the bottom line even when you do have access to healthcare?

It is a right.  I have always considered myself vary pragmatic.  I would look at an issue like healthcare, and I would be grateful for any baby steps taken that work toward improving the situation.  Do you know what I mean?  If we can’t fix something 100%, at least 25% is better than nothing.  Well I’m not so sure anymore.

How many of us are tied to a job because of health benefits?  Where is the liberty in that?  How much individual freedom would we have if society agreed that everybody deserves health benefits, regardless of job or income.  Freedom to start a small business.  Freedom to change jobs when you have a family member with what would be considered a preexisting condition.  Freedom to go see the doctor when you feel like you need to see the doctor. 

I don’t think I am willing to accept a partial solution anymore.  I want health benefits for everyone.  I want health benefits for my children when they turn 23 and don’t think they need them.  I want health benefits for the person who is depressed, who can’t afford medication, and by simply talking to a counselor might be prevented from committing suicide.  I want health benefits for the family in the large home in Apple Valley who find out their private insurance won’t cover their daughter’s illness, forcing the family into financial troubles.  I want a small business, to invest profits in the company, rather than increase their outlay on health benefits because one employee contracted a catastrophic illness.

We cannot live with a 25% solution this time!  We need 100% solution, total care coverage.  At a recent meeting John Marty said compromise will not solve the problem.  Compromise will not solve the problem.  There is a majority of us out there who want this, and we need to take the bull by the horns and stop letting people like John Kline spew scare tactic bull from their mouths. 

Speaking of John Kline, I saw a message he might (I’m not counting on it) be in Burnsville Wednesday afternoon at Burnhaven library. 

Congressman John Kline’s mobile office to visit Burnsville
Minnesota Congressman John Kline’s mobile office comes to Burnsville Wednesday, June 24.  Kline will make his stop there from noon-2 p.m. at the Burnhaven Library, 1101 W. County Road 42 in Burnsville.  

Rep. Kline will probably have some sort of rules that prevent you and I from speaking to him directly, or prevent him from directly addressing our issues, his supporters will probably be organized enough to have a control perimeter around him too, but it might be good to show up and attempt to engage him.