O.K. Be Pissed At Me, But Read This About My Congressman From CNN

His name is Steve Kagen, and he is wonderful. If you read the comments, some say that rich congressman never give up their health insurance. I see nothing about how Kagen has refused health insurance until everyone in this country has the same coverage. The media is curiously silent on this.

http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-421640?hpt=T1

http://berrylaker.blogspot.com/2009/09/steve-kagen-his-own-best-health-care.html


Why doesn't he have health insurance?
But on principle, Kagen declined them and all other coverage. His oldest child, a 28-year-old nurse-practitioner in Miami, doesn't have insurance either; she can't afford it. Kagen's wife and three college-age children are covered by a family policy, purchased by his wife, that does not include him. "I am literally naked, without coverage," Kagen said. "That gives me a lot of motivation to solve this problem. If everyone in Congress relinquished coverage, we'd get real progress in weeks."

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This man is a great congressman. He has done something no other member of Congress has done (that I'm aware of).

:) :thumbsup:

who votes no on reform.

If some of you silent rec'd this, I understand. But I sure thank you for it.

has done that, both when he was in congress and, now, as a senator. He'd made clear during his campaigns that that was what he was going to do and everyone thought he was just grandstanding. But he refused all congress critter coverage from his first day as a congressman and did the same from his first day as a senator. He's not rich, either. He may not be hurting anymore, but his roots are working class, as are that of his wife, Plain Dealer Pulitzer-Prize-winning columnist Connie Schultz. I met them both at a book signing they attended in Cleveland a few months after their wedding in 2004 (not for them, but for another author, the guy who wrote "Fast Food Nation"); they're really wonderful, unpretentious, down-to-earth, caring people. Too bad far more in Congress aren't like them.

My screen name there is the same as it is here.

of congress should have had their health insurance removed until this was solved for ALL. thanks for sharing!

I recalled reading about him in the past. He should get more attention for this, imo. It makes a statement that should not be ignored. And you are right to question why the media is so silent on this. I can't even remember where I heard or read about him now, but I can tell you that it wasn't on my teevee!

that he isn't mentioned more in the media. It doesn't surprise me though. He would be an example that others should follow. You can be damn sure no repukes would do what he's done.

I am grateful for the recs, not for me, but for Congressman Kagen. I am curious why 48 recs, and so few responses. Not a complaint, just interesting.

:wow:

I must admit I'm surprised at that..

I know this family well. They are the real deal.

I said I was surprised, a nurse-practitioner is basically one step below a physician.