Letter From Lamar

[Guest dlstewart01]

Lamar Alexander sent me a reply after I got on to him for supporting anti gun legislation.

June 16, 2009

Mr. Donald Stewart

Dear Donald,

Thanks very much for getting in touch with me and letting me know what's on your mind regarding the Healthy Americans Act.

If there were one goal in Congress on which we could all agree, it would be having every American insured. Making sure that all Americans have genuine access to quality, affordable health care is one of the most important jobs Congress has before it.

As a way of achieving this goal, I cosponsored the Healthy Americans Act. This bipartisan legislation would empower Americans to choose their own affordable, portable health insurance policy from the private market. It would provide tax incentives to Americans to purchase health insurance, encourage states to reform medical liability laws, and strengthen the focus on wellness and preventative care rather than insuring people only when they are sick. The Act would not cost anything to the taxpayer and would generate surpluses two years after going into effect.

I have heard from many Tennesseans who are concerned that the Healthy Americans Act encourages the use of electronic medical records in a way that could impact their privacy and even their Second Amendment rights. Greater use of electronic medical records will minimize medical errors, reduce medical costs and help establish the best medical practices. However, it must be done in a way that safeguards the privacy of every American. That's why the Healthy Americans Act includes two important privacy protections. First, an individual could decline to establish an electronic medical record. Second, the bill would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish procedures to ensure that an individual's medical record is considered the personal property of that individual. The result of these two privacy protections is that no government agency would have access to your medical records without getting your permission first. The use of electronic medical records should in no way interfere with anyone's constitutional rights.

I'm grateful you took the time to let me know where you stand. As a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, I'll be sure to consider your comments as health care policy is discussed and debated in Washington and in Tennessee.

Sincerely,

Lamar

[Motasyco]

I guess he doesn't read his mail. The mail he receives or the mail he sends.

[Guest Jcochran88]

Yep time for him and all his people to hit the unemployment line!!!!

[Guest stovepipe]

Trust the gov with our privacy? - Yeah, right...

[Guest dlstewart01]

I guess he doesn't read his mail. The mail he receives or the mail he sends.

You are right. The letter I sent him was about being the only republican to vote against guns in national parks.

[Guest kdpate]

Time to kick him to the curb....Dumbass....

[Guest mustangdave]

that FORM letter just shows you how much they REALLY CARE...zip...zero...nada...I betcha the man is clueless

[Guest redbarron06]

The result of these two privacy protections is that no government agency would have access to your medical records without getting your permission first.

Well we know how to fix that pesky little premission thing dont we.

By signing this paperwork you are authorizing this government agency to review your medical records. Failure to sign will result in denial of your request for (plug what you want here purchasem, Type II stamp, HCP)

[Guest redbarron06]

Yep time for him and all his people to hit the unemployment line!!!!

For sure

[Guest jimdigriz]

That's why the Healthy Americans Act includes two important privacy protections. First, an individual could decline to establish an electronic medical record. Second, the bill would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish procedures to ensure that an individual's medical record is considered the personal property of that individual. The result of these two privacy protections is that no government agency would have access to your medical records without getting your permission first. The use of electronic medical records should in no way interfere with anyone's constitutional rights.

One has to be truly naive to believe that such provisions will be respected. We saw what happened with Joe the Plummer and his "personal" records during last year's campaign. We've seen rampant government abuse and lawlessness from the current administration, and from previous ones. And they want us to trust them with our medical records? Alexander needs to be retired. But I guess there's no hope of a legitimate primary challenger next time.

Jim

[Guest Swamprunner]

What a tool. At least you got a letter back.

[Guest GhostHunter]

Time to kick him to the curb....Dumbass....

You reckon he's still got that plaid shirt he wore when he "walked across Tennessee"? Maybe he needs to put it back on and walk his a** out of Washington!!!! He is dog:poop:

[Guest go-vols]

Just goes to show the incompetence of the people leading this country.

[threeshot]

This is typical politician answer. Provide the answer to the question you wanted to be asked, not the question that was asked.

[56FordGuy]

The worst thing about voting him out of office is that he'll return to Tennessee. Is there any way we can vote him out, and bar him from setting foot in TN at the same time?

[K191145]

What a tool. At least you got a letter back.

Sounds like a computer program decided what form letter to send back. Probably picks up on a few keywords and sends what it thinks is the appropiate response.

I wish there was a decent challenger to his seat in the next election, unfortunatly he's a big name and most people don't bother studying the candidates all that well.

[USMCJG]

After sending him a rather scathing email, primarily about the parks bill, I got the same form email. What a tool this guy is.

[Guest Swamprunner]

I hate to say this, but I might be forced to vote democrat just to get shed of this yahoo.

[leroy]

I hate to say this, but I might be forced to vote democrat just to get shed of this yahoo.

I understand your fustration with Alexander; i feel the same way. I doubt any tennessee repbulican will challenge Alexander --- i doubt he can be beat; unless he does something abysmally stupid, like Albert Gore SR did in 1968.

I'ts truly a shame that the people of tennessee have to put up with a republican senator that is far more like Arlen Specter than Bill Frist. By the way; here is a "real republican" who ran against Bob Corker in the Republican Primary last time. His name is Ed Bryant. Take the time to read this:

terryfrank.net Ed Bryant Unmatched in the U.S. Senate Race

I don't know if he can be convinced to run again; but he is a good guy. I also like the lady that just stepped down as the head of the Tennessee Repbulican Party, Robin Smith.

Kind regards,

LEROY