Vote no on health bill

I am waiting for a call back from Congressman Owens. I called and called the switchboard Tuesday and was not surprised the line rang busy most of the day. I finally got a very polite young man to patch me through to the congressman's office. Then I was able to speak to a pleasant young lady who said the congressman was not available and asked (yes, actually asked) why I was calling. I then told her I was calling to see how the congressman plans to vote on the health care bill. After a short pause, she said he was undecided and to watch the news to see how he votes. I asked her if he has read the bill yet and she said he still hasn't read the bill. I asked her with great surprise: "He hasn't read it yet, then how can he vote on it this week?" She said no, then backpedaled a bit and said, "Well, not in its entirety..." She added that the congressman was not happy with several parts of the Senate's bill and was waiting to see if a resolution can be made.

She asked what my thoughts are and if I thought he should vote yes or no — I said no, and explained why (basically uncertain cost, coverage, application, success and timeline). She thanked me for my opinion, then asked for my contact information, since I reiterated that I would like to speak to my representative on the subject. She took my info and here I sat waiting for his call back.

No call yet, and I will probably get a form letter sometime in the near future (after his vote) thanking me for contacting him, sharing my concerns and blah-blah-blah. Too little too late if that is how it happens, and this November may be a little chillier than usual for our representatives as to our response to his (and other incumbents') re-election bids, as far as I am concerned.

I think that most Americans are like me right now, regardless of party affiliation, and that is concerned and confused about what is going on in D.C. and why the government is trying to push the legislation through without first being informed, and second, informing us. The Constitution is specific on how to govern and boldly states "We the People" as the first three words. The people need to remind our representatives of this.

Ted Wells

Watertown