Begich alienates voter health care stance

I recently read, with great interest, an article in Sunday’s Anchorage Daily News, a point-counterpoint by U.S. Sens. Begich and Murkowski.

I have tried to keep up with the latest news on the health care issue by reading widely and listening to every bit of news I could about what is happening in Washington, D.C. I then wrote to both of these senators several times over the last few months regarding how I wanted them to represent me on the health care issue. I listened to the polls and knew pretty close how the people of Alaska felt about the issue.

It appears now that we have a breakdown, in my mind, of what a senator is supposed to do. I want a senator to be my voice in Washington, D.C. They are to represent me and my wishes to the rest of the senate. They may feel a certain way about an issue, but if the majority of their constituents feel different then they have a duty to represent them. That is their job! They were not elected to be my mother! I already have one, thank you very much!

When you have to justify your vote beyond “I voted the minds of my constituents,” then you have failed in your duty.

Sen. Begich, I noticed that in your justification of voting yes on health care, you used the word “I” 20 times. This should be more about the wishes of us, your constituents, and less about you. Those justifications that you used are in high rebuttal as Sen. Murkowski points out in the counterpoint. By the way, she used the word “I” but 3 times.

Sen. Begich, you seem more concerned about your position in the party than in representing us, and the people of Alaska will not forget this. There is really no use in contacting your office anymore. You are in perfect lockstep with the Democrats and their agenda. Nothing will stop you from polishing that apparent goal you have of moving up in the party ranks — at least until the next election. My goal then will be to work to restore representation to the people of Alaska!

I want you to know how strongly I feel about your total disregard for the voices of your constituents on this health care vote. I will never forget what you have done. You have given credence that people can no longer vote for the man. There does not seem to be a “blue dog” Democrat anymore. Therefore, we must vote for the party. Because of this betrayal, I want you to know that no matter who is running against you, I will put a stake in my yard for that person. It makes no difference if it is Capt. Hazelwood, I will put that sign up. At least I know where we stand with him.

I will even go so far as to change my party affiliation just so I can vote against you in the primary. I will brave any storm, drive through any weather to make it to the voting booth. I will stand in a line like it was a Black Friday sale and they are giving away flatscreens just so I can vote. If I die in line, I will come back from the dead to vote against you — you, who so willingly would not represent the majority of constituents of Alaska! I will not forget and you can bet there are many others who will not either.

Gary Moore

Wasilla