On Wednesday, Cathy McMorris Rodgers held a private meeting with a group of seniors in Spokane while pro-public option folks held a rally outside. Interviewed on television after her meeting, she stated she has concerns about the current bill which would (in her words) “interfere with the doctor/patient relationship, and cut millions from Medicare.”

As usual, my elected official got it wrong. Neither of her statements is correct, and both are calculated to scare the public.

Ms. McMorris Rodgers has again shown herself to be simply a tool of the Republican Party representing the insurance industry and Big Pharma, not you or I. Nothing in the proposed House health care bill would put government between you and your physician, and any cuts to Medicare are streamlining that would not reduce any current or future benefits to recipients, nor increase out-of-pocket costs. Please go to factcheck.org to get honest, nonpartisan information about health care reform. Then I suggest we elect a representative who works only for the best interests of his/her constituents.

Michael C. Jessup

Colbert