Dear Senator Schumer,
I walked with you in the Halloween Parade through the streets of Park Slope (Brooklyn, NY) where you roused the crowd by proclaiming "I am the public option." While I would have preferred to hear you say you are Single Payer, it was still encouraging to see someone of your rank and seniority in the Senate to support this.
This was only five short months ago and what I can't understand today is your lack of commitment to and support for the public option in reconciliation. I called in to your office to inquire about your position, and that is what they told me. Please tell us your Halloween costume wasn't the cruelest of "tricks".
I realize many of your colleagues are concerned about getting re-elected, as you should be, too. The reason why Scott Brown was elected is because citizens saw a watered-down excuse for healthcare reform and wanted to see Democrats take strong bold action via the public option.
You have the power to wield in the Senate and you already have the support of 40+ Democrats. You can win over many independents, left-wing progressives and even Republicans be delivering a public option - or "Medicare for All"- because the effects will significant and palpable in their daily lives. Hardcore opponents may not know this yet, but it will make their lives better too. You could play an important role in redefining "Democrats" for a generation by doing so now.
Not only will the other side be emboldened by your failure to do so (and roused to defeat you) but your supporters will be discouraged or angry and seek to primary many of your colleagues. This is serious and so are we.
Warmest wishes,
Democracy is Coming