S.I. Rep. Opposes Health Care, Pleases Constituents

Rep. Mike McMahon has been scorned by his Democratic peers for opposing the health care reform bill, but his Staten Island constituents are celebrating his decision. "I agree with him to vote 'no' on health care because every time they [the government] gets into something, the prices go up on everything," 83-year-old Olympia Skunakis told the Daily News.

When the first-term Congresman voted against the health care bill last fall, he made enemies within his own party and among labor unions that had endorsed him. "My colleagues should remember that the reason they were elected in those 'swing' districts is because they as candidates and we as a party pledged to do this," said outspoken health care reform supporter Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Brooklyn, Queens). "You got elected because of health care, not in spite of it."

But voters, like 58-year-old transit employee Chris Beliczynski, say they'll stand behind McMahon so long as he keeps opposing the health care reform. "I don't like it because I'm gonna have to pay for it. I work hard and work to pay for my medications, so they shouldn't pay for other people through my paycheck."

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By Ben Muessig in News on March 17, 2010 2:27 PM

Comments [rss]

kzfisch

Rep. Mike McMahon has betrayed the Independent and Democratic voters that supported his election to the House.

This political fraudsters' decision to stand in the way of health care reform not only hurts younger and middle age, private sector, tax-paying workers. It ultimately hurts the entire United States.

In my opinion, What he does, he does because its financially benificial to HIMSELF.

I feel sorry for the hard working families on Staten Island that will be forced to live with little or no health care because of this Individuals actions.

As far as the future is concerned younger and middle aged voters must realize that when they do not vote Sleeze-bags like McMahon can do what ever they want.

IF THIS MAN DOES NOT SUPPORT HEALTH CARE REFORM VOTE THIS MAN OUT OF OFFICE IN NOVEMBER!

FelixtheCat & Christine Quinn'

This man was one the lobbyist for NYC carriage horse industry. His sister in law LINDA Gibbs who is in charge of the DEPT of HEALTH is the reason why the industry isn't regulated. He is an asshole who should NEVER have been elected.

FelixtheCat & Christine Quinn'

Morons is an uderstatement. Vote mcmahon and brad lander out

JacqueMehoff

the transit worker should just shut his mouth. yeah, you work, sure you do. yeah I said it. you know what to do with your bootstraps.

abcd1234

an elderly woman on medicare and a transit worker sitting on a fat govt pension and benefits both complaining about not wanting to "pay for healthcare." what a bunch of morons.

timThompson

The only way Generations X and Y will get a fair shake out of these social services is if we turn the Baby Boomers into biodiesel.

Professor_X

How about we just invade Canada and steal all of their doctors? That way we could let the old people live.

Have a heart, spare my parents Tim!

FelixtheCat & Christine Quinn'

A transit worker and old person both living off our dime and complaining our health insurance. We need to vote mcmahon out.

Spook

Personally I'm sick and tired of paying not only for Medicare for old idiots like Olympia but also social security. They are taking my money which I may not ever get back.

Lets cut off her benefits as obviously she is able to work.

Mordicai

83-year-old Olympia Skunakis has effing public health care already, what does she care!

NannyState

Exactly. The whiny old creakbags need to shut their Polidentholes and enjoy their socialized healthcare.

Politburo

Correct wording is "some of his Staten Island constituents are celebrating..."

Unless you're asserting that two quotes of approval (next to a quote of disapproval) in the News is a comprehensive survey.

Gregoire

I love that the supporting quote is from some old lady whining. Was she waving her cane?

MrCholly

Take away her Medicare and Social Security since that's from the government that can't get anything right.

caj211

I'm sure she was sitting in her 'free with Medicare' Hooverround.

Kojak

2) "I don't like it because I'm gonna have to pay for it. I work hard and work to pay for my medications, so they shouldn't pay for other people through my paycheck."

You already do. Its called Medicare & Medicade. & the Daily News needs to stop interviewing people over 80. Serious. Please stop. She's already flirting with senility.