STAFF ED: Congressmen deserve praise for health care input

If you followed the health care debate at all during the month of July, you heard many times about the impending August recess and the crucial role it will play in swinging the health care debate one way or the other.

You've likely also seen a fair share of news stories reporting on irate protestors at town hall meetings. And every August you can count on seeing several stories about a congress member's falling approval ratings (paging: Harry Reid) after disappointing their constituents for one reason or another.

Thankfully, all of Nebraska's representatives have spent the August recess meeting with their constituents, holding town hall meetings that have been generally civil and trying to explain their views to the people who elected them.

Sen. Ben Nelson (D) has gotten the most press since he represents the recently famous moderate Democrats who have become major players in the health care debate.

Nelson's input has been especially valuable as he reminds voters a good percentage of health care is already government based – Medicaid, Medicare and the care provided at veterans hospitals being prime examples.

However, Nelson has not been alone this August. Although they haven't received the same press as Nelson, Sen. Mike Johanns (R) as well as Reps. Lee Terry (R), Jeff Fortenberry (R) and Adrian Smith have also been busy meeting with as many of their constituents as possible.

Earlier this month, Rep. Smith spent several days traveling across his 2rd Congressional District discussing health care and recently proposed cap-and-trade legislation. Likewise, Sen. Johanns and Reps. Terry and Fortenberry have been traveling across the state meeting with voters and trying to answer any questions that arise.

It's easy to complain about politicians – they're one of the oldest rhetorical punching bags in the book. But it's also important to note when they're doing their jobs, even if you disagree with their beliefs. So thank you, Nebraska congressmen, for doing your jobs well.

opinion@dailynebraskan.com