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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsIn the heart of rural Kentucky
By Steve Benen
When we look at states where the Affordable Care Act is working best, its tempting to first turn attention to traditionally blue states like California, Washington, and Connecticut.
But lets not overlook Kentucky, where Gov. Steve Beshear (D) has committed himself to implementing the law and Obamacare is being implemented so effectively, its starting to make an enormous difference in the lives of families that need the help. Stephanie McCrummen published a terrific piece over the weekend on developments in Breathitt County.
On the campaign trail, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell was still blasting the new health-care law as unsalvageable. At the White House, President Obama was still apologizing for the botched federal Web site.
But in a state where the rollout has gone smoothly, and in a county that is one of the poorest and unhealthiest in the country, Courtney Lively has been busy signing people up: cashiers from the IGA grocery, clerks from the dollar store, workers from the lock factory, call-center agents, laid-off coal miners, KFC cooks, Chinese green-card holders in town to teach Appalachian students.
The piece offers great details of Livelys heroic work, connecting people with the health care benefits to which theyre entitled. Read the piece to appreciate all the anecdotes, but note that Lively, whos been signing people up since early October, told McCrummen locals have been pouring in to her office, overjoyed with the prospect of receiving accessible medical care.
As Paul Krugman noted, reading the piece, were reminded anew why we need health reform. Indeed, were introduced in the article to struggling rural Americans who were simply being left behind before the Affordable Care Act became law.
But theres also a political angle to this Kentucky is home to none other than Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) who says he desperately wants to destroy the law thats now helping so many of his constituents.
- more -
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/the-heart-rural-kentucky
NYC_SKP
(68,644 posts)Maybe Mitch needs to go.
Once enough people get enough help and the word spreads, maybe a lot of Republican electeds will have to find new work.
HERVEPA
(6,107 posts)NYC_SKP
(68,644 posts)There are a surprising number of good things that go on in the background in that little state.
When you think of traditional Democratic values, Kentuckians have these.
When you think of less traditional, more modern "liberal" memes, you might not find them so easily.
Thus, many buy into Republican hate thy neighbor values, but when it comes down to doing the right thing by your neighbor, taking care of business, and even taking care of the environment, they can be persuaded pretty easily.
Generations of dependence on the coal industry, a generally rural lifestyle, and bashing by other regions has taken a toll on Appalachian communities and on Kentucky, but I really like the state and the people.
CherokeeDem
(3,709 posts)but Reagan came along and as with so many states, Kentucky fell victim to the lies and Rush Limbaugh. I have many relative in Eastern Kentucky, most were fortunate to have jobs and health care. But I know many who are not as fortunate, including some of my family, and to know that health care is finally available for them is heartwarming.
Thank you, President Obama and Governor Beshear.
ProSense
(116,464 posts)In addition to the Medicaid expansion, the Kentucky exchange is a huge success.
CherokeeDem
(3,709 posts)Steve Beshear was an excellent AG, and Lt. Gov. for Kentucky and has been amazing as governor. During the economic crisis, while Kentucky didn't go unscathed, he managed to keep the state running with a minimum of interruption. He will be missed when his term is up. I had hoped he would run against McConnell but unfortunately, he seems to be done with politics. Our loss.
ProSense
(116,464 posts)getting rid of Mitch: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024068873
CTyankee
(63,912 posts)I am furious with Mitch McConnell and so sorry for those poor, desperate people in that WaPo story. McConnell has no shame...
Major Hogwash
(17,656 posts)And one of them wants to be the President.
The other one is just content to be the first successful man to turtle transplant.