Menendez auto-responder: Full of sound and fury signifying nothing.

[Pab Sungenis]

Back during the debate in the Finance Committee, I sent an impassioned E-Mail about everything wrong with the bill, and encouraged my Senator, Robert Menendez, to vote "no." He, along with the other gutless wonders in the Democratic Party, voted "yes."

Today I finally got a response from his auto-responder:

Dear Mr. Sungenis:

Thank you for contacting me to express your thoughts on health care reform. I appreciate having the opportunity to hear your views on this important matter.

The health and well-being of all Americans is extremely important to me. During my 13 years in the United States House of Representatives and three years in the United States Senate, I have fought to help more New Jerseyans get the health care they deserve, and it will remain one of my top priorities. I strongly believe that all Americans, regardless of age, race or socioeconomic status, should have access to affordable, quality health insurance. It is unacceptable that 1.4 million New Jerseyans and 46 million Americans do not have coverage they can rely on.

Improving the health care delivery system in America is vital to our nation's progress, and we must do better. Our current health care system has significant gaps in access, quality, and coordination. Especially in the present economic downturn, too many families are being forced to choose between food, rent or health care, and this is simply an unacceptable choice. Too many New Jersey families work hard every day and still cannot afford health care coverage. Too many individuals do not receive the preventive tests and treatments that they need and deserve, and too many families go to bed worrying about what will happen to them and their families if a major illness or injury strikes.

For families who are fortunate enough to have coverage, they too often find themselves in a situation in which they can't get coverage for treatment they need, or they just don't understand the coverage they do have. There is no question that our health care system is complicated and solutions won't come overnight.

As a member of the Senate Finance Committee and as a member of Senate leadership, I have an active role in drafting health care legislation that can provide access to comprehensive, affordable health care coverage. With the increasing costs of quality health care and the continuing lack of access to it, Americans need solutions that will help them obtain the health care they need to live healthy and productive lives. We now have the opportunity in the U.S. Senate to make those changes. Rest assured that I will continue the fight to improve not only the quality of our health care, but also help ensure that families have access to care they can afford without the fear of losing it.

Finding solutions to the problems you raise is what drives me to keep pushing for health reform, and I assure you that your thoughts and concerns will help shape the reform we ultimately end up passing in Congress. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I may be of further assistance. I invite you to visit my website http://menendez.senate.gov to learn of other important issues in New Jersey.

That's right. Not one word on why he voted to force people to buy expensive insurance with no public option and criminal penalties if you do not. Not one single defense of the indefensible bill he voted for.

Just more empty rhetoric.

So...my response.

It would have been nice if you, or at least a staffer, had actually read my E-Mail before sending the auto-reply.

Just more evidence that you don't really care, as much as your vote for the Baucus bill was.

Rest assured that I will work, donate, and campaign tirelessly to see you defeated.

And, as the icing on the cake, this response came back:

Delivery has failed to these recipients or distribution lists:

Senator Robert Menendez
Your message wasn't delivered because of security policies. Microsoft Exchange will not try to redeliver this message for you. Please provide the following diagnostic text to your system administrator.
Sent by Microsoft Exchange Server 2007

So, you know what, Menendez? Fuck you. My desire to work for your defeat has now expanded past the primary and to the general.

[tabbycat31]

1. I got a letter from him last week

after my hand-written letter supporting the public option. I don't have it on me but I will post it later.

[spanone]

2. i guess they don't accept any negative responses...they feel better about lying that way