Sonny Bono: “when I was home in my district last week, I met with constituents to get their input on Medicare. The most consistent…”

“when I was home in my district last week, I met with constituents to get their input on Medicare. The most consistent question they had was, ``Didn't Congress know about the Medicare problem last year or 2 years ago?'' I said yes. But, they refused to confront it. I urge my colleagues to listen to their constituents and listen to the professionals--the doctors, nurses, hospital administrators, and, of course, our seniors. We cannot propose a solution without their recommendations. In my district, I have set up a task force to come up with some answers and help find the right solution. Let us not be so arrogant that we think we alone can solve this problem without seeking the advice of the people we represent. My constituents realize that a 30-year-old Government program needs to be reformed and brought into the 21st century. Politicians using scare tactics and acting like demagogs won't accomplish anything. Let's be responsible and confront the issue. And, solve it.”