Watson Coleman: “Let me focus on an issue of concern to me. I represent the State of Minnesota. They call it the ``flyover country.''…”

“Let me focus on an issue of concern to me. I represent the State of Minnesota. They call it the ``flyover country.'' They may say the same thing about Colorado on occasion. I saw a New Yorker's view of the world. No offense to my colleagues from New York. It is New York, Florida, L.A., maybe Chicago was in between. I didn't see Denver or St. Paul. There are smaller towns on there, but they are on the map and they are important. William Jennings Bryan once said: Burn down our cities and leave our farmland and the cities will rise up again like magic, but burn down our farms and grass will grow up in the streets of every city in America. The Presiding Officer understands that. He comes from a family which has worked the land. He gets that. Like many great orators, there is some hyperbole there, but it still rings true, whether it is food, values, or leadership--all of America depends on what our rural communities produce So what happens in America's small towns is a big deal. I would like to take this time to speak on behalf of Minnesotans and other folks living in rural communities. These families face some daunting challenges when it comes to accessing health care.”