Are you committed to supporting the President's plan for healthcare reform?
President Obama has called for Congress to deliver on comprehensive healthcare reform that provides security and stability for the insured, help for the uninsured, and reins in the costs of healthcare for families, businesses, and government.
This requires a mutual commitment - all of us must pull together in order to accomplish this goal.
The status quo is unsustainable and morally unacceptable. We spend 16% of our gross domestic product on healthcare in this country - $2.4 trillion per year - and insurance premiums have more than doubled since 1998. Wages have remained flat while healthcare costs have increased, leaving families with less money in their paychecks. 45,000 Americans die each year because they don't have access to insurance, and a million more American families go bankrupt each year because of medical bills.
These issues don't discriminate. Rich and poor, labor and management, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, male, female, straight, gay - all of us are impacted by the drag of healthcare costs on our economy.
Will you join the President in supporting reform? Please tell your Senators and Representatives to pass reform this fall. We can't wait another day.
Post a comment to show your support, and share your ideas.
I want buy a mug in ofa store, but I have a problem: I live in Italy, so, I don't understand what I must do.. Can I pay with euro money? Can I buy something in ofa store? Can merchandise come here, in Italy?
Thanks to everybody!!!
This week Congress started the 'marking up' session on the Health Care and Insurance Reform. It is crucial we keep the pressure on them pass the bill.
The Daily Kos has an excellent article about the amendments we should push to support, and those we should push against.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/9/21/10112/5602
Please take the time to write your politicians and the ones listed demanding they support the Health Care and Insurance Reform.
You may want to sit down to read this one ....
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mark-dorlester/guaranteed-health-care-in_b_280528.html
AMERICANS UNITED FOR HEALTH CARE AND INSURANCE REFORM
http://www.americansunitedhcr.wordpress.com
Phone/Fax (712) 239-0992
Direct Questions to:
americansunitedhcr@cableone.net
Press Release
9 A.M. CDT, August 31, 2009
AMERICANS UNITED FOR HEALTH CARE & INSURANCE REFORM RALLY & March in Washington, D.C. Sept. 13, 2009
Sioux City, August 31, 2009: A rally/march will be held in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 13, 2009 between 12N – 5pm in support of the administrations health care and health insurance reform goals. It is the goal of Americans United for Health Care and Insurance Reform to let congress know that all Americans need health care and insurance. Over 47 million Americans are uninsured and millions more are underinsured or at risk of losing their health insurance
The rally/march will begin at the Lincoln Memorial and march to the steps of the Capitol Building via the National Mall. This rally/march will be peaceful.
Robert Reich has given his support to this rally and march, “….I just want Congress to know how many Americans want universal health care and will settle for no less than complete coverage and no less than a public insurance option, to keep private insurers honest. So I’m happy to lend my support to whatever you are doing.”
Americans have enjoyed the freedom of movement, speech and employment. It is time that American citizens have the freedom that comes from knowing they have affordable health care for themselves and their families. Health care is not just for the privileged but it is a fundamental right.
Other groups marching on September 13, 2009 for health care reform are Congressman Fattah’s “March for Healthcare”, “Medicare for All”, and “March on Washington for Health Care.”
We invite all those who wish to participate visit our web blog at http://www.americansunitedhcr.wordpress.com and register to rally.
For more information please see our web blog (address above)Please direct all questions to our committee at americansunitedhcr@cableone.net.
Americans United for Health Care and Insurance Reform is not affiliated with Organizing for America or the Democratic National Committee or affiliated with any other groups, special interests or lobbying forums.
In Italy, last week, one person won 147 millions of euros at "lotto"..
it's an big big big amount!! I think they are too much money, maybe, if you win 147 millions, you will find reason, you will ruin yourself
I'm so sad for ted's dead..it was an great person, with him, it go away the kennedy dynasty.
It's terrible the kennedy's history....john, bob, john jr, and now, ted..
Maybe, the great people, they are fated to do an ugly dead, they are fated to have an ugly end..
they are so great, so beautiful in their life, and so bad in their dead...
First, on an utterly different note-- Et tu Senator Grassley? Good grief, I thought Senator Grassley was somebody who would put Country ahead of party interests... after today, Senator Grassley's own words have proven that false at least on health care reform. I hope Senator Grassley simply misspoke (repeatedly) and will clear this up tomorrow.
Now, for the townhall event....
The GOP is playing with fire here. At our townhall, most of the folks actually supported either a public option, or single payer, but those folks clapped mainly and were not part of the shouting. There was a very vocal minority who tried to speak over everything and shout down the panel. Much of the chanting seemed pre-orchestrated, but if that was done by the GOP, I'd be surprised. There were also folks (in opposition to reform) who alternatively shouted and then approached other people and tried to "convince" them one on one. None of the angry folks around me liked Republicans any better than they liked Democrats-- indeed, it seemed that these folks all believed our 2 largest political parties exist to keep us from "knowing" what is really happening and how we are being turned into "beasts of burden" for "them."
Yet, least you think the loud, protesters were violent, please think again. Indeed, many approached me (even though I had a sign supporting health care reform in my hand) in a vain attempt to "proselytize" me to their cause. I use that word "proselytize" deliberately. All of them were decent folk with some (at least to me) incredible beliefs.
Here is a sampling of some of the beliefs I was asked to "join" last night:
1. Fluoride in our water is for mind control. I asked this person if she was concerned about our "precious bodily fluids", and I don't think she got it because she responded "Yes, you understand!"
2. The New World Order was on track to turn us all into slaves (all of us, regardless of race, creed, or national origin) and this began under President George H. W. Bush. This person sounded a great deal like Timothy McVeigh, which shocked me (I lived in Tulsa, OK for a time and my folks lived there when the horror occurred at the Federal Building in OK City) and before I could catch the words, I said--
"You agree with Timothy McVeigh?"
She replied by shouting "Are you threatening me?" Which was odd since I had not moved, but simply asked a question in a shocked tone. I said "No," and she pulled out a cell phone, stuck it in my face and took my picture "Now, we know who you are!" she finished. I assured her I was not threatening her (and incidentally, since when is it non-threatening to stick a camera in someone's face and take a picture without permission?) but was concerned since her words sounded a lot like Mr. McVeigh's. She told me she had DVD's which would prove to me that the government (no distinction between Republicans and Democrats) was trying to turn us all into beasts of burden and that "They" would come for me soon, too.
3. Most tried to convince me that Lyndon LaRouche had the answers-- he was followed closely by Ron Paul. None of the protestors who approached me, or to whom I spoke, were Republicans. Indeed, they seemed to despise Republicans as much as they despise Democrats.
4. A fellow with a sign of President Obama made up to look like that little jerk who caused World War II and the slaughter of countless numbers of innocents told me that he felt the same way about President Bush, maybe even worse. I got rather worked up about him-- and sang (off key, unfortunately) "My Country 'Tis of Thee" at him until he put the sign down (probably to stop my singing). To give you an idea of how loud it was, I don't think anybody else could hear me singing. When I got home, though, I wished I had not done that. Something about all of the nonsense everywhere got into me, and I wish I had not let that happen. But, comparisons to the little Austrian jerk who has his own special place in hell aggravate the heck out of me since it seems to diminish how truly terrible that little pipsqueak of an Austrian jerk was. And no, I won't use his name-- he does not deserve that dignity.
5. A man asked me if I would personally guarantee that there would be no "death panels," and I said yes. It did not make any difference. He was older, and I think truly scared. I do wish folks like Senator Grassley (WHO KNOWS BETTER!) would not perpetrate that sort of thing. People have quite enough fear already; nobody needs to be creating false things to fear simply to advance their political party.
6. All of the vocal protestors had cameras of some kind and they seemed to be attempting to take pictures only of signs that were opposed to health care reform. Some of the signs were very vitriolic; others were downright dangerous (if believed).
7. One vocal opponent to reform told us he was from Nevada and did not have health care insurance. But, that he would not take government subsidy or a public plan, because that would be a death sentence for him. Another American afraid thanks to demagogues who don't care a thing about him, or anything else but whatever "ends" they are attempting to achieve.
8. All of the protestors to whom I spoke believe that "They" are going to get us all and I was an idiot for not seeing it. When I asked who "They" were I got a mixed bag of answers-- I was told "the government," "the corporations", "Wall Street," and even "insurance companies." Some folks also told me that college is where you get brainwashed for "them."
9. All believed that bad things happen because "they" want bad things to happen-- and disagreed with me vehemently that sometimes bad outcomes occur because individuals can be stupid, venal, even criminal (sometimes on a gigantic scale) but next to no-one actually plans for the WHOLE house of cards to come tumbling down. (Because really, as stupid as Wall Street traders behaved leading up to the collapse, how logical is it to think that individual traders from all over the world went to some meeting(s) somewhere where the collapse of the world's economy was planned-- stupid? greed driven? only short-term thinking? yes, criminal? probably, but organized at some vast conspiracy level? I rather doubt it).
Again, the GOP is truly barking up the wrong tree if they think most of those protestors will follow their banner, but perhaps my townhall event was atypical. The folks to whom I spoke expressed ideas that are opposed to just about every American institution, including the Republican Party. Yet, each one of them professed to love the U.S. Constitution, just not the military, the Congress, the President, the Supreme Court, local officials, state officials, prisons, laws, & etc. Their problem with the military is that we have a "standing army" when they believe we should only have militias. Nobody expressed a problem with individual soldiers. The protestors last night were a very agitated group; yet, I don't think any one of them would have harmed me despite the fact that I disagreed with them (endlessly). It was interesting that despite all of the shouting I could hear what the protestors were saying to me.
Other than the cell phone camera in my face, the only tense moments came when some careless person almost stuck me or my better half in the face with his/her sign and I don't believe that was intentional. There also was some shoving at times that was a bit tense, but it soon subsided. Somebody also unzipped my purse, but it was crowded and one should always beware of pickpockets in a crowded place-- and I noticed before the "hand" got my wallet.
If I met most of the opponents to reform on the street, or in my neighborhood, and we did not speak about politics, I just might like them. Some of them were quite charming one on one, even though we could not disagree more about just about everything to do with how the world works.
Amazingly, one was able to hear much of what the panel had to say-- and there were folks there who truly wanted more information.
Most of the folks could not tell me where in my district that they lived and some admitted to coming from Nevada. I think I saw one of the protestors on television today at an event in Maryland-- but surely that could not be true.
There were also some residents in white coats (I think from USC County Hospital) who were attempting to speak to the vocal minority about the real need for health care reform. I don't think that they achieved much-- even though they were very earnest in their attentions-- but nobody seemed to be threatening them.
Well, that is about it.
I live in California District 29 and my representative is Adam Schiff. He held an open air townhall yesterday evening in Alhambra, California. The crowd was big and a small but very vocal part of the crowd was not interested in anything that Rep. Schiff, or anyone else on the panel had to say.
Representative Schiff made clear his support of a public option-- and I was very pleased that I was able to hear that part of the townhall.
I just got a letter from the RNC, yes me. The RNC is asking me for money and to fill out a survey, because apparently, they think that I (an erstwhile, but no longer, Republican) support the RNC's agenda. Chairman Steele is either desperate, or very ill informed.
It is long, and filled with emphases (bolds, underlining, and italics) that make it even more insulting. It is also full of the same old GOP childishness that insists on calling the Democratic Party and Democratic action "democrat" like a school bully insisting on calling you Pudface when your name is Steve.
Here is the letter-- warning, reading this may cause nausea, a slight sense of 2004 dejavu, as well as, a feeling of temporary displacement from reality. The parens are from me.
"Dear Friend,
Your immediate action is required. (whole sentence underlined).
Please carefully read and complete the enclosed 2009 Obama Agenda Survey which is REGISTERED in your name and affixed with a tracking code to ensure that it is accounted for in the tabulated results.
As Chairman of the Republican National Committee, I am sending out this questionnaire to gauge where you and other grassroots Republicans stand on the critical issues facing our nation -- I need to hear back from you right away.
You know that the liberal media elites and the Obama Democrats are hoping you will put this letter down right now and do nothing....
I'm asking you to please not turn your back on us now. (all bold).
I want you to know that (all underlined) the Republican Party is not dead (end underline) and we are not going away. (All underlined) Our ideals remain sound and our goals remain worthy (end underline).
We have a strong minority in the U.S. House and in the U.S. Senate. We intend to use both to actively oppose and expose the truth about the Obama Democrat agenda.
(all bold) We believe that you and every one of the (all underlined and bold) more than 60 million voters all across our country who did not vote for Barack Obama (end bold) deserve to have a voice in the way this country is governed.
(Note from me again-- well, Chairman Steel, you had better make that 59,999,999 million because I DID vote for President Barack Obama).
The enclosed 2009 Obama AGenda Survey is your opportunity to let Republican leaders in Washington D.C. and all accorss the country know where you stand on the policies and programs being proposed by Barack Obama and his Democrat allies in Congress.
As a REGISTERED participant in this important touchstone survey, your questionnaire answers will be used to represent a broad sampling of Republicans in your area. (italics) So please, no matter what, do not discard or destroy your Survey. (end italics).
(Another note-- too late, already did).
In order for our sampling of Republican opinion from your area to be as exact as possible, you must return your survey -- Even if you leave some of the questions blank.
There is so much about the Obama agenda that most Americans do not know about, thanks to the non-stop swooning coverage of the ulta-biased media.
(Fox-- Swooning? Mr. Dobbs? Even Mr. Olbermann goes after the President, often, about torture prosecutions. Wow, my definition of swooning and Chairman Steele's are radically different).
But with your help, we are going to expose the Obama agenda for all Americans to see so that we create a groundswell of opposition.
And we must act quickly because the Democrats are hoping to carry forward their momentum into the incredibly important 2009 governors' races in Virginia and New Jersey. It is up to you and me to stop them.
(Well, if it is up to me, Mr. Steele-- you are in deeper trouble than you thought).
We need solid proof from the results of this survey to show that regardless of what the left-wing media is saying ...
... There is not overwhelming support for many of the radical proposals being put forward by Obama and the Democrats.
(You mean like letting anybody who wants to carry a concealed weapon anywhere in the U.S.? Oh right, that one came from the GOP).
That's why we are asking where you stand on Barack Obama's promise to raise taxes...
(The GOP, today, mostly a party of two ideas, cut taxes no matter what and no regulation)
.... On his plans to give amnesty to illegal immigrants, which could lead to billions of dollars of government handouts and possibly bankrupt Social Security....
(the same plan that Senator McCain supported).
... and how do you feel about Obama's efforts to nationalize health care and have it run by bureaucrats in Washington D.C.?
(funny thing is, I have watched a lot of the hearings, and read some legislation and I just cannot find this anywhere but coming out of certain Republican mouths)
These are Obama's top priorities!
He intends to immediately bring about "change" that will stifle our fragile economy, undermine our nation's sovereignty and create a massive new government bureaucracy.
(sounds like our last President to me....)
We don't have a moment to waste.
Republican leaders in Congress and all across the country are scrambling to regroup and rebuild to make sure that folks like you have a voice in Washington, D.C. to look out for your interests and address your concerns.
(Somehow, I really don't think that is true).
I know we aren't going to win every battle, but we must fight for our principles, values and beliefs on every issue.
(And other than tax cuts, what are those exactly? crickets).
The RNC will make sure the Democrats OWN their record now that they are in total control of the federal government.
(I thought he claimed the GOP has a "strong minority?")
You and I know that Obama and the Democrats ran away from their own liberal agenda during the 2008 elections -- Obscuring their plans for massive tax increases and the largest, most expensive expansion of our federal government in history.
(I know no such thing, and neither do you, Chairman Steele).
But they have nowhere to hide now.
Unfortunately, one thing Obama and the Democrats have is lots of money.
(a few paragraphs omitted here about what President Obama raised as then candidate Senator Obama)
In order to compete with the Democrats in your state and all across the country, our Party must immediately start building our campaign war chest, even now as we assess our future, focus our attention, and rebuild our infrastructure.
(a paragraph omitted in which I am asked for money)
The Republican National Committee will use your contribution to rally Republicans, independents and disaffected Democrats who do not support the radical left-wing Obama agenda to come together and speak with a single, loud, clear voice.
(Because the last 8 years under President Bush were so darn good and so radically right leaning....)
We cannot afford to wait...
... Or the Obama Democrtas will dig in, using their massive fundraising network to mount an all-out propaganda campaign to obscure their actions in Washington and hide the fact that their agenda is dictated by, and benefits, the special interests that bankroll their election campaigns.
(I'm a special interest now.... wow....)
If you don't like the direction that Obama and the Democrats are taking our country, then the single most important action you can take is to come forward and support the Republican National Committee today.
Even though the media acts as though the outcome of the past election was a unanimous 100% vote in favor of Barack Obama and his liberal agenda...
(I haven 't heard that anywhere, you?)
.... Over 60 million Americans did not support Obama and the Democrats....
.... Republicans are not going to give up or go away....
(or do anything else, according to Chairman Steele, but delay, obstruct and destroy)
We are going to get back to basics, rebuild from the grassroots up, and come back with renewed energy and a strong commitment to the conserative principles of low taxes, small government, personal responsibility, and a strong national defense.
(none of which we have seen in the main-- there are exceptions, like Senator Lugar, and others --- in decades, now).
I am asking you to pay a very important role in our resurgent effort to move our Party forward. The Republican Party truly needs your support and advice today.
(Here is some small advice-- perhaps you should capitalize Country, rather than Party, and give the President his proper title. You may not respect the man, but if you truly are a conservative, you can at least show a modicum of respect to the Office).
Of course, we realize that as we most forward, our Party cannot simply oppose the Obama agenda, we need to offer substantive alternatives based on our conservative principles and free market ideals.
(Here I am at page 4 and I still don't have a clue for what the RNC stands).
That's why we are already working in your area and across the nation to recruit the next wave of Republican leaders to run for office and offer innovative new solutions to meet the real, pressing problems we are confronting in Washington, in state capitals, and in town halls.
(No mention of what those might be-- does he have a clue, I wonder?)
We have been on the defensive as the Democrats in Congress put partisan politics in front of the best interests of the nation, attacked our leaders with personal smears, and saturated the media with propaganda.
(The only one I have seen attacked is Rush Limbaugh, a self-admitted "entertainer", not a journalist, or party leader--- is this an admission?)
In 2009 that all changes. The Democrats will have to offer the nation more than just pessimism and attacks on Republicans. (Sounds like what this letter does in the inverse...) And we have already heard their calls for the largest tax increases and the most massive expansion of government ever (that is if you cannot read a history book to find out the truth).
So please, help the Republican Party refocus and rebuild so that we are ready to expose the Obama Democrat agenda of special interest handouts and ultra-liberal big government policies.
(Paragraph omitted again seeking money)
The future of the Republican Party is in your hands. Act now.
(If that were true, things would be very different-- and All of the relevant Republican Senators would be in those rooms negotiating in good faith).
(Salutation omitted).
(And there is post-script again seeking money)
And that is the end of that extremely lengthy request for funds from a long-since defunct Republican (me)--- and I'm certain you noticed how completely lacking in any real solutions that lengthy missive is.
Here’s a great positive message video from three of our own supporting the passage of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act and thanking President Obama and the Congress for passing the bill. It was created in response to the CPAC commercial that used the "money spent since Jesus was born" timeline.
Please Digg it up!
http://digg.com/politics/The_American_Recovery_and_Reinvestment_Act
Also on YouTube here: /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} -->
LINK
Thanks!
Right now, President Obama is handling many poisonous snakes (crises that could implode on all of us) and who wants to add another?
Yet, there is another that is not on most of our radar screens yet, but in Texas I'm told the escalating violence in Mexico (including multiple shoot-outs between drug cartels and police which often result in innocent bystander deaths) is of major concern.
Here is a story about recent violence in Northern Mexico.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7882653.stm
'Lest you think this can be ignored as not our problem, please think again. This violence is in part the consequence of our war on drugs and incredibly our successes in imprisoning the leaders of Mexico's drug cartels. Now, the drug cartels are fighting each other and the Mexican police and army for control right on our border.
Also, Mexico is our neighbor. But, if the morality of decently treating your neighbor does not convince in light of all of our many crises, do remember that violence tends to spread-- and this violence could (and has I'm told spread into El Paso) spread throughout our Western states. So far, it seems, the Baja Penisula is free of this crisis.
Texans I know tell me this weighs very heavily on their minds and is covered in their local media. The stories I'm told sound similar to Chicago in the era of Al Capone and prohibition.
I have neither a solution, nor do I know an Eliot Ness who could provide one-- nonetheless, I felt better to forewarn than not.
Thanks for the heads-up...
I think it's just par for the course for Republicans. Bush's Presidency largely succeeded at disemboweling the Depts. of any legislative power or authority (all in the guise of 'limiting gov't intrusion'--which essentially is neo-con doublespeak for, "go get 'em boys, it's a free-for-all!" ...but calling it that wouldn't sit well with the American People)
Under Bush, Labor Sect'y Elaine chao actually bragged about her success at slashing the budget of her OWN dept.! How did she accomplish that? Well..."She slashed funds for enforcing federal laws governing the workplace (including safety and labor standards), practically eliminating the department of international affairs - which fights against child labor and for higher labor standards in countries around the world. She removed labor representatives from trade and workplace safety advisory committees. Her Occupational Safety and Health Administration has withdrawn roughly two dozen planned regulations, including a rule that would have required employers to pay for workers' personal protective equipment..." (CommonDreams.org) Unions 'affectionately' called Chao, the Sect'y of ANTI-Labor.
So, now with a President who actually intends to inject the Depts. with the mandates they were MEANT to have, it's scaring the be-jeezus off the Repubs (as well as heads of major industries), who've been living high on the hog these last eight years.
Maybe by this September, we can actually have a "Labor Day Parade"!
--Mr. Soapbox
Original Post:
----------------------------------------------------------------------Message: 1Original Message: http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/BeerDrinkersforObama/listserv-message/5WwgmWslDate: Sat, 07 Feb 2009 21:07:07 -0500From: Megan Rue <rue.megan@gmail.com>Subject: [BeerDrinkersforObama] Watch this video and sign the petitionMessage-ID: <f033be6633f68b66fa937604dfd08746@freechoice.seiu.org>Hello,Last month President Obama nominated Congresswoman Hilda Solis to be our next Secretary of Labor, but conservative Republicans are blocking her confirmation simply because she supports working people.Watch this short video message about this unacceptable obstruction and how you can help. http://action.seiu.org/page/s/confirmsolis?source=tafSign the petition on that page to tell the Senate it's time to confirm Hilda Solis as Secretary of Labor.Thank you.
After US Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) publicly announced his opposition to Dr. Sanjay Gupta for consideration as Surgeon General, I have seen a small flurry of emails and buzz about the position of Surgeon General.
Over the past 25-30 years, the office of Surgeon General has been largely unnoticed, although a notable exception is the work of C. Everett Koop to combat false advertising about smoking and promote smoking cessation programs. The role of surgeon general is largely seen as ceremonial, but in reality, the office is extremely important for advocacy, prevention education, and the use of scientific research to inform policy on healthcare issues.
The official Surgeon General's website says the following about the duties of the office:
The duties of the Surgeon General are to:
Source - http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/about/duties/index.html
According to TheHill.com writer Molly Hill, Rep. Conyers distributed a letter regarding opposition to Gupta's selection. Conyers argued: "It is not in the best interests of the nation to have someone like this who lacks the requisite experience needed to oversee the federal agency that provides crucial healthcare assistance to some of the poorest and most underserved communities in America."
The argument doesn't hold water. There is no question that Gupta has effectively guided healthcare policy discussions on CNN. His leadership skills are not in question, nor is his ability to effectively use research-based information to clarify facts and advocate to the public.
Where some of the opponents are really concerned is in Gupta's attempted refutation of Michael Moore's movie, "Sicko".
As Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman said, <blockquote>I don’t have a problem with Gupta’s qualifications. But I do remember his mugging of Michael Moore over Sicko. You don’t have to like Moore or his film; but Gupta specifically claimed that Moore 'fudged his facts', when the truth was that on every one of the allegedly fudged facts, Moore was actually right and CNN was wrong.</blockquote>
According to an article in USA Today, Moore told CNN, "I'm about to become your worst nightmare." (http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2007-07-16-sicko-CNN_N.htm) Moore took it personally. And while I appreciate Moore's courageous effort to educate the public about our broken healthcare" I'm also concerned about the style and tone of Moore. I think we need to face facts: Michael Moore has alienated as many people as he's inspired. And while there are many people like me who have gradually warmed and converted to the concept of single-payer plans, I also recognize that there is tremendous political, social, and corporate opposition to any kind of government-funded healthcare.
Michael Moore did a very good job of factchecking the factchecker. I hope he'll continue to do this if Gupta becomes our surgeon general! But we all need to realize that there is a substantial chunk of the American public who have been hoodwinked by the right-wing media, the drug and insurance companies, and even their own family physician. We also need to realize that statistics lie, and there is perhaps no better example of confusion over statistics than the Gupta-Moore flap.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oR2U_SAWHdQ
There is something very symbolic about the appointment of Gupta. Because while Gupta has befriended the big pharma, insurance companies, and the medical business community, he has also had the courage to commit acts of journalism - to ask questions, get the data right, and present it to the public effectively. Even more importantly, Gupta has been willing to admit when he's wrong, and when the data and facts disprove the conventional wisdom in the medical community.
That's what the Surgeon General does.
The S.G.'s work on prevention is also an important component of the office. In this area, Gupta is a very effective communicator. He's learned how to identify experts in the medical community and give them a platform to speak. Where Gupta has room to grow is in his ability to speak with the public and engage "Joe Sixpack" as part of the national debate.
There are probably any number of highly qualified candidates for the job. But Sanjay Gupta is the most visible representative and is definitely a "highly recognizable symbol" of the nation's commitment to "get it right" on healthcare.
I have had the opportunity to work for President-Elect-Obama in two States, Tennessee and Indiana. On November 4, although I voted in Tennessee, I have been working for the last year
and half in Indiana. The county and city and state of my youth went blue for the first time in
40 years! Thanks to everyone who helped in this effort.
*Wrote late on election night*
Today has been a LONG awaited day for many. Some though could have cared less and choose not to exercise their "freedoms" they complain so much about how Barack Obama would supposedly is going to take away. Well I say we didn't need your ignorant vote anyways. If you don't do your homework, you might as well not have voted in the end. If the U.S.A. was a true democracy, it would require ALL of us to know how our country worked and those that made it move. Even though it's a constitutional republic, we still need to be abreast (yeah, I know, I like being able to use such a great word) of what is going on with and who our elected representatives are at the capitals. It's just socially responsible as an adult in the world today. Like I keep telling people--"this isn't the Wild West anymore!"Today was a day of many emotions. I must say, it ended with some of the best ones I've had for this country since I was a young boy into my early adult days. Being among about 200 people in a very politically and socially conservatives town that felt similar feelings was intense to say the least. The cheers as we won another state was quite uplifting. (those that know me well, know I don't throw around we unless I mean WE) This was certainly a collective effort on many levels--some more than others, but just as important nonetheless. When MSNBC declared Barack Obama as our next President, the excitement, relief and pride couldn't be contained. I haven't seen so many people from so many different backgrounds shed tears of joy before. It was overwhelming to think it actually happened--that this country after all it's been through would elect such a "controversial" man, yet such a clear choice.Today when President Elect Barack Obama came out on the stage in Grant Park, Chicago (a place where I never could spend too much time), I felt an actual change in how I saw this country. To be honest, a few days ago I found myself saying to myself I am completely embarrassed of my country and didn't think I could, on my own free will, fight and die for it country any more. I felt the oath I swore to just months ago for the fourth time "...to defend against all enemies, foreign and domestic...", that the enemy is more domestic than foreign. That all went out the window. The man taking that stage was more than just your normal Presidential candidate we are all use to seeing in modern elections. He is a person that actually believes in what he says; that wants what he promises. That's why he's such a great speaker! Not because of his intellect or training. It's passion people (I almost said "my friends", but I would have vomited all over myself)! This is one of my bigger reasons for supporting Obama for the last three years. People of passion are always at the core of something great--you look and you'll find them somewhere. His words had MEANING to them. I didn't feel like I, or a sixth grader, could have said it better. The Presidency is not a trophy job! It's a job of commitment and dedication for a greater good bigger than any one person. I was inspired to do greater things and to do them better than I would on my own accord. That what a leader should do for you on some level. The President in my adult life has done no less than inspire me to move to Europe and forget the ignorance I grew up in and was a part of for so long. Only serious passion about something gets me worked up these days, and this occasion had me well up a bit for this speech. I just hope it keeps going.Today I might not be in 100% agreement with Barack Obama, but that is to be expected and welcomed. It's what helps me keep going in the pursuit of knowing about what is going on in politics on all levels. It's hard when you're so frustrated with your representatives you just give up and don't care anymore. But that's when government is its most dangerous and needs YOU the most. Corruption rules the day and not the greater good of many. Hopefully the good of this country as a whole is priority again and not a few or me. Maybe this pride I have again in what has been accomplished will carry me to be a better person to society and not just for myself. Maybe I can go to sleep again and look forward to where the human species is headed and not welcome an end in December of 2012. Even though not all the candidates I supported were victorious tonight, but a new day will dawn tomorrow for all that will allow it. One of those candidates might have lost because he openly admitted to supporting a Black man for President; sad, but possibly true—I heard about 50% of the time people utter a statement like that with my own ears. Maybe that will change more now.Today has set a new bar for all. Even if you don’t share views anywhere near mine, there is something to learn; now that is just up to you to figure out. I feel more like fighting for things worth fighting for. A renewed sense of worth and importance in what you do every day is clear again. Inspiration comes from the darnedest places. I’m just glad it came from the future leader of one of the most powerful nations in the world. Today was a good day.
