From Vice-President Joe Biden:
Judge Sonia Sotomayor's confirmation hearings begin Monday, and that means we're one step closer to getting her on the Supreme Court. Since President Obama nominated her back in May, Judge Sotomayor's brilliance and unique legal qualifications have stood strong against fierce scrutiny. Law enforcement officials have praised her tough-mindedness and experience as a prosecutor and trial judge, and just this week she earned the highest possible rating from the American Bar Association. There's no doubt -- the President picked the right person for the job. Next week, the Senate hearings will once again focus the press on this historic nomination, and those who are desperate to play politics with the President's nominee will see this as their last, best chance. Your support for Judge Sotomayor at this critical step will make a big difference. Visit Organizing for America's online action center where you can write a letter to a local paper, call your senators, and share the facts with friends and neighbors. Judge Sotomayor has earned praise from across the political spectrum. Her vast legal experience and commitment to the rule of law, widely recognized brilliance, and common sense understanding of how the law affects our daily lives makes her an outstanding choice for the Supreme Court. Unfortunately, some people would rather try anything to score political points than debate honestly about the facts. Some people are even trying to say Judge Sotomayor's proud record as a civil rights advocate in the Latino community is evidence of "extremism." Well, there was a time when standing up for the disadvantaged and fighting for equal rights was called extreme -- but now we just call it doing what's right. Now is the critical moment for us to stand up and fight back against these attacks. Together, we'll make our case to the public, the media, and decision makers in the Senate that the Supreme Court needs a strong defender of justice like Sonia Sotomayor. Visit our online action center now, and show your support for this great nominee. The action center has all the tools you need to write a letter to the editor, tell your senators why Judge Sotomayor should be our next Supreme Court Justice, and spread the word to everyone you know. I've been through many confirmation hearings, and believe me, what you say and do right now matters a lot. So please join me in becoming a part of this historic moment for the Court and our country. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor? I can't wait. Thank you, Vice President Joe Biden
The Obama Administration is holding a day-long summit on the H1N1 virus today, and in an effort to encourage flu preparedness, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced a new PSA campaign contest. Participants are encouraged to submit their own 15, 30 or 60 second Public Service Announcement to educate Americans about how to plan for and prevent the spread of the flu and the H1N1 virus.
From WhiteHouse.gov:
The videos can be funny, cute, dramatic, but most of all, they should help make a positive impact. HHS is organizing an expert panel to evaluate submissions and will present the best PSAs to the public so everyone can vote on their favorite submission. The winning PSA will receive $2,500 in cash and will appear on national television. To learn more about the contest details, as well as our larger effort to plan and prepare for the flu season, please go to www.flu.gov. To take a crack at the PSA contest, just post a response to Secretary Sebelius' video below, but skim over the rules first.
You can learn more at Flu.gov.
From OFA Director Mitch Stewart:
As we speak, key committees in Congress are weighing options and making final decisions about how to tackle health care reform. This could be one of the last opportunities to shape the legislation before it's written. The behind-the-scenes committee negotiations aren't front-page news, but the lobbyists trying to block reform are following every detail, and they won't miss a day. If the final plan is to uphold President Obama's principles of reduced costs, guaranteed choice -- including the choice of a robust public insurance option -- and quality care for all, your voice must be heard. Please write a short letter to the editor of your local paper expressing your support for President Obama's three principles for real health care reform, and asking your Congressional representatives to do the same. You can write and submit your letter in just a few minutes using our simple online tool.These letters are an easy but powerful way to make a difference. The letters section is one of the most-read parts of the newspaper, and decision-makers in Congress and the media watch it closely to gauge where the public stands. Good letters are usually just two or three short paragraphs. You can just explain that you're a local resident who knows we need real health care reform following the President's three principles, and we need it now. If you have a personal experience with the health care system that motivates you, that will make the letter even more powerful. The opponents of real reform have deep pockets and insider access, and they're holding nothing back in their drive to derail progress before the plans go public. Your letter, submitted at this time, can help remind your representatives that the American people are counting on them to stand up to special interests and deliver the comprehensive reform we so desperately need. http://my.barackobama.com/healthcareletter Thanks for all that you do, Mitch Mitch Stewart Director Organizing for America P.S. -- These letters are a vital first step. Stay tuned for other critical ways to organize locally and make a difference in this campaign. We can only win this thing if we all work together every step of the way.
As we speak, key committees in Congress are weighing options and making final decisions about how to tackle health care reform. This could be one of the last opportunities to shape the legislation before it's written. The behind-the-scenes committee negotiations aren't front-page news, but the lobbyists trying to block reform are following every detail, and they won't miss a day. If the final plan is to uphold President Obama's principles of reduced costs, guaranteed choice -- including the choice of a robust public insurance option -- and quality care for all, your voice must be heard. Please write a short letter to the editor of your local paper expressing your support for President Obama's three principles for real health care reform, and asking your Congressional representatives to do the same. You can write and submit your letter in just a few minutes using our simple online tool.
These letters are an easy but powerful way to make a difference. The letters section is one of the most-read parts of the newspaper, and decision-makers in Congress and the media watch it closely to gauge where the public stands. Good letters are usually just two or three short paragraphs. You can just explain that you're a local resident who knows we need real health care reform following the President's three principles, and we need it now. If you have a personal experience with the health care system that motivates you, that will make the letter even more powerful. The opponents of real reform have deep pockets and insider access, and they're holding nothing back in their drive to derail progress before the plans go public. Your letter, submitted at this time, can help remind your representatives that the American people are counting on them to stand up to special interests and deliver the comprehensive reform we so desperately need. http://my.barackobama.com/healthcareletter Thanks for all that you do, Mitch Mitch Stewart Director Organizing for America P.S. -- These letters are a vital first step. Stay tuned for other critical ways to organize locally and make a difference in this campaign. We can only win this thing if we all work together every step of the way.
Vice President Joe Biden is scheduled to make an important announcement on health care today at 10:30 AM Eastern. He will be joing by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance Max Baucus. You can watch the announcment live at WhiteHouse.gov/live.
From the Democrats.org blog:
If you’ve listened to President Obama talk about health care reform in the past several weeks, you’ve probably heard him talk about how we should study communities around America that provide better coverage for less and replicate their success. He often talks about the high cost of health care in McAllen, Texas, a town on the Mexican border that has one of the most expensive health care markets in the country.
The June 1st issue of The New Yorker magazine included an article about the soaring costs in McAllen. A few key passages are excepted below – here’s a link to this must read, The Cost Conundrum. The bottom line? More expensive care doesn’t necessarily lead to better health outcomes.
...The explosive trend in American medical costs seems to have occurred here in an especially intense form. Our country’s health care is by far the most expensive in the world. In Washington, the aim of health-care reform is not just to extend medical coverage to everybody but also to bring costs under control. Spending on doctors, hospitals, drugs, and the like now consumes more than one of every six dollars we earn. The financial burden has damaged the global competitiveness of American businesses and bankrupted millions of families, even those with insurance. It’s also devouring our government.
Read the full article . . .
Here's a look at more coverage from last week's Health Care Day of Service events:
Residents of Evansville, Indiana, volunteered to help a community health center. The ECHO Community Health Center -- which provides health care to people without insurance, including the homeless -- was in the process of relocating and needed help. Volunteers carried boxes of medical records to the center’s new facility. WTVW FOX Evansville reported:
The local chapter of Organizing for America is helping ECHO Community Health Center move to its new location. Evansville for Change helped with the move as part of OFA's National Health Service Day. The move was from ECHO's former headquarters at 501 John St. to a new facility at 315 Mulberry. A local moving crew transported most of the heavy medical equipment for the new facility. Volunteers loaded and unloaded boxes of medical records... The new facility will be open to the public July 6.
Residents of Central New York provided free rides for people with medical appointments. These organizers provided relief to people who are affected by the changing economy and may by uninsured. The group also put up fliers with information about SCHIP. By providing free rides and raising awareness of health care reform, these organizers helped people get the care they need. News 10 Syracuse reported:
One Central New York group answered President Obama's call for a National Health Care Day of Service by launching a new project in the community.Organizing for America volunteers from around the region are introducing "Rides for Reform," which will offer free rides to medical appointments for people in need. Organizers hope the program brings more people to their cause of reforming health care."If we're going to ask the government to reform health care and do something good for our community here, then we need to do some service that shows we're in this together," said event organizer John DeSantis.The group will also distribute fliers to let the community know about low-cost children's health care.
One Central New York group answered President Obama's call for a National Health Care Day of Service by launching a new project in the community.
Organizing for America volunteers from around the region are introducing "Rides for Reform," which will offer free rides to medical appointments for people in need. Organizers hope the program brings more people to their cause of reforming health care.
"If we're going to ask the government to reform health care and do something good for our community here, then we need to do some service that shows we're in this together," said event organizer John DeSantis.
The group will also distribute fliers to let the community know about low-cost children's health care.
Jeff from Columbiana County, Ohio, volunteered at a healthy food drive. Not only did Jeff help feed the hungry, he encouraged preventative care. He felt especially passionate about donating food due to the economic difficulties in Ohio. Along with the other volunteers, he collected food outside several grocery stores, and all food was donated to local food banks. From WYTV ABC Youngstown:
A group of people in Columbiana County wants to make sure everyone can eat right. The group asked for health food donations like pasta and tuna. They organized the food drive to help people in need, and at the same time, promote good nutrition and wellness. Everything collected gets donated to Columbiana County Food Banks.Jeff Martin, from the Healthy Food Drive, said, "This is National Service Day, and we are working with a group called Organizing for America. Our local food banks are depleted down in this area because of hard economic times and we are just trying to help people out; get some food to the people who need it."The group collected food at four different locations on Saturday, including Giant Eagles in Salem, Calcutta, and East Liverpool.
A group of people in Columbiana County wants to make sure everyone can eat right. The group asked for health food donations like pasta and tuna. They organized the food drive to help people in need, and at the same time, promote good nutrition and wellness. Everything collected gets donated to Columbiana County Food Banks.
Jeff Martin, from the Healthy Food Drive, said, "This is National Service Day, and we are working with a group called Organizing for America. Our local food banks are depleted down in this area because of hard economic times and we are just trying to help people out; get some food to the people who need it."
The group collected food at four different locations on Saturday, including Giant Eagles in Salem, Calcutta, and East Liverpool.
Another food drive took place in Savannah, Georgia. Residents of Savannah volunteered for Second Harvest Food Bank, an organization dedicated to providing nutritious food to the hungry. From The Coastal Source:
Savannahians lend a helping hand to Second Harvest Food Bank. Saturday afternoon as part of Citizens for Better Health Day, a food drive was held in front of the Brighter Day health food store on Park Avenue. Residents could bring any kind of non-perishable food with them and donate it to the Second Harvest Food Bank, who never has any shortage of people looking for food. "Because of the changing economy, people don't have as much money to spend for food," said Organizing for America volunteer Marie Simpson. "Some people maybe homeless and Second Harvest has a goal to help end hunger and that's what we're hoping to do."Citizens for Better Health Awareness Day is part of National Health Care Day of Service taking place across the country.
Finally, here's a look at photos from events across the country:
The group Organizing for America is headquartered only two blocks from the Capitol, but when horse-trading over healthcare legislation intensified there this week, Barack Obama's grass-roots advocacy operation turned its attention away from Washington. [Last weekend], the group recruited thousands of its volunteer members to gather in farmers' markets, rehab clinics, parks, and libraries nationwide as part of a National Health Care Day of Service." -- Boston Globe
While families across the country enjoy this 4th of July weekend, we wanted to take time to look back at the events of last weekend, when supporters across the country took place in a National Health Care Day of Service. Here are just a few of the reports we've gotten back from hosts of last weekend's events:
It was truly fantastic. People came to our booth with food they had picked from their home garden, and others came to the market specifically to shop for the Healthy Food Drive. We ended up with a full pick-up load of fresh food -- vegetables, fruit, and assorted pasta, bread, hand-made tortillas, etc. It's difficult to estimate amount, but some thought we had at least 200 pounds of food. When we showed up at the Food Bank with our load of food, they were awestruck. What I noticed is that throughout the day, the faces and the voices of both volunteers and donors were lit up, both in the giving and the receiving. Some folks, donors and volunteers, asked, "When are we doing this again?" -- Saoirse C-G, Golden, COI had a healthy food drive outside of ShopRite. As people walked into the grocery store, we handed them ideas of healthy foods they may want to buy and then at the exit we had a table with baskets to collect food in, information about the Children's Health Insurance Program, information about President Obama's health care plan, and health care declarations to sign...I will definitely host another event like this. It felt great to collect food for people in need in the area. All of my volunteers were super excited and really want to get involved again, so I will definitely get in touch with them and see if I can plan something else. -- Linda M, Warminster, PA
In an email to thousands of event attendees, OFA Deputy Director Jeremy Bird explained:
Last weekend, you were part of something big. Americans like you came together across the country -- in community health centers, outside of supermarkets, in local schools -- to serve together and improve health care in your community. While serving your neighborhoods, you raised your voice and built momentum to finally fix this broken health care system. Thank you for your work.We can't -- and we won't -- stop now. We've got more work to do to achieve our goal of real health care reform this year, and you'll be an integral part of this effort at every step of the way.
Last weekend, you were part of something big. Americans like you came together across the country -- in community health centers, outside of supermarkets, in local schools -- to serve together and improve health care in your community. While serving your neighborhoods, you raised your voice and built momentum to finally fix this broken health care system. Thank you for your work.
We can't -- and we won't -- stop now. We've got more work to do to achieve our goal of real health care reform this year, and you'll be an integral part of this effort at every step of the way.
This weekend, our family will join millions of others in celebrating America. We will enjoy the glow of fireworks, the taste of barbeque, and the company of good friends. As we all celebrate this weekend, let's also remember the remarkable story that led to this day.Two hundred and thirty-three years ago, our nation was born when a courageous group of patriots pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to the proposition that all of us were created equal.Our country began as a unique experiment in liberty -- a bold, evolving quest to achieve a more perfect union. And in every generation, another courageous group of patriots has taken us one step closer to fully realizing the dream our founders enshrined on that great day.Today, all Americans have a hard-fought birthright to a freedom which enables each of us, no matter our views or background, to help set our nation's course. America's greatness has always depended on her citizens embracing that freedom -- and fulfilling the duty that comes with it.As free people, we must each take the challenges and opportunities that face this nation as our own. As long as some Americans still must struggle, none of us can be fully content. And as America comes ever closer to achieving the perfect Union our founders dreamed, that triumph -- that pride -- belongs to all of us.So today is a day to reflect on our independence, and the sacrifice of our troops standing in harm's way to preserve and protect it. It is a day to celebrate all that America is. And today is a time to aspire toward all we can still become.With very best wishes,President Barack ObamaJuly 4th, 2009P.S. -- Our nation's birthday is also an ideal time to consider serving in your local community. You can find many great ideas for service opportunities near you at http://www.serve.gov.
You can watch the Independence Day celebrations at the White House live online tonight, starting at 6:45 PM Eastern.
From David Plouffe:
Earlier in the week, we asked if you thought we should put the experiences of real American families on the air and online to show why we need heath care reform. The overwhelming answer? Yes.Thanks to your support, we were able to spring into action and share with America the very personal reasons why we cannot afford to miss this one chance to finally reform our health care system. I want you to be the first to see this powerful ad. It features real people telling their true stories of lost coverage, watching loved ones go without care, and making the case for why we need reform. Once you watch this, you'll see what we mean about how powerful these personal stories can be -- and why we need to get them on the air right away. Will you watch the video now, and then donate $25 or more to put it on the air?As we speak, Congress is rapidly hammering out the details of the health care bill, and getting this message out now is crucial. Our representatives must understand how strongly we feel about the need for real reform -- and that we need it now. In the next few days, we must decide how many of these ads we can make, where we can air them, and how many views we can guarantee. The more resources we have, the greater the impact we'll be able to make. So watch this first video, and then please dig deep with a donation of $25 or more so we can get this ad and others like it on the air and online in key areas across the country. https://donate.barackobama.com/healthcaread Thanks for making it happen, David Plouffe P.S. -- Over 99,000 people have already donated to power our campaign for health care reform. This is the perfect time to join them, and help us hit our big goal of 100,000 donors for health care.
Earlier in the week, we asked if you thought we should put the experiences of real American families on the air and online to show why we need heath care reform. The overwhelming answer? Yes.
Thanks to your support, we were able to spring into action and share with America the very personal reasons why we cannot afford to miss this one chance to finally reform our health care system. I want you to be the first to see this powerful ad. It features real people telling their true stories of lost coverage, watching loved ones go without care, and making the case for why we need reform. Once you watch this, you'll see what we mean about how powerful these personal stories can be -- and why we need to get them on the air right away. Will you watch the video now, and then donate $25 or more to put it on the air?
As we speak, Congress is rapidly hammering out the details of the health care bill, and getting this message out now is crucial. Our representatives must understand how strongly we feel about the need for real reform -- and that we need it now. In the next few days, we must decide how many of these ads we can make, where we can air them, and how many views we can guarantee. The more resources we have, the greater the impact we'll be able to make. So watch this first video, and then please dig deep with a donation of $25 or more so we can get this ad and others like it on the air and online in key areas across the country. https://donate.barackobama.com/healthcaread Thanks for making it happen, David Plouffe P.S. -- Over 99,000 people have already donated to power our campaign for health care reform. This is the perfect time to join them, and help us hit our big goal of 100,000 donors for health care.
Here's the full video of yesterday's online town hall, in which the President answered questions submitted from Americans across the country:
Did you see Vice President Biden's email last week, sharing personal health care stories from supporters across the country? Well, the stories have been read millions of times, and the reaction is an overwhelming, "Wow -- we've got to get to work." It's not surprising -- these stories show the human face of the health care debate and inspire us all to act. So here's our latest idea: Putting our supporters in coast-to-coast television and online ads, telling their own stories, in their own voice. It could be a breakthrough moment in this debate, when millions of Americans realize how urgent reform really is. But recording and nationally broadcasting these stories won't be cheap. We can only go forward if you're ready to chip in. So what do you say -- should we do it? Yes. I think this is a great idea, and I'm ready to contribute so it can happen.No, I'm not ready to contribute to this plan. How big could this be? Many experts believe health care reform was defeated in the early 90's by the infamous "Harry and Louise" ads. They featured actors sitting around a fake kitchen table, pretending to be a family that was frightened by reform. So just imagine if this time around, the debate is shaped by real people, looking us in the eye, telling their actual story, and asking for our help to fix this broken system. Phony stories helped defeat health care reform in the past. But this time, real stories could be the reason we win. If enough Organizing for America supporters say yes and then donate the resources we need to pull it off, we'll start filming and distribution right away. So what do you say? Yes, let's get these real stories on the airwaves. I'm ready to contribute. No, I don't think this is a good idea or I can't contribute at this time. We'll keep you posted with the results and what happens next. Thanks, as always, for making it all possible. Mitch Mitch Stewart Director Organizing for America
Did you see Vice President Biden's email last week, sharing personal health care stories from supporters across the country? Well, the stories have been read millions of times, and the reaction is an overwhelming, "Wow -- we've got to get to work." It's not surprising -- these stories show the human face of the health care debate and inspire us all to act. So here's our latest idea: Putting our supporters in coast-to-coast television and online ads, telling their own stories, in their own voice. It could be a breakthrough moment in this debate, when millions of Americans realize how urgent reform really is. But recording and nationally broadcasting these stories won't be cheap. We can only go forward if you're ready to chip in. So what do you say -- should we do it? Yes. I think this is a great idea, and I'm ready to contribute so it can happen.No, I'm not ready to contribute to this plan. How big could this be? Many experts believe health care reform was defeated in the early 90's by the infamous "Harry and Louise" ads. They featured actors sitting around a fake kitchen table, pretending to be a family that was frightened by reform. So just imagine if this time around, the debate is shaped by real people, looking us in the eye, telling their actual story, and asking for our help to fix this broken system. Phony stories helped defeat health care reform in the past. But this time, real stories could be the reason we win. If enough Organizing for America supporters say yes and then donate the resources we need to pull it off, we'll start filming and distribution right away. So what do you say? Yes, let's get these real stories on the airwaves. I'm ready to contribute. No, I don't think this is a good idea or I can't contribute at this time.
We'll keep you posted with the results and what happens next. Thanks, as always, for making it all possible. Mitch Mitch Stewart Director Organizing for America
President will hold a national discussion on health care today through an online town hall meeting at Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale. In addition to the live audience, questions will come from online communities such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. Senior advisor to President Obama Valerie Jarrett will moderate the town hall.
You can watch the event live at WhiteHouse.gov/live starting at 1:15 Eastern.
Today, volunteers throughout the Minneapolis area are organizing a series of health care related events -- canvassing, phone banking, and participating in public forums. OFA Minnesota State Director Jenn Brown explained in an email:
The fight to fix our broken health care system is heating up -- and we need your help to make sure all Americans have the care that many have lacked for far too long. Our opponents have beaten back reform in the past, and they're ready again with seasoned lobbyists and big-money donors. But we've shown them before what our movement is capable of.This Wednesday, we will show them again. Minnesotans from across the Twin Cities area will knock on doors, call neighbors, speak out at public forums, and build support for the President's principles for health care reform. ...When Americans get together and organize door-by-door, block-by-block, and neighborhood-by-neighborhood, we can build a movement from coast-to-coast. It's how we won a historic election -- and how we'll bring real change to America. To fix our health care crisis, we need people like you to be part of the solution. With your help, we will prove that not only can we elect a new President -- we can build on that victory to tackle the problems facing Americans every day.
The fight to fix our broken health care system is heating up -- and we need your help to make sure all Americans have the care that many have lacked for far too long. Our opponents have beaten back reform in the past, and they're ready again with seasoned lobbyists and big-money donors. But we've shown them before what our movement is capable of.This Wednesday, we will show them again. Minnesotans from across the Twin Cities area will knock on doors, call neighbors, speak out at public forums, and build support for the President's principles for health care reform.
...When Americans get together and organize door-by-door, block-by-block, and neighborhood-by-neighborhood, we can build a movement from coast-to-coast. It's how we won a historic election -- and how we'll bring real change to America. To fix our health care crisis, we need people like you to be part of the solution. With your help, we will prove that not only can we elect a new President -- we can build on that victory to tackle the problems facing Americans every day.
We'll have more info in the coming days on events like these throughout the country. If you live in or around Minneapolis, you can find an event today.
In a 5-0 decision, the Minnesota State Supreme Court today declared Al Franken the winner of the state's Senate race. Shortly thereafter, Franken's opponent Norm Coleman officially conceded.
In an official statement, President Obama congratulated Franken, saying:
"I look forward to working with Senator-Elect Franken to build a new foundation for growth and prosperity by lowering health care costs and investing in the kind of clean energy jobs and industries that will help America lead in the 21st century.”
"The first step we're taking sets new efficiency standards on fluorescent and incandescent lighting. Now I know light bulbs may not seem sexy, but this simple action holds enormous promise because 7 percent of all the energy consumed in America is used to light our homes and our businesses. Between 2012 and 2042, these new standards will save consumers up to $4 billion a year, conserve enough electricity to power every home in America for 10 months, reduce emissions equal to the amount produced by 166 million cars each year, and eliminate the need for as many as 14 coal-fired power plants."
On Wednesday, President Obama will hold another online town hall, this time focused on health care reform. From WhiteHouse.gov:
This online town hall will be a little different than the last one. This time around, we are engaging online networks outside of WhiteHouse.gov, such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. You can get started today by watching the President's video and posting your 20-30 second video response here:
This online town hall will be a little different than the last one. This time around, we are engaging online networks outside of WhiteHouse.gov, such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
You can get started today by watching the President's video and posting your 20-30 second video response here:
Later this afternoon, Nancy-Ann DeParle will be hosting a live-streamed, online chat to discuss health care reform. You can take part using the White House Facebook live chat feature, starting at 5:00 PM Eastern.
