Bloggers for Obama

Afghanistan

Gene — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:57:56 EST

President Obama did an excellent job last night explaining his way forward in Afghanistan. Today, Secretary Clinton, Secretary Gates and Admiral Mullen did a great job expounding on details before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Need to Bridge Gaps

Gene — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:07:32 EST

I encourage all to read the Congressional Record, which each day provides a transcript of speeches and other proceedings for the previous legislative day. The Congressional Record for Monday, November 30, in the Senate included the various speeches regarding the health care reform bill. In reading the speeches, one would believe the Democrats and Republicans were speaking of two different pieces of legislation. Where one sees white, the other sees black; where one sees up, the other see down; where one sees friend, the other sees foe. Almost all agree on the need for change, but the means to achieving the end are significantly diffferent and mostly philosophical. Why can't Democrats accept the need for tort reform? Why can't Republicans accept the need for some public option? Unless such gaps are bridged, there will not be the health care reform we need.

Why Troops in Europe?

Gene — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 10:49:46 EST

Giving the European reluctance to robustly support the NATO mission in Afghanistan, one has to ask why the United States continues to have thousands of troops in Europe.

Health Reform: Turkey Has Done it?

Mike P — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 01:21:08 EST

As the debate over healthcare rages on, I wanted to share this write-up I did with the OFA Community. What I find especially disturbing is how everyone who opposes healthcare reform seems to essentially say that healthcare is a privilege. Congressman Grayson dramatized it so well when he spoke up for the stark choices. The question is whether all leaders will have the courage and not hide behind tired, old arguments...

Source: http://www.outsiderviews, retrieved 11/27/2009

Turkey has been on the march over the last few years. It has worked to help mediate in the Arab-Israeli Conflict, has worked to mend fences with Armenia and has also been flexing its muscles in other ways. Turkey is a fasincating country to watch because it has been able to live up to the Ataturk tradition of secularism while embracing the best of what Islam has to offer. The governing Justice and Development Party has been making its mark in a major way.

I have just been reading about Turkey's work on Healthcare reform. Back in 2005, the IMF sought out changes necessary to deal with Social Security System and broaden access to quality healthcare. One of the things the Government has apparently done is to rein in the cost of drugs. Although the policy in question is going to apparently be revised, at least there is a realization that the costs will have to be brought under control to help mitigate the effect on the average population.

I wonder if anyone has even studied what Turkey to achieve reform. The Turkish Model has profound implications for the United States. If Turkey is able to work on overcoming the difficulties in insuring access to all, it is a national shame that the United States cannot get its act together. It is bothersome to see the insurance cartel's lobbyists and their supporters in Congress and the media seem to buy off on the cartel's talking points.

The people who have been pushing for healthcare reform should get a "A" for effort. Although Mr. Reid, Ms. Pelosi and the Adminstration have tried, I submit that trying is simply not good enough. We need to go beyond "trying". I wonder if all who raise objections in the name of free enterprise understand it. As Gordon Brown, the UK Prime Minister once said, Markets have to have morals. The question is whether what is going on in America right now is Moral or not?

Happy Thanksgiving

Gene — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:01:51 EST

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Copenhagen

Gene — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:27:06 EST

It is good that President Obama decided to attend the UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen. Yes, his opponents will grumble that he's neglecting "more important" domestic issues. They don't understand that climate issues affect the globe's long-term existence -- what could be more important. Besides, unlike many, he can chew gum and walk at the same time.

Which Came First, the Chicken or the Egg?

Spin Detective (St. Thomas, VI) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:20:19 EST

When Right Wing politicians, “rogues”, FOXY and other television/radio talk show hosts and guests profess their political, historical and factual ignorance blaming President Obama for our country’s current debt, deficit and indebtedness to China, INTELLIGENT listeners have got to ask the question, “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?

When President Bush and his Republican-dominated Congressional BIG SPENDERS came into office, they were left with a HEFTY budget surplus in the trillions from the Clinton Administration, and what did they do? They took that surplus and drove us into a near depression in eight years by…

Deregulating the banks and Wall Street

Outsourcing American jobs to foreign countries

Big time tax breaks for the wealthy

Reckless borrowing from China

The Iraq Invasion

Billions to Halliburtin

Prescription Drug legislation in the billions with NO budgeted funding

Now that they no longer hold the purse strings, Republican Congressional BIG SPENDERS and their ‘roguey’, FOXY and other Right Wing radio/television puppets have SUDDENLY become fiscally sane and blame all the woes THEY CREATED on President Obama.!

Why can't the naysayers face the truth and work WITH the President to clean up the mess instead of pecking and wallowing in the chicken coop?

Spread the word!

Why is the Republican Party AFRAID of a Health Care Debate?

Spin Detective (St. Thomas, VI) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:44:20 EST

The Republican Party is AFRAID of taking Health Care Reform through the debate process. They have taken their racist, hate-filled, bully pulpit, polarizing, “Tea Party” scare tactics to the Internet against moderate Democrat Senators who voted to move the Health Care issue to the debate process.

Is the Republican Party afraid because they have NO VALID arguments to fight quality, affordable health care for ALL Americans” on the Senate floor? Is the Republican Party afraid because they have NO LIE PROOF arguments to fight quality, affordable health care for ALL Americans on the Senate floor? Is the Republican Party afraid because they have no NON-CHICKEN LITTLE “SKY IS FALLING” arguments to fight quality, affordable health care for ALL Americans on the Senate floor? Is the Republican Party afraid because they have no GREED FREE health insurance contributions in the millions arguments to fight quality, affordable health care for ALL Americans on the Senate floor? Or is it the case that the Republican Party JUST DOESN’T CARE about quality, affordable health care rights for ALL Americans?

The SILENT MAJORITY must fight back. Show your INTERNET SUPPORT’ for moderate Democrat Senators who had the GUTS to care!

Spread the word!

One Small Step For the “Majority”, One Giant Leap for Health Care Reform!

Spin Detective (St. Thomas, VI) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:55:19 EST

Members of the SILENT MAJORITY, we did it again! We’re one step closer to COMPREHENSIVE Health Care Reform!!! We got the Health Care Reform Bill out of the “House’ and tonight, 60 COURAGEOUS Democrat votes advanced the Bill to the “floor” for debate. We showed the Republican Blockade that health insurance contributions may ‘buy’ your vote, but it “can’t buy you love”! Let’s celebrate by contacting the 60 Senate Democrats with a ‘vote’ of “Thanks!” at: www.senate.gov/general/contact information/senators cfm.cfm and/or www.congress.org. Pass the word!

The SILENT MAJORITY Wins or Loses Tomorrow!

Spin Detective (St. Thomas, VI) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:03:10 EST

Health Care Reform comes up for a CRITICAL VOTE in the Senate on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21st. If it doesn’t pass, Health Care Reform is DEAD! Republican Senators have VOWED to kill the Bill. (They have sold us out for health insurance contributions in the millions!!!) IT”S NOW OR NEVER FOR THE SILENT MAJORITY! We stopped Republican Senators from blocking the vote all together. We must defeat them again on Saturday. Call and email ALL Senators (especially “Blue Dog” Democrats and Independents) TONIGHT and ALL DAY Saturday until the Bill has passed at: www.senate.gov/general/contact information/senators cfm.cfm and/or www.congress.org

Tell them to vote “YEA” and pass the word.

Procedural Vote

Gene — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:18:28 EST

I am looking forward to Saturday's procedural vote on health care reform in the Senate. It appears there will be the 60 votes needed.

Seeds of Change Planted

Gene — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:59:20 EST

Just 10 months into his presidency, folks on the left complain President Obama is not doing enough and folks on the right complain he is doing too much. The change we need and voted for just 12 months ago was never going to happen quickly. President Obama has planted the seeds -let’s nourish and tend to these things and watch them grow and mature. The 24-hour news cycle has created a need for instant gratification. The ever-present talking heads on radio and cable television thrive on controversy. They’re not willing to talk about – and for the most part are not capable of explaining – the details or complexities of policy changes. So take a breath and relax. If you want to help advance the Obama change agenda, write or call your Member of Congress and Senators. Tell them we need health care reform, education reform, energy technology programs and the other items President Obama has outlined to provide for the long-term needs of this country.

Successful Asian Trip

Gene — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:31:25 EST

President Obama's Asian trip has been a success to date.

Misrepresentations

Gene — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:49:28 EST

In her column today, The Washington Post's Ruth Marcus did a great job of highlighting some of the misrepresentations from Republicans during the health care reform debate Saturday. Check it out at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/10/AR2009111013406.html?hpid=opinionsbox1

It's Us Against the 'Benjamins'!

Spin Detective (St. Thomas, VI) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:19:03 EST

The SILENT MAJORITY must not be blind-sided by Republican, ‘Blue Dog’ Democrat and the Independent Senators’ hype about abortion and the public option when it comes to their pledge to STOP Health Care Reform. IT'S ALL ABOUT THE ‘BENJAMINS’!

Senate Anti-Reform representatives will receive OVER A MILLION DOLLARS in contributions from the health insurance industry. (House Anti-Reform representatives received OVER HALF A MILLION DOLLARS in contributions from the health insurance industry - 15% more than Pro-Health Care Reform House representatives.) Go to The Center for Responsive Politics at www.opensecrets.org/ to find out more.

The SILENT MAJORITY must let Republican, ‘Blue Dog’ Democrat and the Independent Senators know how we feel about their placing a BOUNTY on our health care rights.

You know the drill.

Expose Republican, “Blue Dog” Democrat and the Independent Senators’ health insurance industry contributions BY AMOUNT AND BY NAME on ALL Internet venues, in local newspaper letters to the editor and on CONSERVATIVE and MAINSTREAM radio and television talk shows.
Flood Senate mailboxes with e-mails and letters expressing your disgust with their putting a BOUNTY on our health care rights.
REPEAT Steps 1 and 2 EVERY day until the US Senate acts on AND passes a Health Care Reform Bill BEFORE 2010.
Contact Senators at…

www.senate.gov/general/contact information/senators cfm.cfm

www.congress.org

OFA ===> Statement of President Barack Obama on House Passage of the Affordable Health Care for America Act

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:29:08 EST

Statement of President Barack Obama on House Passage of the Affordable Health Care for America Actby Christopher HassSunday November 8 2009 00:19:14 AM

Shortly after the House of Representatives concluded tonight's vote on health insurance reform, President Obama released the following statement:

Tonight, in an historic vote, the House of Representatives passed a bill that would finally make real the promise of quality, affordable health care for the American people.

The Affordable Health Care for America Act is a piece of legislation that will provide stability and security for Americans who have insurance; quality affordable options for those who don’t; and bring down the cost of health care for families, businesses, and the government while strengthening the financial health of Medicare. And it is legislation that is fully paid for and will reduce our long-term federal deficit.

Thanks to the hard work of the House, we are just two steps away from achieving health insurance reform in America. Now the United States Senate must follow suit and pass its version of the legislation. I am absolutely confident it will, and I look forward to signing comprehensive health insurance reform into law by the end of the year.

One Step Closer

Gene — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:41:56 EST

The House has passed a health insurance reform bill. Certainly, this is an historic step. But it is only one step. It is now up to the Senate to act. I remain hopeful that comprehensive health insurance reform will be enacted by year's end.

Hooray!

Spin Detective (St. Thomas, VI) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:49:45 EST

The House Health Care Reform Bill has passed. The SILENT MAJORITY’S “public option” train has left the station.

Next stop – the US SENATE at...

www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm www.congress.org

Republican Senatorial ‘conductors’ have pledged to DELAY our ‘arrival’ at the Universal Health Care Reform station.

Get on board. It’s going to be a bumpy ride, BUT don’t let them stop us from getting to our “public option” destination BEFORE 2010!

I Declare! We're Almost There!

Spin Detective (St. Thomas, VI) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:37:00 EST

Members of the SILENT MAJORITY, we’re almost there! Write and call “Blue Dog” Democrats and ALL Congressional House representatives ALL DAY AND NIGHT. The public option is up for a vote in the House. Go to…www.house.gov/writer and/or www.congress.org

Yesterday the House Minority Leader quoted words from the Declaration of Independence as words from the “Constitution” at an Anti- Health Care Reform rally. Today Republican “Break Obama” Lawmakers are conducting a media blitz declaring that they WILL NOT vote for the Health Care Reform Bill and equating the public option with a loss of freedom. Since they don’t know the difference between the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, it’s not surprising that they don’t know the definition of “Option” which is associated with having a choice. "Freedom" of choice is what the "public OPTION" is all about! Functional illiteracy is no excuse for throwing the wishes of 62% of Americans under the bus.

Endorsements

Gene — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:46:26 EST

The AARP and AMA endorsements will, hopefully, help when the House votes Saturday on health care/insurance reform.

You Snooze, You Lose!

Spin Detective (St. Thomas, VI) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:22:15 EST

62% of Americans WANT THE PUBLIC OPTION. Don’t let the public option suffer the same fate as Virginia and New Jersey. New York and California election results proved that you can lose the battle, but not the war! The SILENT MAJORITY must act now, or suffer the consequences later!

1. Expose and challenge “BLUE DOG” DEMOCRAT Congressional Representatives who do not support the public option on ALL Internet venues, in local newspaper letters to the editor and on CONSERVATIVE and MAINSTREAM radio and television talk shows.

2. WRITE to ALL Congressional Representatives! Flood their Congressional mailboxes with letters and e mails detailing your health care woes, your family’s health care woes, and your friend’s health care woes. Send them the DOLLAR FIGURES of your health care physician and hospital balances. WRITING is proven to be the most effective way to make your point when it comes to influencing Congressional representatives. Contact Congressional representatives at…

www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm www.house.gov/writer www.congress.org

If we blow this one, we can’t blame Obama, we can only blame ourselves!

From a Distance

Gene — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:53:29 EST

President Obama will be in Madison tomorrow to talk education reform. Unfortunately, the closest I will get to the president will be watching from my office window as Air Force One flies in and out.

Get out in Front, Mr. President

Gene — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:36:13 EDT

I don't know what President Obama is doing behind the scenes, but it seems to me that he ought to more out front in supporting specific aspects of the respective House and Senate health reform bills, especially as it deals with the public option.

With A Cheesy Apology To Old St. Nick...

Spin Detective (St. Thomas, VI) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:06:18 EDT

Twas the night before November 3rd and all through the states
The pundits were debating the ELECTION fates
In places like New York, New Jersey, Virginia and Nevada
The SILENT MAJORITY arose with a clatter
They threw the “Break Obama” curse out the door
And remembered the ‘dissing’ of Chief Justice Sotomayor
They were unhappy with the blocking of health care for all
The hate, the posters, “You lie!” and more
They were tired of REPUBLICANS with “just say no”
And felt that anti-bi partisanship had to go
They wanted “for the people” representatives to elect
And decided, “I’ll cast my vote” – What the heck!
Fed up with the Limbaughs, “Tea”, FOXes and such
They SILENTLY shouted “Enough is enough!”
Members of the “MAJORITY” spread the word
Make it happen on NOVEMBER 3rd!

President Obama is Coming to Madison

Gene — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:00:06 EDT

President Obama is coming to my adopted hometown, Madison WI, next week to talk education policy. Hopefully it will be a public event so I can attend. More hopefully, I'd like to get my photo with the president since he wasn't able to meet with volunteers after his February 2008 Madison event.

Outta Here

Gene — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:07:32 EDT

So, Senator Lieberman says he'll vote with the Republicans to filibuster a health care reform bill which contains a public option. Leader Reid should be very clear with Lieberman that such a vote would be a ticket out of the Democratic caucus.

Opt Out Option

Gene — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:03:17 EDT

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says the health care reform bill going to the Senate will include an opt-out public option. That's a significant step. Now Senator Reid needs to get those 60 votes needed to prevent and filibuster.

Victory is Near

Gene — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 17:09:06 EDT

Unlike some of my friends, I believe the Obama administration has managed health care reform legislation very well. They gave republicans the opportunity to be defined as the party of no and the friend of the big health insurance lobby. He let them use their own rope to hang themselves. Now we're close to victory. The legislation is not likely to be perfect, but it will certainly give hope to millions and it will serve as a solid base for future improvements.

Are You Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired?

Spin Detective (St. Thomas, VI) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 07:07:27 EDT

Go to… www.honkandwaveforhealthcarereform.com AND www.michaelmoore.com

Respond with Vigor

Gene — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:02:41 EDT

I am glad that the White House, through Robert Gibbs and others, is forcefully responding to the false claims and statements of Dick Cheney, the cable chatterers and others. I trust they will continue to do so.

It Takes Two to Tango!

Spin Detective (St. Thomas, VI) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 11:07:14 EDT

Any campaign promises made by President Obama that he could fulfill with a stroke of a pen were met within weeks of his coming into office. (How quickly we forget!)

Any campaign promises REQUIRING legislation from Congress has been an uphill battle courtesy of the “Break Obama” Blockade.

Ever since he got into office, it has been, blatantly, clear that that anything the President is for, the Republican Blockade is against. As long as the Blockade knows that they can count on Tea Partying Birthers, Right Wing media outlets and pundits, health insurance and NRA lobbyists, Limbaugh, Beck, Hannity, and Palin to further their cause, they will continue to FORSAKE A COUNTRY for the selfish purpose of forsaking a President.

If you want “Campaign Promises” kept, block the Blockade - vote on NOVEMBER 3, 2009 and again in 2010!

(Also, join www.honkand waveforhealthcarereform.com to strengthen the point!)

Pick-Me-Up

Gene — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:11:31 EDT

For those who haven't done so, go to the White House site at www.whitehouse.gov and read President Obama's remarks from the Democratic fundraiser in San Francisco. It is a real pick-me-up.

Anti-Trust Review

Gene — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:59:12 EDT

It is certainly appropriate for Congress to review the anti-trust exemption enjoyed by the health insurance industry.

Jobs Celebration

Gene — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:10:00 EDT

The DOW topping 10,000 today is a good thing for me and millions of American's retirement funds. However, I sure hope we can soon celebrate the creation of tens of thousands of new new jobs and the return of tens of thousands to their previous jobs.

The Sausage Making Begins

Gene — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:09:37 EDT

Now that all five committees of jurisdiction have passed a health care bill, the real work of making sausage begins. It won't be easy or pretty. Hopefully, the House and Senate versions will be more similar than not. While Republican input and support should be welcome, the Democrats must get united and ultimately pass true reform.

The “Silent Majority” Has Spoken!

Spin Detective (St. Thomas, VI) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:40:37 EDT

Good for you SILENT MAJORITY, ALL Democrat Senate Finance Committee members, and Senate Republican Snowe. We did it! We finally got the BEGINNINGS of Health Care Reform out of the Senate Finance Committee.

Our work has just begun. We cannot rest until COMPREHENSIVE Health Care Reform is signed into law...

We must continue to honkandwaveforhealthcarereform.com.

We must continue to “lobby the lobbyists” to fight for our health care rights.

We must continue to push “Break Obama” Lawmakers towards “quality, affordable health care for all”.

Here are the Republican Senate Finance Committee members who DID NOT vote Health Care Reform out of the Senate Finance Committee:

Orrin Hatch (Republican-Utah)

Charles Grassley (Republican – Iowa)

John Ensign (Republican-Nevada)

John Kyl (Republican-Arizona)

Jim Bunnings (Republican- Kentucky)

Mike Crapo (Republican Indiana)

Pat Roberts (Republican-Kansas)

Mike Enzi (Republican – Wyoming)

John Cornyn (Republican-Texas)

Here are Congressional toll free numbers to let them know how you feel:

1-800-828-0498
1-877-264-4226
1-877-210-5351

It's Time to Lobby the Lobbyists!

Spin Detective (St. Thomas, VI) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:01:21 EDT

The health insurance industry is shelling out millions to spin data, support “Tea Party” demonstrations, and influence Congressional representatives to fight against Health Care Reform. So, in addition to joining www.honkandwaveforhealthcarereform.com, the SILENT MAJORITY must, also, “lobby the lobbyists”!

Search the web for “Health Lobbyists Directories” – there are plenty. Call, e-mail, write to, tweet, facebook, my space, digg, you tube health insurance lobbyists with a simple message:

“Lobby health care for me!”

Patience

Gene — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 08:19:41 EDT

What's a guy to do? President Obama gets criticized for moving too fast on this and too slow on that. Often, this and that are interchangeable within any given day or week. Most would agree that he has set an ambitious agenda; there is much on the plate. So, let's take him on his word that he wants to get many things done and let's be patient as it all works its way through the various bureaucratic channels.

Honk, Wave, Campaign and VOTE!

Spin Detective (St. Thomas, VI) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:42:36 EDT

In addition to joining www.honkandwaveforhealthcarereform.com, don’t forget to campaign, register and vote in your state’s NOVEMBER 3, 2009 special election cycle and in preparation for the 2010 Midterm elections.

Go to…

www.elections[type in your state].gov

WHY?

To elect “for the people” government representatives rather than those who represent…

the “people’s business” taking a 'back door' to the “breaking” of a President; health insurance lobbyists’ interests above “quality, affordable health care for all”; “ugly American”izing the President’s Nobel Peace Prize; the block vote against Chief Justice Sotomayor; making a mockery of bipartisanship; Limbaugh; “Tea Parties”; legislation for NRA lobbyists’ interests for guns in National Parks, on trains and in bars; hate, discord and death threats; openly celebrating America’s loss of Olympics 2012; Health Care Forum outbursts; lies; “I want my country back” birthers; prostitute and pimp ‘tricks’ against Katrina, home foreclose, predatory lender, public school relief and voter registration services for the economically disadvantaged; Beck; racist posters and labels; misinformation; Palin; hypocrisy; “bully pulpits”; Hannity; “You lie!”

Congratulations

Gene — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:28:55 EDT

Congratulations President Obama for winning the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize.

“Honk and Wave for Health Care Reform” - Be a Part of It!

Spin Detective (St. Thomas, VI) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:48:56 EDT

Go to

www.honkandwaveforheallthcarereform.com

digg.com/political.../I_Support_Health_Care_Reform

www.flickr.com/photos/bluheron/3924706881/ -

www2.ljworld.com/.../group-holding-honk-and-wave-event-raise-awareness-/ -

www.lcpj.org/lcpj/?q=node/972 -

www.kdhnews.com/news/story.aspx?s=35479 –

www.facebook.se/event.php?eid=277842305345

www.reddit.com/.../prohealth_care_reform_protest_tomorrow_in_houston/

www.publicnewsservice.org/print.php?key=7966-1 –

www.seiu.org/mt/mt-search.cgi?blog_id=1&tag...20

www.progressohio.org/page/community/post/.../CqTg

www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=148899005356

www.youtube.com/user/archivemaster2001

twitter.com/Vtworkerscenter

www.workerscenter.org/node?page=2 -

The People's Advocate.

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 12:52:54 EDT

It's like the Great Wind is pushing/propelling This Strong Leader into Greatness.

He's not afraid to take a chance.

The elected republican officials saw a chance to ridicule and cause mayhem...The American People saw a Leader go to another Country to fight and advocate on their behalf and tell other Countries about the greatness, the persistence, and the diligence of the American People...now tell me...would people rather have a person kicking, marginalizing, ridiculing and downing them when they are going through, sick, jobless, suffering or would they want someone whose fighting for them and trying to better their lives, their children's lives, and their children's children lives.

I wonder if yesterday's episode of the Republican elected officials handclapping, cheering, and glazed-eyed eerily gleefully grinning when the American People lost the Bid for the Olympics, will be the proverbial straw that breaks the camel's back.

Hmmmm...I wonder and I hope SO.

2016 Olympics

Gene — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 21:44:17 EDT

Good luck in Copenhagen, Mr. President. Hosting the 2016 Olympic Games would be great for Chicago, its northern neighbors in Wisconsin, and the United States of America.

Senate Finance Committee Members Who Voted AGAINST the Public Option

Spin Detective (St. Thomas, VI) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 21:08:39 EDT

Orrin Hatch (Republican-Utah)

Charles Grassley (Republican – Iowa)

Olympia Snowe (Republican – Maine)

John Ensign (Republican-Nevada)

John Kyl (Republican-Arizona)

Jim Bunnings (Republican- Kentucky)

Mike Crapo (Republican Indiana)

Pat Roberts (Republican-Kansas)

Mike Enzi (Republican – Wyoming)

John Cornyn (Republican-Texas)

Max Baucaus (Democrat-Montana)

Kent Conrad (Democrat – North Dakota)

Blanche Lincoln (Democrat – Arkansas)

Thomas Carper (Democrat – Delaware)

Bill Nelson (Democrat- Florida)

Here are toll free numbers to Congress:

1-800-828-0498
1-877-264-4226
1-877-210-5351

S.O.S.

Spin Detective (St. Thomas, VI) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 22:31:38 EDT

The Senate is holding fast AGAINST THE PUBLIC OPTION. There’s a pretty good chance that they will succeed!

The Silent Majority CANNOT afford to remain silent any longer!

Let your voice be heard or suffer the consequences!

CAMPAIGN for the Public Option!

Don’t let the “Tea Partiers” have the LAST WORD!

Ride the Train with your Six Gun

Gene — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:08:57 EDT

Congress is considering legislation which would allow people to carry weapons in checked luggage on Amtrak trains. They can't do health care, energy, or other important legislation, but they can do something which simply makes no sense. If this foolishness gets through both houses, I trust the president will have the sense to veto it.

Setting the Record Straight on “Bully Pulpits”

Spin Detective (St. Thomas, VI) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:28:40 EDT

REPUBLICAN Lawmakers, RIGHT WING radio/television talk show hosts, and pundits are pandering ANOTHER SCRIPTED LABEL for the President saying that he is using the “BULLY PULPIT” to fight for YOUR health care rights. They ought to know something about “bully pulpits” because THEY PERFECTED IT!

Radio and television talk show hosts ranting, raving and promoting lies, hate and discord IS A BULLY PULPIT!
Flaunting hate and racism under the guise of “TEA PARTY” posters, guns and rifles IS A BULLY PULPIT!
Shouting down elected officials at Health Care Forums IS A BULLY PULPIT!
CHRISTIAN ministers preaching death to a President FROM THE PULPIT IS A BULLY PULPIT!
Misrepresenting “prostitutes and pimps” to topple a community based organization that rescued thousands of Katrina victims, saved thousands from home foreclosures and predatory lenders, and rescued thousands of public schools IS A BULLY PULPIT!
Shouting "You Lie!" during a President's Congressional Address IS A BULLY PULPIT!

SO, BEFORE YOU START MISREPRESENTING MY PRESIDENT’S FIGHT FOR “QUALITY, AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE FOR ALL” AS A “BULLY PULPIT”, TAKE YOUR BULLIES AND YOUR PULPITS AND PREACH TO YOUR OWN CHOIR BECAUSE RATIONALE AMERICANS CAN REASON FOR THEMSELVES AND WE KNOW THOSE WHO ARE THE REAL BULLIES!

Full Plate Overwhelms Media

Gene — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 08:48:13 EDT

We have a lot on our plate -- issues of war and peace, health care, the economy and more. President Obama is trying to move all these matters in a positive direction. Congress has difficulties dealing with more than one issue. The 24-hour news cycle has an even more difficult time covering multiple issues. In fact, they have a problem effectively dealing with one major issue.

Help Wanted!

Spin Detective (St. Thomas, VI) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 08:21:20 EDT

JOB OPPORTUNITY:

“BLUE DOG” Democrats are having an IDENTIY CRISIS!
They think that they are REPUBLICANS!
They sided with REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS on carrying guns in National Parks, on trains, and in bars!
They are siding with REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS on WATERING DOWN YOUR health care rights towards MORE OF THE SAME!

JOB DESCRIPTION:

ADOPT a “BLUE DOG” DEMOCRAT.
TRAIN the ‘BLUE DOG” to fight for YOUR health care rights.
If training fails, LET THE “BLUE DOG” KNOW that you will REPLACE him with a “PURE BREED” Democrat in 2010!

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

MUST be a member of the “SILENT MAJORITY”!

SALARY:

“Quality, affordable health care FOR ALL”. (Personal health care-related bankruptcies NOT included)

WORK BEGINS IMMEDIATELY!

(This is NOT a joke!)

If Conservative interests groups....

Spin Detective (St. Thomas, VI) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 06:49:06 EDT

can only come up with the misrepresentation of "PROSTITUTES AND PIMPS" to topple an EFFECTIVE community-based organization of thousands based on the alledged behavior of four, what does that tell you about THEIR moral values. This community-based organization saved thousands of Katrina victims; rescued thousands from home foreclosures and predatory lenders, and rescued thousands of public schools. Why aren't we hearing about THAT in media coverage of ACORN?

Great Speeches

Gene — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:52:58 EDT

President Obama gave two great speeches at the UN this week. There are many places to go to read the speeches, including www.whitehouse.gov.

When the U.S. Senate…

Spin Detective (St. Thomas, VI) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:13:05 EDT

can pass legistation to carry guns in National Parks, on trains, and in bars, but CANNOT come up with HEALTH CARE REFORM LEGISLATION, who do our Senate representatives work for, the NRA or the AMERICAN PEOPLE?

Regulate Compensation

Gene — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:56:34 EDT

In Sunday’s NY Times, Nobel economist Paul Krugman argues for regulating financial industry compensation (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/21/opinion/21krugman.html?ref=global-home). He is correct, and the Obama administration should be supportive of efforts by the Federal Reserve to do so.

It WILL Pass!

Spin Detective (St. Thomas, VI) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 11:41:17 EDT

Republican Lawmakers are no longer ‘sugar coating” their DETERMINATION to NOT PASS Health Care Reform legislation. Whenever they are asked about the passage of Health Care Reform on the airways, their UNIFIED RESPONSE is, “IT WON’T PASS”.

COUNTER their claim with three words: “It WILL Pass”

BUT FIRST, YOU MUST TELL Democrat and Independent Lawmakers that you ARE NOT satisfied with the “status quo”; you SUPPORT their efforts to legislate Health Care Reform, and their VOTE for Health Care Reform legislation will influence YOUR SUPPORT for their reelection in 2010. (Let’s face it. That’s what many ‘on the fence’ and “Blue Dog” Democrat Lawmakers are worried about, and YOU CAN’T BLAME THEM when Conservative “squeaky wheels” are making the loudest noise. We must let Democrat Lawmakers KNOW that WE “have their backs” AND MEAN IT like WE did in 2008!)

RALLY FOR HEALTH CARE REFORM LIKE YOU RALLIED FOR “YES WE CAN”!

Remember how good that made you feel?

10 Ways We ALL Can Participate in a HEALTHY Health Care Reform Debate

Spin Detective (St. Thomas, VI) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 09:26:13 EDT

PROTEST is great. GROTESQUE is not. Here are 10 ways We ALL can participate in a HEALTHY Health Care Reform Debate.

1. TELL THE SPONSORS of radio and television talk shows that PROMOTE hatred and death, that you are ASHAMED that they would ALLOW THEIR PRODUCT to be associated with that type of subject matter.

2. If you are a member of a CHRISTIAN congregation, and your minister starts preaching hate and death threats, STAND up and say “ENOUGH”.

3. If you are at a Tea Party rally and the ORGANIZERS of that rally start handing out mass produced posters with wording related to hate or death, tear up the poster and throw it away.

4. If you are a member of the NRA, let your PROTEST LEADERS know that displaying guns and rifles are fine at a NRA convention, but have no place at a CIVIL demonstration where the lives of innocent people are at stake.

5. If you are a radio talk show host, protest, but TELL THE TRUTH WITHOUT HATE OR RACIST LABELS.

6. If you are a Republican Lawmaker, Party leader or pundit, don’t SILENTLY OR VERBALLY CONDONE behavior that you KNOW IN YOUR HEART IS NOT SYMBOLIC of the tenants of your Party.

7. If you are a Right Wing blogger, blog the FACTS about your disagreement, not the FAIRY TALES.

8. THINK about the MESSAGE you are giving to our CHILDREN BEFORE you act.

9. If you are a Republican, Democrat or Independent Party member who wants to elevate protest to the level in which our Founding Fathers intended in the Constitution, DEMAND IT.

10. “Take back your country”, DON’T LET LIES, HATRED AND DEATH THREATS DEFINE ITS “PROTEST” DESTINY.

My Ear Infection KNOWS NO RACE...

Spin Detective (St. Thomas, VI) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 20:08:26 EDT

Cancer is a disease that KNOWS NO RACE. A broken leg is an injury that KNOWS NO RACE. Glaucoma is an eye disease that KNOWS NO RACE. A toothache is a pain that KNOWS NO RACE? So why has RACE jumped to the forefront of the Health Care Reform debate?

BECAUSE THE CONSERVATIVE RIGHT WING FRINGE ELEMENT PUT IT OUT THERE. If you recall, the linkage of race and Health Care Reform DID NOT BECOME AN ISSUE UNTIL THE AUGUST RECESS. So, why are Republican Lawmakers/Party Leaders and Right Wing radio and television talk show hosts and pundits minimizing, defending, and acting like THEY’RE the victims of an ugly situation that THEIR FRINGE ELEMENT STARTED?

Labels like “Nazi” and “socialist” are not the issue. Plenty of political figures have been faced with those types of labels when the opposition disagrees with their policies. The RACISM AND LIFE-THREATENING FACTORS ARISE when a Christian Minister calls for the “death” of President FROM THE PULPIT, when a radio talk show host blogs that the President an “Indonesian thug”, when a mass produced Tea Party poster states that the President “should be buried with the Senator”, when for the first time in history a Congressman disrespects the OFFICE of the Presidency by shouting out “You lie” during a Congressional address, when mass produced Tea Party posters portray the President as an African witch doctor, when Health Care Forum outbursts link “taking back my country” with falsehoods regarding the President’s place of birth, when a Health Care Forum poster states “Death to the President, Michele, and his two stupid kids”, when Health Care Forum participants appear with openly displayed guns and rifles.

DOWNPLAYING REALITY won’t make it go away, fans the flames and is GROSSLY irresponsible. If you want to stop being called a “racist”, TELL THE LEADERS OF YOUR FRINGE ELEMENT, “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH” because…

QUALITY, AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE FOR AN EAR INFECTION, CANCER, GLAUCOMA, A BROKEN LEG, OR A TOOTHACHE KNOWS NO RACE!

The HIDDEN AGENDA Behind the ACORN Outcry

Spin Detective (St. Thomas, VI) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:51:47 EDT

(The opinions expressed in this message are NOT about race. They are about PARTY SURVIVAL.)

If you look back in time, you will note that attacks against ACORN ARE ALWAYS initiated by CONSERVATIVE interest groups. You will, also, note that Conservative-led ACORN attacks ALWAYS take place BEFORE A CRITICAL national election cycle whether it be presidential or congressional. WHY IS THAT?

This is not a message to CONDONE any ALLEDGED inappropriate behavior by any ACORN representative IF it is proven to be true, but, in the interest of due process, it is important to look at the OVERALL WORTH of that organization. Besides, contributing towards thousands of homes for Katrina victims, saving thousands of Americans from home foreclosures and predatory lenders, and coming to the rescue of thousands of public schools, ACORN has been extremely effective IN REGISTERING ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED VOTERS.

REPUBLICANS ARE MASTERS AT MOBILIZING THEIR BASE. However, they know that they CANNOT count on minority votes in the 2010 Midterm Elections PARTICULARLY AFTER THEY ‘DISSED’ CHIEF JUSTICE SOTOMAYOR AND THE PRESIDENT. Their best bet towards solving that problem is to DECREASE voter registrations by BLOCKING ACORN’s ability to register minority-based, economically disadvantaged voters.

IT’S NOT ABOUT RACE, IT’S ABOUT SURVIVAL, BUT IF THEY SUCCEED, IT WILL BE A SAD COMMENTARY TOWARDS THE LONG AND, SOMETIMES, BLOODY STRUGGLE MEMBERS OF EVERY RACE, COLOR AND CREED ENDURED TO PROTECT ALL AMERICAN CITIZENS’ RIGHT TO VOTE!

The FINAL PROOF That Republicans DON’T Want Health Care Reform.

Spin Detective (St. Thomas, VI) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:08:53 EDT

Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus has unveiled a health care plan. EVERY COUNTER PROPOSAL REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS ASKED FOR IS IN THAT PLAN: no public option, non-profit health cooperatives, mandatory health care coverage, malpractice mandates, pre-existing condition mandates, a ban on illegal immigrants' ability to purchase insurance plans.

NOT ONE REPUBLICAN LAWMAKER ISSUED A STATEMENT OF SUPPORT FOR THE PLAN. This is a SLAP TO THE ‘FACE’ OF BIPARTISANSHIP. Democratic Lawmakers have COMPROMISED to accommodate ALL of the Republican Lawmakers' DEMANDS, and the REPUBLICANS HAVE TOLD THEM TO TAKE A HIKE!

This is the FINAL PROOF that the REPUBLICAN “BREAK OBAMA’ BLOCKADE HAS NO INTENTIONS OF PASSING HEALTH CARE REFORM LEGISLATION.

THE DEMOCRATS MUST GO IT ALONE!

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT – MOBILIZE AND DEMAND IT!

Baucus Plan Needs Work

Gene — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:51:36 EDT

I give the Baucus health insurance reform plan a grade of c+. It needs a lot of work yet.

Minority Alert...

Spin Detective (St. Thomas, VI) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:20:11 EDT

MINORITIES BEWARE!

Expressing your support for the President, outrage at Senator Wilson, disgust with Tea Party racism SOLELY on minority-based media outlets IS NOT ENOUGH. You must, ALSO, transmit those expressions to MAINSTREAM MEDIA OUTLETS as well. When the MAINSTREAM MEDIA reports its polls, THOSE POLLS DO NOT REFLECT YOU. The only way to let the MAINSTREAM know your feelings is to ADD THEM to your electronic transmission list.

ALSO, Right Wing defenders are JUMPING ON PRESIDENT CARTER for “calling them out” on RACISM. Let the mainstream media know that PRESIDENT CARTER IS NOT ALONE!

The HIDDEN MESSAGE Behind “Obama Care”

Spin Detective (St. Thomas, VI) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:34:54 EDT

Health Care Reform is NOT ONLY about President Obama. It’s about “quality, affordable health care for ALL”. President John F. Kennedy fought for it. President Lyndon B. Johnson fought for it. President Bill Clinton fought for it. Senator Ted Kennedy fought for it.

So why has “quality, affordable health care for all” SUDDENLY been SOLELY ASSOCIATED with President Obama?

The term “Obama Care” was INITIALLY put out there by CONSERVATIVE radio and television media outlets. Then the MAINSTREAM media took the bait. Individuals who are “Anti-Obama” will get riled up about ANYTHING associated with HIS name.

THAT’S THE PLAN - DEFEAT HEALTH CARE REFORM AND MOBILIZE THE CONSERVATIVE BASE for 2010!

WE NEED TO:

a. "Call them out: whenever any of us uncovers one of their "take back our country" strategies, and

b Start MOBILIZING our "Yes We Can" 2010 Campaign from TODAY!

President Calls for End to Short-Term Greed

Gene — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:07:18 EDT

President Obama's Wall Street speech today was important for many reason. I think the most important message, though understated by the president, was that short-term greed at the expense of shareholders and, potentially, the entire economy should not be allowed. The president called on Wall Street to be accountable and responsible -- even before long-overdue regulation is enacted.

Because They Can….

Spin Detective (St. Thomas, VI) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 20:24:23 EDT

BEFORE the August Recess I wrote a number of blogs warning about the LIES, DECEIT, DECEPTION AND FEAR TACTICS Republican Lawmakers and THEIR EXTREMIST SPOKESPERSONS would use to fight quality, affordable health care for all and I was right.

I warned that “HLB [Hannites, Limbaughs, and Becks] & Company and their birther zombies would pull out all their dirty tricks [lies, drama, misleading information, ‘isms’ and ‘ists’] to scare you, Democrat ‘on the fence’ Lawmakers and Republican centrists Lawmakers during the Break” and they did and STILL ARE. I warned that they would “manipulate liberal and centrist media to ramp up their sky is falling mind games” and they did and STILL ARE. I warned that they could care less about bipartisanship unless they “got their way”, and they are well on their way.

The one thing I failed to state in my warnings (because it was UNTHINKABLE at the time) was the depths they would go to DEFAME THE RESULTS OF A DEMOCRATIC PROCESS AND THE OFFICE of the Presidency, but THEY DID.

Why have Republican Lawmakers and THEIR EXTREMISTS SPOKESPERSONS been able to get away with it? BECAUSE THEY CAN.

PROVE ME WRONG!

Focus on Positive

Gene — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 19:57:49 EDT

There's a fine line between calling out Joe Wilson for his boorish behavior and turning him into a folk hero of the lunatic fringe right. The media exposure has garnered him hundreds of thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, the media has taken the time to help explain the president's health care proposal to the American people. Yes, there are some complexities in the details, but the overriding points of emphasis are simple enough if the media would focus a bit more on the positive.

Let THEM Hear You ROAR!

Spin Detective (St. Thomas, VI) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 22:15:35 EDT

President Obama’s Health Care Reform Address to Congress HIT THE SPOT! HE clarified HIS Health Care Reform “Plan”, and HE “called them out” on THEIR Health Care Reform lies. HE gave credit AND pledged support for Health Care proposals that THEY put forth, and HE let THEM know, under no uncertain terms, that HE would no longer tolerate THEIR BLATANT abuse of the Office of the Presidency.

One of THEM, DISRESPECTFULLY, shouted out “You lie!”, and a few times, THEY ALL openly scoffed, BUT…

THEY and OTHERS like THEM didn’t elect HIM to the Presidency.

YOU did!

HE did HIS job to fight for YOUR health care rights.

Now it’s time for YOU to do yours.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT.

Let THEM hear you ROAR!

Guaranteed Health Care In Iraq - But Not For You

korkie — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:32:43 EDT

You may want to sit down to read this one ....

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mark-dorlester/guaranteed-health-care-in_b_280528.html

My Experience at a Town Hall Meeting on Health Care Reform

FREDERICA — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:51:55 EDT

At the Lexington Town Hall meeting instead of showing the President's plan they showed the GOP plan (chart included).
At the Lexington Hall Meeting there was majority Republicans of course, and a few Democrats. There was a share of outbursts here and there.
I sat up front and got to ask the people around me their opinion on Health Care. Some were unsure about it. Dr. John Black, the President, SC Medical Assoc. Said the? Doctor association (don't remember the name) was supporting the President's Plan, because of duress. Rep. Joe Wilson also echoed that other groups were under duress, to support the plan. What I find so interesting about Dr. Black everything he would support in a Bill in Health Care Reform is already in the President's plan. The folks love it, but they didn't understand that this is part of the President's Plan not the GOP.

Rep. Joe Wilson continuously spread some of the same falsehoods Republicans have been spreading in emails. He said that Abortion is mention through out this bill, which is False. He talked about the so called death panel and how the illegal aliens would take advantage of the Presidents plans. Some Democrats were fed up of the falsehoods and would shout out liar. Any information in reference to the President’s Health Care Reform Joe Wilson talked about has been proven false by the Media and the White House. Questions were put on post cards and drawn from a box. All the questions we heard were from Republicans. (Not to add there were several duplicate questions on the Post cards which was a waste of time.) I guess they were afraid of the questions if people got up to use a microphone.

There was one short elder lady that kept interrupting and calling Joe Wilson a liar with some shouts about Iraq. She kept getting reprimanded by the man reading the Questions on stage. At one point Joe Wilson directly reprimanded her for her out bursts (something about comparing to a chair and table). People were yelling at her to leave. After it was almost over she got up to leave and Republicans were roaring and clapping. As she was leaving and Joe Wilson was speaking she yelled something and another elder man went over and looked like touch her arm (? I guess to take her out). The elder gentlemen she was with stood in front of her and stared the other elderly man down.

After the meeting I went over to Speak to Rep. Wilson to ask a question. There were several people trying to ask questions and I was directly standing beside Rep. Wilson and every time I tried to get in to ask a question he seem to keep to turning around in the circle to answer someone else's question. Not to say this figured into the picture, but I was probably suspected as a supporter for the President since I am African American, and I was the only African I noticed in the crowd trying to ask Rep. Joe Wilson a question after the meeting. There were some people who kept mentioning after the last person had finish with their question, I was trying to ask a question. (He seem to keep turning in a circle in the other direction to answers someone else's question, mind you again I was directly next to him). The agent? I assume who was with Rep. Wilson said he would make sure I would get to speak to Rep. Wilson.

I ask Rep. Wilson How can he explain for Canada, who he said has everyone on a 6 months waiting list, can some how be able to provide health care since 2007 for any American unemployed or simply cannot afford insurance in the United States to come there to gain health care for a small fee? How can he justify the United States can't take care of his own? He gave be a blip answer, we can't afford it, and tried to turn away.
I then said the President's Public option was not free and that people would have to pay for it. The plan also help covers the gap for those that can’t pay for private insurance.
He also later said each country should take care of its own. Mind you Joe Wilson is not interested in providing insurance option such as a public plan so how could he say the United States will take care of its own? The folks chimed in...

He tried to mention the Trillion dollars the President’s health care program would cost and I said I understood it to be in the billions.

He tried to mention all the illegal aliens that have been driving up the cost, (when he mentions illegal aliens everyone began yelling about the illegal aliens. I had one woman pointing at me and screaming. I looked at her and looked away. I told him of all the millions Americans who drive up cost by using the emergency rooms to get medical attention.

He then mention all the small businessmen that would go out of business and all the people with private insurance would be removed from their personal insurance plan and I explained a public plan would be good for the small businessmen that could not afford providing insurance to their employees. Employees would be able to buy affordable insurance on their own, and people with private insurance would still be able to keep their insurance.

He kept trying to make people fear government involved in health care throughout the town hall meeting and when I was talking to him, I also ask him if he is going to ask all these folks around him to get off Medicare since Medicare is ran by the government. I then ask him does he support Medicare and he did say yes.
There was another woman next to me who kept yelling I was wrong about the small businessmen not going out of business. She said she would explain it to me, and I looked at her and told her I didn't want to hear from her because anything she had to say would be biased. Rep. Joe Wilson looked over his shoulder and smiled at her. (I had overheard earlier this same woman talking to one of Joe's Wilson's people. Apparently she and Rep. Wilson have talked before and also I overheard her tell she works for the Insurance Industry).
We had some other comments back and forth but that’s about the gist of it.
I had all the questions I could think of and so I left. On my way out small businessmen shook my hand and told me he actually understood the questions I asked Rep. Joe Wilson. He thought the President plans was a good plan, but was concerned about some of the penalties (some more of the Falsehoods Joe Wilson put out there at this Town Hall meeting).
Actually I believe majority of those people in that room would support a Public choice, but the Republicans are making it sound bad. One lady told Joe she was mad and she was afraid that the government was going to take her Medicare. Do you think Joe Wilson told her she shouldn’t worry about that in the President’s plan? NO, he didn’t tell her she was wrong, he overlooked this and referenced what he would not support this bill. One gentleman told Joe Wilson that he hopes he can put out more information about the Health Care Reform bill, because he just didn’t have enough information about it. C'mon he isn't going to get the correct information from Representative Republican Joe Wilson.

Well that's my long story, and my last Town Hall meeting on Health Care, so my mom can stop worrying.

CNN and our dear President

Dawn in Arizona — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 10:48:56 EDT

President Obama is hard at work - working for us, not taking vacation after vacation in hard times as baby Bush did.!

So, how can we help? and in a stay at home easy manner?

Let's get busy with the public opinion polls out there, for instance the CNN polls. CNN has stayed for sometime on the polls about what Obama is doing or thinking of doing. The results are not good!

Make no mistake- these polls push what used to be called op-ed pieces(our polling indicates..).

Right now the CNN home page has yet another "what do you think about Obama" poll.

Please get in there and tick the box FOR President Obama and what he is working hard to get done!

This will push the station and all the producers, editors, staff writers and on-air folks to report the "findings". The far right is using these polls to take down public support for our President!

On the main CNN page is the poll, it will only take you a minute to scroll down and add you vote.

We must stay active!

Here is the link http://www.cnn.com/

Take a look at the unbalanced results and help our dear President!

RT March and Rally for Health Care and Health Insurance Reform, Washington, D.C., September 13, 2009

korkie — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 08:02:57 EDT

C. Press Release Julie paulsen

AMERICANS UNITED FOR HEALTH CARE AND INSURANCE REFORM

http://www.americansunitedhcr.wordpress.com

Sioux City, Iowa 51108

Phone/Fax (712) 239-0992

Direct Questions to:

americansunitedhcr@cableone.net

Press Release

Contact: Julie Paulsen

americansunitedhcr@cableone.net

FOR IMMEDIATE 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.

Dear Mr. President

korkie — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:43:16 EDT

We've worked to hard to get you here and have earned the promises you made to us.
Do you remember 'YES WE CAN.' We certainly remember, 'YES WE DID.'

We did our part, will you do yours? The Health Care Reform is worthless without Public Option. It will still allow insurance companies to control the costs, and continue to make it out of reach for many millions Americans.

There are many reasons our citizens die. One should not be because they can not afford medical insurance.
Will you write a letter to their relatives expressing your condolences and tell 'them next time around maybe we will get this right.'

State of Health/Insurance Reform

Gene — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:01:11 EDT

I'm already looking forward to President Obama's health care/insurance reform speech to Congress next Wednesday.

Let's Get Something (Good) Done

Gene — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:14:20 EDT

I now agree with those (Daschle, Dole, et.al.) who are calling for President Obama to take a more direct leadership role in gaining passage of health care/insurance reform. It seems clear that some Republicans the president has been dealing with in hopes of bi-partisan legislation have no interest in changing the status quo. We cannot allow pursuit of the perfect to impede progress. The president should announce a specific proposal and push strongly for enactment.

Disreputable Statements

Gene — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:43:30 EDT

Now we've got Republican members of Congress joking about Obama tags (hunting licenses), calling for "the great white hope", and praising self-identifying terrorists. This has got to stop. Frankly, these people bring disrepute to the Congress and they should be brought before the ethics committee and sanctioned.

A Final Tribute to Senator Kennedy

Gene — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:57:46 EDT

Let us remember the inspiration of this great public servant. What better tribute could there be than for all to re-dedicate ourselves to the passage of true health care/insurance reform legislation. Together, we can.

Wouldn't it be Nice

Gene — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:11:22 EDT

It sure will be nice when there is but one piece of health care/insurance legislation pending, so we can start talking about specifics instead of conjecture/speculation.

It's not Magic

Gene — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:15:11 EDT

HR 3200 is the most recent edition of the America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009 as adopted by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on July 31, 2009. Following is what one representative page (page 9) in the 1,017 page document looks like. Note there are 24 lines and about 130 words. As a comparison, four of seven Harry Potter books have more pages, and the Order of the Phoenix has nearly twice as many words.

1 similar charges but does not include premiums or

2 any network payment differential for covered serv-

3 ices or spending for non-covered services.

4 (5) DEPENDENT.—The term “dependent” has

5 the meaning given such term by the Commissioner

6 and includes a spouse.

7 (6) EMPLOYMENT-BASED HEALTH PLAN.—The

8 term “employment-based health plan”—

9 (A) means a group health plan (as defined

10 in section 733(a)(1) of the Employee Retire-

11 ment Income Security Act of 1974); and

12 (B) includes such a plan that is the fol-

13 lowing:

14 (i) FEDERAL, STATE, AND TRIBAL

15 GOVERNMENTAL PLANS.—A governmental

16 plan (as defined in section 3(32) of the

17 Employee Retirement Income Security Act

18 of 1974), including a health benefits plan

19 offered under chapter 89 of title 5, United

20 States Code.

21 (ii) CHURCH PLANS.—A church plan

22 (as defined in section 3(33) of the Em-

23 ployee Retirement Income Security Act of

24 1974).

NH Forum an Example of a Productive Forum

Gene — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 19:10:07 EDT

President Obama did a great job at his health care insurance forum in NH today. Hopefully, similar Congressional forums throughout the country will be held in a like environment of courtesy and thoughtfulness.

Share the Facts

Gene — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:11:20 EDT

The White House has launched a new online resource to separate fact from fiction and provide the truth about health insurance reform. Check it out and share this with friends: WhiteHouse.gov/RealityCheck

Pardon Me, I'm Only The Patient

Dawn in Arizona — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:33:40 EDT

Pardon Me!

The title of this says a lot. Going to doctors has become quite difficult as they and the health care industry is run by the insurance companies, not the needs of a patient or what the doctor thinks is best for his/her patient but by a huge industry set on making money..only!

The GOP is putting out scarey ideas:

the government wants to take over our private lives

the government wants to kill older people

On and on they go while all the time taking money to work not for the people of this country who elected them but for the money, the power to control our lives and our health care.

Let us tell the truth! What IS a Preferred Provider list but simply a list of doctors in the pockets of the insurance industry? Already we are limited to what tests we can get, what treatments we can obtain and why? Because the doctors themselves have been up for sale and bought.

I just changed doctors because of this reason - a doctor that I must pay up front because he is not on The List. Now, finally, a few simple tests will be ordered to keep an eye on my health. With his help perhaps I will have the correct medication. This is life changing, good intelligent health care. But now my husband and I will be punished by the far to big health care insurance company. Who wants to bet they will not cover simple blood tests? Or new meds that work.

All of this is so wrong and thank God we have a President who is willing to go up against the power and fight for us, the patients.

We Won't Quit

Gene — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:56:33 EDT

President Obama was right today, the American people won't give up. We'll get through these difficult times. We'll get health care insurance reform despite the often ugly efforts of those opposed to helping the middle class. Together, we can.

MYTH BUSTERS: Health insurance reform vs. small business

Tom Hayes, working for change — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 16:41:03 EDT

There’s no shortage of allegations that small business will be hurt by healthcare legislation, as Nancy Duff Campbell, a founder and co-president of the National Women’s Law Center, points out today at Reuters, with: “Women small business owners really need healthcare reform“ (subtitled: We need reform.)

Small businesses owners are suffering from the current system. That graduated surcharge that some say is a job killer? Campbell found that only 1.2% of all taxpayers, including 4-5% of those with some business income, would be affected. Not exactly a death-knell for job creation when you examine the spin coming from big insurance companies more closely.

Respond to the Lies

Gene — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 20:02:04 EDT

I continue to hear opponents of health care insurance reform talk about the democrat's plan putting a government bureaucrat between a patient and their doctor. While this is blatantly not true, I don't hear a good response from the democrats. Wouldn't it be easy to at least point out that under the current system there is a health insurance bureaucrat standing between the patient and their doctor; one who is not only paid to say no, but whose career is often based on how often and how well they say no.

Spineless GOP Leadership is Unpatriotic

Gene — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 19:51:03 EDT

With the fringe right, conservative radio entertainers and others claiming President Obama is an illegal alien, racist, and/or socialist, the silence of elected Republicans is deafening. In fact is unpatriotic.

The Simple Truth

Gene — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 21:37:08 EDT

I am tired not just of the half-truths and lies from Republicans and Limbaugh Luddites, but I really wish President Obama and others would counter with some simple truths. Two examples: 1) opponents of the president have recently started to scare Americans about the rising deficit and debt, when the simple truth is that much of the problem stems from Republicans failing to pay for tax breaks for the rich, failed to budget for two wars, and allowed, through regulatory inaction, the financial mess Obama inherited; and, 2) when opponents of health care/insurance reform talk of 1,000 page legislative proposals, show the American people a sample page, which will make clear that in the world most Americans are familiar with those 1,000 pages shrink by 70 or 80 percent. The simple truth will go a long way to helping Americans better understand the arguments.

A Good Read

Gene — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:10:46 EDT

I finished reading the 1,000+ page House health care reform bill. While over 1,000 pages, an honest person would point out that is double-spaced, line-numbered, Congressional print. In regular print, and especially without all the duplicated legal language, it'd like be about a third of that; still a bit daunting, but nowhere near as bad as some would like us to believe. But then opponents of health care/insurance reform will grasp at any straw in their efforts to scare Americans.

Eight Basic Consumer Protections

Gene — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 18:06:07 EDT

Part of President Obama's message today:

"It’s time to fix our unsustainable insurance system and create a new foundation for health care security. That means guaranteeing your health care security and stability with eight basic consumer protections:

No discrimination for pre-existing conditions
No exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses, deductibles or co-pays
No cost-sharing for preventive care
No dropping of coverage if you become seriously ill
No gender discrimination
No annual or lifetime caps on coverage
Extended coverage for young adults
Guaranteed insurance renewal so long as premiums are paid"

Glass Half Full

Gene — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 17:33:37 EDT

It is good to hear administration spokespersons emphasize the 80 percent agreement with House and Senate committees rather than harping on the differences which is the media's preference. Of course, the final 20 percent will be difficult, but build on the positive of what's been accomplished to date.

Touch of Class

Gene — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:11:13 EDT

President Obama just completed a brief visit with the White House press corps at the daily briefing where he sought to ratchet down the rhetoric regarding the Professor Gates/Cambridge Police issue. He acknowledged that he contributed to the ensuing media frenzy and said he hoped we could use this as a teachable moment. Again, the president demonstrated his class.

Keep it Simple

Gene — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 18:20:15 EDT

I believe President Obama needs to keep his discussion of health insurance reform simple. Use three or four talking points, such as 1) status quo is not an option, 2) people may keep their current coverage and doctors, 3) importance of changes to eliminate pre-existing conditions and other insurance reasons to deny coverage, and 4) while not often stated, insurance company bureaucrats - not always the doctor - currently decide what treatments a patient gets.

By keeping it simple, people will more easily understand the issues and will be more likely to support the president's efforts.

Give 'em Hell

Gene — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:53:07 EDT

Just a few minutes before Preseident Obama's very important news conference, much of which is expected to be about his health care reform agenda. I hope the president does his best Harry Truman impression and gives 'em hell.

Ennui is Over

Gene — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 19:27:23 EDT

I have been suffering a kind of summer ennui, but recent events call me back.

First, the Senate vote today in support of President Obama, Secretary Gates, our brave fighting forces, and the American people to eliminate additional wasteful spending on the F-22 fighter jet was encouraging. Perhaps the message of changing the ways of the past is beginning to take hold.

On the other hand, much of the health care reform debate continues to mired in the same old politics. It is disappointing that many who are charged with doing right for the country are not willing to constructively argue the merits of the issues. And the media isn't doing America any favors by highlighting the differences rather than the agreements among the participants.

From Vermont to Florida, on foot

MaryPickford — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 07:15:19 EDT

Jobless man, pregnant wife and two dogs hit the road looking for work

By Michael Sadowski

Pocono Record Writer

July 17, 2009

BRODHEADSVILLE — There was no work in Frank Knight's home state of Vermont, but he had a sure-fire job waiting for him in Florida by the fall.

The only problem was he didn't have a car. Or money for plane or train tickets for him and his wife, Terrie, who is three months pregnant. Or family to help out.

A bus was out of the question — if they traveled that way, he'd have to leave behind his two young Siberian huskies, Maya and Sweetie.

"I'd die before I left these dogs behind," Frank Knight, 43, said.

"So would I," Terrie Knight, 45, agreed.

So they did the only thing they could do.

They started walking.

Two weeks after the couple left Burlington, Vt., they've made about 500 miles, both on foot and picking up rides. They and their two dogs finally rested Wednesday and Thursday nights at the Silver Valley Campsite near Brodheadsville.

Frank Knight, who works as a migrant farm worker, said they travel anywhere from 30 to 70 miles a day, hoping to make it to Florida by mid-September for the citrus-picking season.

"That's all we can do, is walk to the work," he said. "People forget, in the old days, in the Old West, in the Great Depression, this is what people did. And it's what we have to do."

Things have gone from bad to worse for the couple this year. Frank had been employed by a carnival company, but he was laid off in February when the company was traveling through Maryland.

He was forced to go back home to Vermont — only the carnival company had a rule to take back laid off employees to the state where they were hired, so they were taken to Florida.

They walked much of the Appalachian Trail back to Vermont for two months, only to find out the farming jobs in Vermont — including one he had been promised — had dried up because he couldn't get back in time.

Then he got the work offer in Florida, so he and his wife started back out on the road, again on foot, hoping a car or two along the way will help out with a ride.

"As much as this is to get work, it's also a test," Frank Knight said. "I want to see how nice people still are out there."

They haven't been terribly lucky so far in Pennsylvania, which, along with New York, he said are the two hardest states to walk through because there are so few side roads that lead anywhere, and they can't walk on interstates.

They've only been picked up for rides twice so far after getting seven rides through New York.

Terrie has developed some nasty blisters on her feet, but said she's able to "wrap them up and keep going."

Plus, they've lost their traveling companions, two friends who also were making the walking trip with them, but took off in Honesdale while the Knights were sleeping in a tent next to them.

"So if you see a couple walking along the road with an orange tent on their backs and they don't have two dogs," Terrie said, "that's probably them."

Money is an issue. Frank Knight says they live day-by-day, and everything they own is on their backs.

Actually, it's only on Frank's back. He doesn't allow his pregnant wife to carry anything other than dog food.

The money for the campsite was provided by workers at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Brodheadsville, where the couple wandered into Wednesday looking for help, according to church officials.

Workers at the campsite then took the couple grocery shopping Thursday morning.

The two don't have family they could contact because of arguments on both of their sides of the families.

"This trip is by the grace of God," Frank Knight said. "It depends on the kindness of people along the way. Sometimes we have it, sometimes we don't."

There is still another 1,100 miles to go. One way or the other, Frank Knight said, they're going to get there.

"I know people think we're insane," he said. "A teacher who picked us up in New York said that to us, but said 'I admire you, at least you're not sitting around feeling sorry for yourself.' This is all we can do, so we have to do it."

Frank Knight, left, and his wife, Terrie Knight, are walking to Florida for work from Vermont. They stopped off at the Silver Lake Campground near Brodheadsville on Thursday, July 16, 2009.

Bye Bye Palin!

Dawn in Arizona — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:17:33 EDT

This could not have been a better day! Now tomorrow as I hang the American flag out along with the MIA/POW flag I will grin about Palin dropping her job with Alaska.

Some well needed good news.

Bizarre behaviour aside this woman was an embarresment to all of us. Come on! We need women who have a brain to lead the states. What was Alaska thinking putting her in charge anyway??

Let's Start Calling.

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:14:08 EDT

This Admistration is really working on behalf of the American People.

WoW...There are So many Americans without Health Insurance. It is a shame that some elected officials are not insterested in the plight of the Uninsured.I just spent a few hours reading ( I made it to page 363, of course I had to take a break in between pages) some of the American people health challenges, storys/life challenges on the health blog and It was very heart rendering to hear/read about their horrendous plights/experiences.

If these Great Americans Life Stores don't change the minds and hearts of some fo the "fence stragglers" in office, then I don't know what will?

Thank the Lord that we finally have an Administration in Office That Undestands and Gets its.

Once Again, First HEALTHCARE PUSH, OFA MEETING, for Portage and Wood Counties - Jim Waisbrot OFA Organizer seeks other leaders and co-organizers for event

James Waisbrot PCD and OFA — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:24:32 EDT

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/obamaforamerica/gGGM4d

PLEASE,

Listen to the video link above and then I'd like to request that those from the executive board of the PCD who can would please come and attend the first OFA Healthcare PUSH Event at Emy J's today from 5 to 8PM: It will not be a waste of time, but rather a brainstorming and sharing session of ideas and knowledge about how to help President Barack Obama's Healthcare Initiative and Plan to pass a comprehensive Healthcare bill to save billions and give the American all the people a chance to have good and dependable and complete coverage on Healthcare. In the end, such a healthcare bill will strengthen our economy and our country for now and decades to come.

My name is Jim Waisbrot and I would like you to read this invitation and info regarding an OFA Health Care meeting, taking place on June 8th at Emy J's from 5 to 8pm in Stevens Point .

James Waisbrot has sent you an invitation to 'Health Care Organizing Kickoff' -- click here to view the invitation and submit your response:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpcbwh

From Jim: Please sign up on the link if you wish to be involved (even if you can not attend Mon. night) or want to be an email member who participates on your own at home with updates from me as well as other OFA staff thru the Barack Obama Website. Jim also welcomes anyone else at the meeting that may want to help in actual organization of group and hopes there will be some of these leaders and organizers in the community who wish to help.

Meet to discuss Obama's Health Care Bill Goals and how we will help to get it passed this year. Plan outreach to encourage people to contact legislators to support and vote for a bill that will: 1 Reduce costs for families, business, and government 2. Provide choice in coverage and providers, and 3 Provide quality affordable Healthcare for all. Now is the time and the status quo is not acceptable.

Also to brainstorm on how a food-drive, rally, and a walk, might help with this effort or what other healthcare/sustainability event might be better and what it might be.

I will be at Emy J's from 5pm to 8pm for people to come and participate on Monday June 8.

I hope you will consider coming to this event and helping with the calling, canvassing, organizing, planning, emailing, and/or letter writing involved at your own pace in this effort and remind you that participation is a reward as well as the information we learn in these campaigns and the friends we make as a result of doing such work. Some of you may even want to be people who simply help by cooking for volunteers too - believe me you are always appreciated and wanted for this too!

Here is the Example Agenda For the Meeting:

OUR AGENDA TODAY FOR JUNE 8 th , 2009 :

5:00 Arrival and greeting everyone Begin by signing in on form passed out.

5:05 Welcome and Introductions

6:15 Share Personal Stories Also, write out healthcare stories.

6:35 Explanation of Brainstorming Activity

6:45 Brainstorming Take a look at handouts and Flyers from Sustainability Ideas to Health Events and other Community Activities Already Happening Around June 27.

7:30 Formulate a Plan of Action: for Brainstormed Event/Walk and Rally.

This is with a future action to be taken and reported back to our organizing group of volunteers and planed with the help of volunteer leaders, who can sign up tonight and say what how they will help. All members will be kept up-to-date on goals and requested volunteer actions through the barackobnama.com website.

Possible Needed Volunteer co-Coordinators for :

(1.) Managing a Canvas to inform people about the healthcare Plan in Portage and possibly Wood county(s).

(2.) Managing the online and any sitePhone Bank calling: to get people to attend a Walk and a rally or other event brainstormed.

(3.) Planning and organizing the Event or Rally at the end of a Walk where public speakers will/could be present to inform the public about The Healthcare Initiative and the progress made on Capital Hill.

(4.) Organized calling and e-mailing to U.S. Representatives and U.S. Senators to let them know we want them tosupport the Healthcare Plan/Bill.

8:00 Reporting to OFA Result to Obama Campaign and Close of Meeting.

MORE: Health Care Local Mobilization: What is it all About?

OFA Organizers had a Conference Call with President Barack Obama.

Want to hear it? Check out youtube : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPWtZLR3OBo

His goals for the plan are to:

• Reduce costs for families, business, and government (Government needs it to cut health care costs)

• Provide choice in coverage and providers

• Provide quality affordable care for all in 2009 (Businesses need it to survive)

President Obama says that if we don't get Healthcare Legislation this year we won't get it.

Our GOAL is to Promote that Healthcare Reform is NEEDED. And that it CAN HAPPEN.

WE MUST Pressure your Congressional and Senate Representatives to support government initiatives and policy bills on Healthcare Reform.

ALL people want action, not delaying actions ON THIS ISSUE.

ALL people want to the government to reign in health care costs.

ALL people SHOULD TRUST their neighbors and co-workers more than the “talking heads on TV.”

The goal OF THE OFA CAMPAIGN HEALTHCARE is also to reasonably present the case for need and ability to succeed on HEALTHCARE REFORM,

And to inform people in every United States community about this issue and collect their own stories.

And to get the people in every U.S Community to mobilize for an Event and Rally plus the possible National Healthcare Service Event to show Congressional leaders we are all serious about the IMPORTANCE OF HEALTHCARE REFORM and are holding them accountable for any failure they may have to come up with a solution for Healthcare Reform and that we will exercise our right to show our displeasure at the polls as each congressional leader comes up for re-election if they do ignore the importance of HEALTHCARE REFORM NOW.

A letter/email campaign and phone calls to Congressional leaders, and to the United States Representative Congressional House Members and Senate Members wil also be sponsored by the OFA!

Mitch Stewart is the Dir of OFA

• 46 M are uninsured

• Premiums are increasing 4 times faster than wages

• Special interests are blocking Healthcare Reform for profit.

What can YOU DO?

To Do:

(1.) If you have any questions about the meeting between you can contact the volunteer host Jim Waisbrot at 715-544-0583 or email him at waisbrot.jim@gmail.com . We would like to request that you go the www.barackobama.com website , specifically http://www.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpcbwh .

Please just check the Yes, I would like to volunteer checkbox, fill out all information requested and then comment if you like to send a question, idea, comment, suggestion, or even a healthcare news/video link to the event host, Jim Waisbrot.

Jim also blogs for Obama OFA campaign and his posts will keep you more informed about what is happening.

That way, if you wish, you can be involved in the future or an email member who participates on your own at home through the website and receive updates from the Stevens Point Event Organizer, Jim Waisbrot, as well as other OFA staff.

(2.) Attend/ June 6-9 kickoff – watch message from president, talk about 3 goals, strategize for local support, plan Service Event for June 27 th , Plan outreach to continuously promote plan. Join together as volunteers and co-coordinator to get the job done.

Natalie Foster – PR person

On line tools include host/organizer :

• Event tool – for June 6 th and other events, has guide for hosts (MINE IS JUNE 9 TH ).

• Call tools – to call supporters near you, ready for a June 27 th event

• Call tools to call voters near your – walk lists, call lists, like election

• HC Action Center – online network to help you write letters to editors, call congressmen, etc.

David Plouffe – Election Coordinator

What we won was the Opportunity to Make Change. Now is the time to take advantage of that opportunity. Plan to live part of your life helping the president. Put a lot of pressure on followers. Ask a lot of them. Need passionate people, intelligent informed people. This is our moment. Demand health care reform. This is our moment. There is HUGE interest in this. Get a LOT of troops behind you, at all levels and kinds of support.

Hope you will choose to participate.

James T. Waisbrot

-Past member of Anthea Watson's Obama Campaign in Stevens Point

-Blue Team Leader Sam Cornale's Obama Campaign in Stevens Point

-Executive member at large Portage County Democrats ( Stevens Point )

-MREA, member

-ICE (Inter-Faith for the Earth), member

-Progressive Action Network of Central Wisconsin , email member mostly at this time

-FarmShed, email member

-Fair Wisconsin, volunteer and member.

-Human Rights Campaign, member.

P.S. Here are a couple of sheets you can fill out and think about before the meeting:

BRAINSTORMING ANSWER SHEET

Where do you see the need for Health care reform in your City?

Are there any particular Healthcare concerns that affect your community?

Has anyone ever volunteered at a community Health center in your community? What was it like? Could we set a service project there?

Are there any healthcare related organizations in your community that utilize volunteers.? How can we work with these organizations?

How does our project relate to getting Healthcare Reform Passed?

WHAT IS THE FAVORITE EVENT chosen by our group of volunteers today?

President Has Gained Support by Framing Issues In Terms of Jobs, Security

Sat, 30 May 2009 14:23:26 EDT

By Steven Mufson and Juliet EilperinWashington Post Staff Writers
Sunday, May 31, 2009

After a long day of campaigning on July 8, candidate Barack Obama arrived at his Chicago headquarters for a three-hour brainstorming session about a suddenly hot issue: energy and climate change.

He had summoned a cross section of experts, including top executives from three utilities and two oil companies, the chief energy economist of an investment bank, a climate scientist, a California energy and environment expert, an oil consultant-historian, and several campaign staffers. Despite the late hour, one participant recalled, "He walked in as if he had just gotten up after a refreshing night's sleep to lead a class. He was clearly there to harvest information and then do something with it."

Now, four months into his presidency, Obama has elevated energy and climate issues to near the top of his agenda; he's made them pop by packaging them as ways to create "green" jobs and reduce U.S. dependence on imports of foreign oil. Favoring pragmatism over moral suasion, the president is attempting to make a sharp shift in national policy on an issue that many voters have yet to embrace as a priority, advisers and lawmakers say.

His efforts, combined with those of congressional Democrats, have already pushed forward groundbreaking initiatives. February's stimulus act lavished money on projects for renewable energy, energy efficiency and energy research. This month, the White House announced that it had negotiated corporate, state and environmentalist support for higher fuel-efficiency and tailpipe-emissions standards that would clamp the first nationwide limits on greenhouse gases.

Rhetoric Beyond the Pale

Gene — Fri, 29 May 2009 19:26:41 EDT

I admit Democratic senators used some fairly silly arguments against judicial candidates nominated by previous republican presidents, but the rhetoric of some republicans against Judge Sotomayor is beyond the pale. It’s going to be a long summer if this stuff continues.

View All Blogs

Dawn in Arizona — Fri, 29 May 2009 14:17:02 EDT

Could anyone please help me? I am Dawn in Arizona on this site but can't view the blogs. The settings on my computer have not changed nor did anyone contact me about any of my postings. What is up? thanks for any help, Dawn in Arizona

Conference Call with President Obama

Gene — Wed, 27 May 2009 17:52:23 EDT

I look forward to joining a live conference call with President Obama and David Plouffe tomorrow, Thursday, May 28, to discuss the health care campaign and answer some questions from supporters.

Obama's Excellent Pick of Judge Sotomayor

Gene — Tue, 26 May 2009 21:41:16 EDT

President Obama's nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor is to be applauded. Of course the fringes on the left and, especially, on the right will make their predictable rants. But this is a wonderful pick.