Organizing for America | OFA Blog: Open Thread: Faces of Health Care Reform

VP-Joe in Cincinnati | Report to Admin

By Professor Xavior-The Ultimate CZARINA Mutant in the Universe! Jul 9th 2009 at 11:20 am EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 11:20 am EDT)

I though he was great. Talking about investments in the city; housing our hospitals and such. But what made me chuckle when he said something about a three lagged stool.
I 'm like wah?
He laid into the critics; I'm very glad.
And at the end he closed out in saying be patient. It took 8 years to get into this mess you can demand us but be patient.

Re: VP-Joe in Cincinnati | Report to Admin

By "CZARINA" MARILYN from CRYSTAL BEACH, FLORIDA aka GODDESS OF SMILES and LAUGHTER Jul 9th 2009 at 11:22 am EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 11:22 am EDT)

DON'T MESS WITH JOE!"

Congrats on 1st Professor Xavier

Off to get everyone!

Happy Links | Report to Admin

By Celtic Jul 9th 2009 at 11:25 am EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 11:25 am EDT)

Video- Michelle Obama tours L'Aquila Link

Video- Scenes from the G8 Link

Video- President Obama tours Italian earthquake damage Link

Miss Obama's peacenik T-shirt sends a message to G8 leaders Link
Video- VP Biden makes health care announcement Link
Honduran official apologizes to Obama for racial remark Link

Re: Happy Links | Report to Admin

By Professor Xavior-The Ultimate CZARINA Mutant in the Universe! Jul 9th 2009 at 11:29 am EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 11:29 am EDT)

Thanks you guys.
:-)

Links | Report to Admin

By ObamaWorld2008 Jul 9th 2009 at 12:45 pm EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 12:45 pm EDT)

==================

Malia Obama Campaigns For Nuclear Disarmament Link

Leon Panetta To Congress: 'CIA Misled You' Link

Obama, Lula Back Manuel Zelaya Of Honduras Link

Obama Broadens Push For Climate Change Pact Link

White House Targets Of Cyber Attack Link

==================

Happy Links | Report to Admin

By Celtic Jul 9th 2009 at 3:57 pm EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 3:57 pm EDT)

Baracko Still Bigger Than Jacko Link
Summer Fundraiser Link
Video- Hannity: Obama "never got asked tough questions about his radical friends and associates, except by me and others" Link
Raw Video: Obama Arrives in Italy for G8 Link
Obama makes pointed quip on Russian sale of Alaska Link
Michelle Obama Reaches Out to Orphans Link

Re: Happy Links | Report to Admin

By junior Jul 9th 2009 at 1:20 pm EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 1:20 pm EDT)

The republican party is so crazy they are only focused on polls now the politico is saying independents are tearing away from obama we dont care about the polls we care about health care period we dont really care about the polls

Re: VP-Joe in Cincinnati | Report to Admin

By Isack Gen44 Jul 9th 2009 at 11:33 am EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 11:33 am EDT)

Xavier, is there a video we can catch somewhere, a link?

Re: VP-Joe in Cincinnati | Report to Admin

By Professor Xavior-The Ultimate CZARINA Mutant in the Universe! Jul 9th 2009 at 11:41 am EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 11:41 am EDT)

Cnn has a Link you could watch
so far that I know.
http://www.cnn.com/

THURSDAY FINAL | Report to Admin

By Stephen C. Rose in NYC Jul 9th 2009 at 5:43 pm EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 5:43 pm EDT)

Twitter contact (Replies only. No DMs. ) @stephencrose

Selection of most recent blog posts LINK: Link

Health Care: Obama Ground Game Will Win The Day
Obama Agenda Is The Popular Will -- Blue Dogs and GOP Take Note
Significant Tweets July 8, 2009
Response to Sam Stein's Suggestion That Obama Offers "Vague Reassurance" On Public Option
Video: Chill, Don't Kill
How Permanent Will Doing Good in Afghanistan Be?

Other Blog Posts:

Future of Newspapers: Interactive Map
Link

Palin and The Power of Resentment
Link

A List of Senators and Congress Members and Their Receipts from Health Care Interests
Link

ALL RECENT TWEETS WITH SOURCE LINKS Link

Re: VP-Joe in Cincinnati | Report to Admin

By pango Jul 11th 2009 at 1:33 pm EDT (Updated Jul 11th 2009 at 1:33 pm EDT)

Nothing will ever change as long as the members of Congress are allowed to recieve millions from the very companies and persons we are trying to eliminate,I'm so tired of all the beating around the bush, Why can we just say it? The people in power are getting fat for opposing health care.So enough of this non-sense,Until we act against these liars and theives we are doomed to remain helpless and un-cared for,Money is doing the talking,Only fools would dis-agree,Even members of the left and the President himself are in so deep with the Health Care Industry you can be sure even with so called reform,pockets will continue to be lined.

scaled 'fee' for healthcare is improperly structured | Report to Admin

By Lee Church Jul 9th 2009 at 11:27 am EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 11:27 am EDT)

We are getting there in terms of how to put incentives in place that level the playing field so companies that choose not to provide health coverage don't have an unfair advantage over those that do.

This article Link is wide ranging, but mentions a fee to encourage coverage:

------

In addition, key lawmakers are expected to call for a tax or fee equal to a percentage of a worker's salary on employers who do not offer health benefits.

------

However, as described above, the incentive is 'inverted'. It should be scaled down as the worker's salary goes up. The idea is to cover the subsidy that the government would provide lower wage earners and it's not a bad idea to encourage higher salaries, not lower ones.

There may simply be a misunderstanding on the 'sliding scale' (I hope so), yet we should make sure any 'fee' is properly implemented. It is to our opponent's advantage that little 'gotchas' are in the legislation and the burden on us to reduce them.

I hope we see this addressed in some fashion soon.

-Lee

G8 Economic Forum Statement | Report to Admin

By meta Jul 9th 2009 at 11:31 am EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 11:31 am EDT)

FYI - PBO will be giving a speech in about an hour at 12:30 Eastern. There will be live audio at:

Link

and CNN's livestreaming will also be carrying it.

Re: G8 Economic Forum Statement | Report to Admin

By VA . Greatgran 'Grab A Mop' for President Obama Jul 9th 2009 at 11:35 am EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 11:35 am EDT)

I am watching Gibsy at the Presser he just had.Link
Sorry to interrupt.

Re: G8 Economic Forum Statement | Report to Admin

By meta Jul 9th 2009 at 11:44 am EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 11:44 am EDT)

Me, too! This is great information.

I find it very interesting that the trip began in Moscow, where the population wasn't very outwardly effusive about the Obamas either due to their own nature or because of the history of icy relations, and will end with a departure ceremony in Ghana where the outpouring will likely be tremendous. As they explained, since they are arriving at a very late hour, the traditional welcoming ceremony will not happen. So it will almost be more exciting to see what happens at the departure ceremony that will take its place. Can't wait to see that!

Re: G8 Economic Forum Statement | Report to Admin

By "CZARINA" MARILYN from CRYSTAL BEACH, FLORIDA aka GODDESS OF SMILES and LAUGHTER Jul 9th 2009 at 12:53 pm EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 12:53 pm EDT)

Hey Va GG!

If you're still here, check your O Mail!

GOSAL

CSPAN 3 | Report to Admin

By cookemom, can't think of a fancy tag, so I'll just be me Jul 9th 2009 at 11:39 am EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 11:39 am EDT)

I'm watching the Senate Health Committee on CSPAN 3. Talk about the party of no. The repubs are denying most everything and what they offer as an alternative is hot air. There's nothing of substance at all.

They're voting on various amendments that the repubs ore offering, so far they've luckily been shot down.

This session is the mark-up of the bill that has to occur before it's presented to the floor. They're on a lunch break now and will reconvene at 1pm est.

Link

Re: CSPAN 3 | Report to Admin

By rich Jul 9th 2009 at 11:49 am EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 11:49 am EDT)

'so far they've luckily been shot down'

+++

Yep, like clay pigeons they are, lets shoot down those amendments from the miopic repub party of NO.

FINRA | Report to Admin

By Lee Church Jul 9th 2009 at 11:41 am EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 11:41 am EDT)

On another note, FINRA ads on TV are a good idea to restore individual confidence. However, addressing the very troubling Goldman admission that their trading software can "manipulate the in unfair ways" (their words, not mine)", among other notable SEC failures more than outweights and generic ads about how FINRA is protecting individual investors.

The industry surely knows that statements such as software that manipulates the market, or pushing spun rumors that Public plan option may not be pursued presents downward pressure on the market and adds to the 'fear' of individual investors. To do so after an approximate 30% run up recently only ads to speculation that the industry knows exactly what they are doing in driving down the market a second time; namely that they will pocket the 30% runup (often much more), drive the market down by scaring investors anyway they can, and then buy the same positions back at a lower price (and perhaps hold for a slightly longer period this time).

The FINRA ads are also telling. Obviously putting resources to bolster investor confidence by TV ads does nothing for 'enforcement' of regulations, and compared to the industry 'short' position is not likely to be significcant.

Far better to spend those same resources addressing the Goldman Sachs admission that their software 'manipulates the market in unfair ways" (let me be clear, Goldman Sachs contends their stolen software can manipulate the market in unfair ways.. so it's no stretch that probable cause exists to believe Goldman has used it to do so in the past - possibly present).

FINRA ads on TV won't restore individual investor confidence.

-Lee

From Gov Howard Dean, Join me at Netroots Nation | Report to Admin

By "CZARINA" Snicky's Mama Loves this President and First Family Jul 9th 2009 at 11:45 am EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 11:45 am EDT)

Annette -

We've collected petition signatures, written letters to the editor, held town halls and more in an effort to educate Americans on the necessity of passing real healthcare reform. And it's working -- 76 percent of Americans now say they support the choice of a public health insurance option.

There's still work to be done.

We must keep the pressure on Congress and those in Washington who oppose real change. We must keep up our efforts to get our message out to all Americans with letters to the editor and neighborhood canvasses. And I will continue to speak out in my nationwide tour of town halls, targeted rallies, and T.V. appearances.

In fact, I hope you can join me at one of my next big events. I'll be hosting a town-hall style keynote session at the Netroots Nation Convention in Pittsburgh on Friday, August 14. If you can make it to Pittsburgh, this is a convention you don't want to miss.

REGISTER NOW FOR NETROOTS NATION USE PROMO CODE "DFA" FOR $50 DISCOUNT

This town hall style keynote won't be a one way conversation. I'll be answering your questions, as well as answering questions submitted in advance online. We'll chat about obstacles and next steps. Who the leaders fighting for a public option really are and who aren't. And what's next in the Stand with Dr. Dean Campaign.

I've spoken at Netroots Nation conventions before, but this is the first time we've been able to make it interactive and conversational. You know I don't pull any punches. I'm looking forward to speaking honestly with you about how to pass meaningful reform that makes sure everyone in America can get the heatlhcare they need.

The keynote will be held Friday morning at 9 a.m. If you haven't already registered, click here to sign up.

I hope you can join me in Pittsburgh.

Thank you for everything you do,

-Howard

Governor Howard Dean, M.D.
Founder, Democracy for America

PS: If you get this message in time, join me today at 12pm Eastern on Link for a liveblog about my new book, Howard Dean's Prescription for Real Healthcare Reform.

Democracy for America relies on you and the people-power of more than one million members to fund the grassroots organizing and training that delivers progressive change on the issues that matter. Please Contribute Today and support our mission.

Re: From Gov Howard Dean, Join me at Netroots Nation | Report to Admin

By rich Jul 9th 2009 at 11:52 am EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 11:52 am EDT)

Nettie -

Thanks for the 'what's up, doc ?' link [smile]. I'll be refreshinf my screen on that DailyKos liveblog link starting in 10 minutes. Link

Re: From Gov Howard Dean, Join me at Netroots Nation | Report to Admin

By meta Jul 9th 2009 at 11:54 am EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 11:54 am EDT)

If anyone here is going to the dKos Netroots Nation, please report back. I hope there isn't the endless bashing of the President there.

Russell | Report to Admin

By Lee Church Jul 9th 2009 at 11:47 am EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 11:47 am EDT)

I hope Russell found the answer to '...what this is going to do'.

My understanding is that it is going to go wherever we take it and it's folks who come out and share their stories, talk about the issues in a rational manner, and are honestly working for solutions that will make the difference.

Thank you Russell Axelson,
Lee

Nancy's Presser | Report to Admin

By cookemom, can't think of a fancy tag, so I'll just be me Jul 9th 2009 at 11:49 am EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 11:49 am EDT)

Nancy Pelosi is live on CSPAN3 giving her weekly presser. She just said that the House will vote on the healthcare reform bill with an option. The only thing that is in question is what the option will be called; public or patient. She said anybody's welcome to submit what they want to call it, but it will provide a strong option for people to choose and will provide governmental competition with private insurance companies.

Preparing for H1N1 and the upcoming flu season | Report to Admin

By "CZARINA" Snicky's Mama Loves this President and First Family Jul 9th 2009 at 12:03 pm EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 12:03 pm EDT)

As the President's advisor on Homeland Security, I am passing along the following message from Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Janet Napolitano, Secretary of Homeland Security, and Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education, who are leading the efforts to prepare our Nation for the coming flu season.

Fellow Americans,

This spring we were confronted with an outbreak of a troubling flu virus called 2009-H1N1. As the fall flu season approaches, it is critical that we reinvigorate our preparedness efforts across the country in order to mitigate the effects of this virus on our communities.

Today, we are holding an H1N1 Influenza Preparedness Summit in conjunction with the White House to discuss our Nation's preparedness. We are working together to monitor the spread of 2009-H1N1 and to prepare to initiate a voluntary fall vaccination program against the 2009-H1N1 flu virus, assuming we have a safe vaccine and do not see changes in the virus that would render the vaccine ineffective.

But the most critical steps to mitigating the effects of 2009-H1N1 won't take place in Washington -- they will take place in your homes, schools and community businesses.

Taking precautions for this fall's flu season is a responsibility we all share. Visit Flu.gov to make sure you are ready and learn how you can help promote public awareness.

We are making every effort to have a safe and effective vaccine available for distribution as soon as possible, but our current estimate is that it won't be ready before mid-October. This makes individual prevention even more critical. Wash your hands regularly. Take the necessary precautions to stay healthy and if you do get sick, stay home from work or school.

We are doing everything possible to prepare for the fall flu season and encourage all Americans to do the same -- this is a shared responsibility and now is the time to prepare. Please visit Flu.gov to learn what steps you can take to prepare and do your part to mitigate the effects of H1N1.

Take Care,
Kathleen, Janet and Arne

Gov. Howard Dean M.D. is liveblogging now on DailyKos | Report to Admin

By rich Jul 9th 2009 at 12:05 pm EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 12:05 pm EDT)

Gov. Howard Dean M.D.is liveblogging now on DailyKos :

Link

Howard Dean Liveblog: His Prescription for Real Healthcare Reform

by mcjoan

Thu Jul 09, 2009 at 08:56:03 AM PDT

Gov. Howard Dean has a new rallying cry: "You have the choice" when it comes to healthcare reform, or you will, if a healthcare reform plan goes through with a strong public option, and he lays it out in his new book, Howard Dean's Prescription for Real Healthcare Reform.
Link

In fact, Governor Dean says:

The bottom line on healthcare reform is that it is not worth doing if it is not done right....

Subsidizing Americans to buy private health insurance without giving them the choice of a more rational and less expensive system is simply pouring money into a system that increases costs at twice the rate of inflation, serves preferentially those who don't need help, and offers not peace of mind to those at risk in difficult economic times.

In short, the healthcare refrom bill is not worth passing unless the American people have the choice of signing up for a public option--a real public option....

Re: Gov. Howard Dean M.D. is liveblogging now on DailyKos | Report to Admin

By rich Jul 9th 2009 at 12:08 pm EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 12:08 pm EDT)

Link

Re: Gov. Howard Dean M.D. is liveblogging now on DailyKos | Report to Admin

By Lee Church Jul 9th 2009 at 12:18 pm EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 12:18 pm EDT)

Implementing healthcare reform poorly is worse than doing nothing for several reasons - mainly that we won't get another shot at it politically(will create a negative bias to further change if our last change 'messed up' what does work), and won't have the money.

We should definately make sure we do it right, and that includes a very strong public option, cost savings, subsidies, and incentives.

Might take a bit longer than we want, but better we take longer than make a mistake with this.

-Lee

Re: Gov. Howard Dean M.D. is liveblogging now on DailyKos | Report to Admin

By Cynthia, TX Jul 9th 2009 at 12:24 pm EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 12:24 pm EDT)

manage it poorly and we will paying for something to help prop up Big Pharma and the insurance companies.

i am afraid that's what going to happen if this co-op bull crap is set on the table as the public option.

Re: Gov. Howard Dean M.D. is liveblogging now on DailyKos | Report to Admin

By rich Jul 9th 2009 at 12:27 pm EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 12:27 pm EDT)

Cynthia and Lee -

Indeed.

WE the PEOPLE won't let PUBLIC OPTION be 'co-opted' by something else.

No clay pigeons. We want the real thing -- an eagle that soars.

Re: Gov. Howard Dean M.D. is liveblogging now on DailyKos | Report to Admin

By cookemom, can't think of a fancy tag, so I'll just be me Jul 9th 2009 at 12:35 pm EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 12:35 pm EDT)

Nancy Pelosi made it clear that the House version that she will bring to a vote before the August recess, will include a strong public or patient option with a governmental alternative to private insurance. There will be no triggers or anything that will prevent government competition with the private insurance sector. Her only question was what to call it.

Her presser should be up later on CSPAN 3.

Re: Gov. Howard Dean M.D. is liveblogging now on DailyKos | Report to Admin

By rich Jul 9th 2009 at 12:35 pm EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 12:35 pm EDT)

over 100 blogger comments just in the last 30 minutes on Link

Re: Gov. Howard Dean M.D. is liveblogging now on DailyKos | Report to Admin

By rich Jul 9th 2009 at 1:12 pm EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 1:12 pm EDT)

Gov. Howard Dean M.D. (blogging from the West Coast) is now signing off, after 200 bloggers liveblogged with him for over an hour.

Link

THE ED SCULTZ SHOW IS ON | Report to Admin

By Nathan "Mr.Independent Democrat" Banks Jul 9th 2009 at 12:07 pm EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 12:07 pm EDT)

Link

Link

TUNE IN!!!!

Re: THE ED SCULTZ SHOW IS ON | Report to Admin

By Cynthia, TX Jul 9th 2009 at 12:12 pm EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 12:12 pm EDT)

Senator Grassley is such a nut!!!

Re: THE ED SCULTZ SHOW IS ON | Report to Admin

By Nathan "Mr.Independent Democrat" Banks Jul 9th 2009 at 12:23 pm EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 12:23 pm EDT)

I know,where are those dems when we need them

Re: THE ED SCULTZ SHOW IS ON | Report to Admin

By Cynthia, TX Jul 9th 2009 at 12:25 pm EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 12:25 pm EDT)

too busy getting their pockets lined with money from insurance companies and etc.

Re: THE ED SCULTZ SHOW IS ON | Report to Admin

By Isack Gen44 Jul 9th 2009 at 12:28 pm EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 12:28 pm EDT)

Screw Ed Schitz!

Re: THE ED SCULTZ SHOW IS ON | Report to Admin

By Professor Xavior-The Ultimate CZARINA Mutant in the Universe! Jul 9th 2009 at 12:36 pm EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 12:36 pm EDT)

I believe its a repeat guys. The plat form is too familiar. The show is not live

Re: THE ED SCULTZ SHOW IS ON | Report to Admin

By Nathan "Mr.Independent Democrat" Banks Jul 9th 2009 at 12:41 pm EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 12:41 pm EDT)

No professor,it's a new show

Re: THE ED SCULTZ SHOW IS ON | Report to Admin

By Professor Xavior-The Ultimate CZARINA Mutant in the Universe! Jul 9th 2009 at 12:57 pm EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 12:57 pm EDT)

It sounded like a repeat.

I'm back | Report to Admin

By Ortiz1954 Jul 9th 2009 at 12:13 pm EDT (Updated Jul 9th 2009 at 12:13 pm EDT)

I was so angry when I went to bed last nite and then put on the Daily show for some humor it was a rerun. Woke up at 4 layed there thinking, there is no way I am listening to anymore of this cable crap. If the dems can't grow a set and stand up for the President they are just as bad as the repubs. I think Bayh would be a good one to call today. What does the O team think?