I will not support any healthcare "reform" that doesn't have a viable public option

[cali]

open to all who wish to opt in to it. Healthcare "reform" without it is worse than nothing. If President Obama backs a healthcare reform plan without that viable public option, he'll lose me. It's just too important. And I'm more and more fearful that the healthcare "reform" that passes Congress and is ultimately supported by the President will be a debacle; something like forcing people to have insurance- private insurance of course. There's simply no way that I can support something like that.

[LooseWilly]

1. Without a viable public option... I don't know how anyone can even call it reform.

I think you're right on the "money" here....

[cyclezealot]

2. It's not reform.

It's just more public money to bail out a failing industry. This being the health care crooks. Public money to cover their abuses.Just what the country needs. I'd rather we do nothing. And let it all rot , so we can get real reform sometime in the next century.

[bklyncowgirl]

3. Without the public option it's just a giant transfer of money to the insurance industry.

This of course is exactly what the health insurance industry wants and are paying very well to make sure that they get it.

We may not have the best health system in the world but we do have the finest Congress that money can buy.

[BootinUp]

4. I could easily start a flame war

with the thoughts that are rolling around in my brain on this subject. But I think I'll abstain other than to say:

yes.

[tekisui]

5. Political Capital must be spent. It is lost through time or action.

Now is not the time for Obama and the Dem Majority to pass the buck, and spinelessly roll over for the insurance companies.

The 'make me do it' line is worn out. Public polling shows that 76% want it. JUST DO IT already. I swear that Democrats' favorite line is 'We don't have the votes'. It is goddamn infuriating. GO GET THE FUCKING VOTES! Kick ass, knock heads, make deals. DO what is takes. There is a short window of opportunity to do something good, and it is starting to close.

[global1]

6. When I Saw Your Post Subject & Noted It Was Presidential - I Thought Obama Said That ......

and I was feeling pretty good about what is happening in D.C. now as long as our President would say 'he wouldn't accept any healthcare reform bill that doesn't have a viable public option. Much to my dismay - when I opened your post and realized he didn't say that - my heart sank again.

I think your simple Subject Line Statement should be turned into a petition drive. Just a one-liner:

"I will not support any healthcare "reform" that doesn't have a viable public option." or better yet "I will not support you in your next election if you support any healthcare "reform" that doesn't have a viable public option."

Let's let President Obama and Congress know that if they again neglect the people they were elected to serve - we will neglect them in their next election. This is the only thing that they understand. This is the language that speaks to these elected officials.

We spoke in 2008 and made a major change in the leaders in our government because we weren't satisfied that they were doing a job for 'us'.

The Repugs found out that we don't just go vote blindly - that we do put thought into our vote.

We can do it again - and again - and again - until we get leaders and representatives that vote the will of the people and not cave to big business and corporations and protect their own interests.

I just returned Wednesday from D.C. and Capitol Hill. Healthcare reform is dominating the Halls of Congress. I said it in a post yesterday: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=5875400&mesg_id=5875400
and I'll say it again today. Even if you called your Senators & Congressmen before about this. Give them another call and voice your opinion.

They are self selecting the people that they are listening to and it ain't us. It is the Doc's, insurance companies and big pharma that they are listening to - and they are doing it strictly out of greed and personal gain.

We need to speak up. Many of them are coming back to your state soon as they will be going on Independence Day Recess starting June 29th to July 5th. Many will be holding Town Hall meetings. This is the time to get in front of them and voice your opinions about 'healthcare reform' be it 'single payer' or 'public option'. We already know that they have watered this reform down greatly because 'single payer' is off the table - but the public option is still viable.

If we want a 'healthcare reform' bill that is really moving toward 'real reform' we need to get to them now and let them know we will not settle for less. If they give us less - we will reward them with 'unemployment' come their next election. So get on your phones - call them - and tell them. Get on your phones and call your friends and neighbors and fill up the seats in their Town Hall meetings and tell them. This July 4th should be a real Independence Day. Independence from big insurance companies and big pharma and if need be Independence from politicians that don't represent us.

[yy4me]

7. We need a Public Option but it needs to be an affordable one.

Take a look at the Massachusetts healthcare option. It is costing a fortune and many who need the help with insurance can't even afford the state plan.

All I see now in Washington is just words and paperwork that will allow more money in the insurance company bank accounts.

We demand healthcare for all. Government sponsored, no foolish, convoluted options that will leave us just where we are.

Expand Medicare, cover the ridiculous supplements and drug coverage options, offer it to everyone at a minimum annual payment. No "needs based" requirements. We are citizens, equal under the law. I feel that needs based only ads another layer to the paperwork. Sure, the rich can pay for their own but most of us are not rich and it would be fair and equitable. Argue with the rich about income tax or other things. Don't base healthcare on the ability to pay.

End a war or two to pay for it.

[WyLoochka]

8. We have to "not support" it in advance

Once it's done - we're cooked.

The senate is the problem. To the phones, faxes and emails directed at the Finance and HELP committees.

[Dawgs]

9. It won't be Obama's fault. He wants the public option.

Your focus should be on those that prevent him from getting a bill with public option included; which will be all the Republicans and about 10 Democrats.

[Mass]

14. Will he veto a bill that does not include it?

[Kablooie]

10. I'm sure we'll each be forced to pay many thousands each year to private companies.

and the poorer will get government vouchers that pay many thousands each year to the insurance companies.

And I'm sure the companies will still be able to discriminate by limiting care based on how much you can pay.

Of course you will still have to pay exorbitant prices for drugs too.

----


I really don't expect any change except for the government to help the poorer people pay a little bit more.

The insurance companies say they want change too.
Of course! They will get a guarantee from the government that they can make more money!

You will still lose everything you own if you have a major health problem. That's the Amerakan way.

[Life Long Dem]

11. Is the chief in a corner?

I think he could be. And I think I'm loving it! I guess I like it when he has to take it a notch up if he wants to keep things logical.

[kenny blankenship]

12. I will not support any PARTY that will not support a strong, viable public option or single payer

Fool me once and all that.

You want my money? You want my vote? After shafting the public like this?
Really?

YOU GO TO HELL

[asteroid2003QQ47]

18. A pox on them FIRST! Plain vanilla Hell is to good for ...

those genocidal fuckers!

[Mass]

13. Thanks, cali. This is the pledge I want senators to take, not a vague

"I support a public option". We need a strong statement of support.

[solstice]

15. K&R

[TomCADem]

16. Have You Called Your Congressional Representatives? Senator?

President Obama has very clearly come out in support of a public option. Expressions of anger and bitterness are just self-perpetuating. The real question is whether we will support the President in this, or merely threaten to withhold support?

We know that the corporate America has the media under its thumb. What we need are some rallies that cannot be ignored.

Here are some tips from Organizing for America's website on how to take some direction to support healthcare reform:

Calling Tips
Here are some tips:

Be polite, respectful and clear. Introduce yourself to whoever answers the phone and let them know you are a constituent – mention what city you live in. Tell them you are calling to say that you strongly support President Obama’s three principles for health care reform in 2009. Congress must pass a plan that reduces costs, guarantees choice – including the choice of a public insurance option – and ensures quality care for every American. Ask if your member of Congress also supports these three principles. Example Script for Your Calls
Hello, my name is __________ and I'm a constituent calling from __________ (city or town).

I’m calling today because I wanted to let you know that I strongly support President Obama's 3 principles for real health care reform. Any plan Congress passes must reduce health care costs, guarantee choice – including a public insurance option – and ensure quality care for every American.

Also, I think it's critical to get this done in 2009; it's just too urgent to wait any longer.

Does (Rep./Sen.) _________ support these 3 principles?

Thank you!

[cali]

17. um, I don't need to call Bernie- or Peter Welch but I have as well as

phoning and emailing Pat. My Congressional delegation is not your average one.

[Sebastian Doyle]

19. This is the absolute dealbreaker for me

Only the efforts of Howard Dean kept me in the Democratic party after the betrayal of the "patriot" act and the Iraq war vote by the so-called "Democrats" in the Senate.

This betrayal would be just as bad and would result in just as many needless deaths.

THERE IS NO EXCUSE, OTHER THAN OPEN CORPORATE FELLATION

And if I'm going to be asked to support prostitution, then I'd prefer the original kind, where at least I get something out of it for my money.

[Uncle Joe]

20. I agree.

Thanks for the thread, cali.

[eridani]

21. Neither will the Progressive Caucus

If they hold firm, a plan without one is going down in the House. The Repukes will oppose anything, even a plan written directly by insurance companies, just as they did in 1993.