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If a Tree Falls in the Forest...
I was invited to attend a 'Healthcare Organizing Kickoff' by Mitch Stewart at barackobama.com that took place today. I decided to attend to see what was going to be discussed at an event like this. It took place at our local Democratic Party Headquarters, and lasted a little over two hours. We were all issued a sheet of 'talking points' with which to arm ourselves when defending health care reform to those who may remain opposed to the idea. I was heartened by the overwhelming support for a single payer healthcare plan. In fact, if there was anyone in attendance who was not 100% committed to single payer, they were keeping their mouths shut during some pretty heated discussion about the general feeling of disenfranchisement from the political discussion as regards single payer. One of the ardent supporters of single payer whom I spoke to following the discussion, is a salesman for long term health insurance. I shook his hand, and told him I find it encouraging that someone who makes his living within the existing, for-profit system is not threatened by the prospects of instituting a single payer system in America.
The representative from the sponsoring group, 'Organizing for America', a spinoff of the barackobama.com brand was the only person in this particular group who maintained that a single payer healthcare plan is not politically feasible at this time. One of the elderly attendees spoke up after the OfA rep had recited her talking points, countering her position that single payer is not politically feasible with, "What if Winston Churchill had said that it was not politically feasible to invade Europe on D-Day?". Others pointed out that unless a viable, non-constrained public option were included in whatever proposal makes its way through congress, we would be revisiting this same issue 5 or 10 years down the road, due to our rapidly increasing healthcare costs, estimated this week to be at over 18% of our GDP, and predicted to reach 34% of GDP by 2035. At that cost, all agreed, adopting a single payer system is critical to maintaining our national competitiveness in the world market as well as providing economical health coverage for all of our citizens.
So with a room full of supporters of a single payer system, (and I imagine thousands of other similar scenes transpiring around the country today), and the pols in DC positioning themselves so as to avoid having their heads lopped off next election cycle by the insurance and pharmaceutical companies, I have a vision. An image that is now stuck in my mind of the majority of 435 congressmen, 100 senators, the VP, and the CIC, standing in the midst of a forest of fallen trees, whispering to each other, "I didn't hear anything. Did you?"
Call or write your representative and senators, and urge them to support single payer healthcare reform. Keep calling them until they hear the trees falling around them.
The representative from the sponsoring group, 'Organizing for America', a spinoff of the barackobama.com brand was the only person in this particular group who maintained that a single payer healthcare plan is not politically feasible at this time. One of the elderly attendees spoke up after the OfA rep had recited her talking points, countering her position that single payer is not politically feasible with, "What if Winston Churchill had said that it was not politically feasible to invade Europe on D-Day?". Others pointed out that unless a viable, non-constrained public option were included in whatever proposal makes its way through congress, we would be revisiting this same issue 5 or 10 years down the road, due to our rapidly increasing healthcare costs, estimated this week to be at over 18% of our GDP, and predicted to reach 34% of GDP by 2035. At that cost, all agreed, adopting a single payer system is critical to maintaining our national competitiveness in the world market as well as providing economical health coverage for all of our citizens.
So with a room full of supporters of a single payer system, (and I imagine thousands of other similar scenes transpiring around the country today), and the pols in DC positioning themselves so as to avoid having their heads lopped off next election cycle by the insurance and pharmaceutical companies, I have a vision. An image that is now stuck in my mind of the majority of 435 congressmen, 100 senators, the VP, and the CIC, standing in the midst of a forest of fallen trees, whispering to each other, "I didn't hear anything. Did you?"
Call or write your representative and senators, and urge them to support single payer healthcare reform. Keep calling them until they hear the trees falling around them.
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Peeg! The polls have been in for a looooooooooong time!
The majority want single payer. The majority of doctors want single payer.
If they have not heard us, it is because they do not want to. It can't hurt to keep on saying it. It does get frustrating. Our gubmint is like little toddlers, trying to wear us down and wait us out.
This is too important to let go.
Isn't NM traditionally a red state? It is heartening to hear the prevalent attitude there.
Worth a few more letters, yez.
June 6, 2009 9:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
NM I suppose is a purple state. The group today would be biased toward the blue, as it was sponsored by the President's website. I think we have to keep writing the letters, if for nothing else but to show them their own hyprocisy, and the ease with which they sell out their constituents.
.
June 6, 2009 9:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
We shall. Just like Flower directs. this is a great post Miguel. Geeeeez
I mean you took the time to go to the meeting.
Talking points.
Well supposedly this is the Talking Points Memo.
Keep on keepin on. I shall write.
Hell I will write Frankin and he is not even officially in yet. Ha
Oberstar and Klobachar. We got great names here do you not think? ha
June 6, 2009 9:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
dd,
Has Franken addressed this issue yet? If so, what is his stance? Thanks.
June 6, 2009 10:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
In the three books he wrote, I find him to be the most leftist...or will become the most leftist in the Senate. If this guy is not for government funded health care, nobody will be.
But I am going to his blog and relating my thoughts on the matter.
Al is going to be a boon for Minnesota and the left wing of the democratic party. I have no doubt whatsover---300 votes or three million.
Al is the real thing
June 6, 2009 10:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
Perhaps we should be looking at who's funding Coleman, these last 7 months. Any bets as to whether there's a INSURANCE/PHARMA connection?
June 6, 2009 11:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is the issue of the day. Kick them in the shins fer gawdsake.
June 6, 2009 9:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's encouraging to read about this, Miguel. Discouraging about the OfA worker, but great to know there is a groundswell of regular citizens on board.
The question I have is the same as yours: How many more e-mails, phone calls, written letters, and faxes is it gonna take until we are heard?
June 6, 2009 9:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
let's just keep doing it whatever. If nothing else we'll expose their hypocrisy as noted above in my comment to bwak. Perhaps that will come back to haunt them at the polls next election cycle. That, in the end, is the only way to keep a politician honest.
June 6, 2009 11:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
YEAH BABY!
PEEG POWER!
June 6, 2009 10:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
And it's green and it'll reduce our dependence on foreign fuel.
June 6, 2009 11:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Why would the politicians push for single payer when the public doesn't want that? Maybe you should focus on convincing the public for single payer before you worry about the politicians who are supposed to represent the people.
June 6, 2009 10:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
You couldn't be more wrong, toasted.
June 6, 2009 10:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks for this post. Will write and rewrite to Congress and President Obama - plus talk to others here who need to do same.
NYT just published (received alert) that Obama is now beginning push on healthcare reform (haven't read yet, will do so tonight).
June 6, 2009 10:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
My aging mother suffered a heart attack and breast cancer, and now struggles with Alzheimer's.
The care she has been provided with under Canada's universal coverage has been extraordinary, and it has not bankrupted her children. We paid for this coverage in advance through general income taxes -- and it was absolutely PAINLESS.
Don't settle for anything less than a single-payer system, folks.
June 6, 2009 11:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
It is so incredible peegalito. It is as though Obama tells us "It is not politically possible to realize health care reform, so we are going to compound the problem instead by consolidating the powers that Big Pharm and the insurance industry has over our health care. We can do that! THAT'S change we can believe in!"
What's even more remarkable is that we are also told that we cannot seek accountability for crimes and treason committed in the last Administration because it would risk undermining this "reform" effort.
It is a disgusting show of just how corrupt Washington has become. Hopefully, this will be the straw that broke the backs of the pay-to-play crowd, and we achieve not only health care reform but the campaign finance reform as well that is required to serve the peoples' needs instead of the wishes of the highest bidders'.
June 6, 2009 11:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
June 7, 2009 2:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
And therein lies the difficulty. To make Obama accountable at the polls means voting for nutcases like Mitch O'Connell or Michele Bachmann or (insert any Republican here).
There are no viable candidates beyond the two-party system, and so we are left with a beggar's choice at the polls.
Then again, "Fighting Bob" LaFollette from WI made an impact upon corruption a century ago with his Progressives. Perhaps we need to closely study how that was accomplished and introduce the same strategic political changes today.
June 7, 2009 9:47 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'm curious, Mr. Peeg. When the OfA rep stated that single payer is not politically feasible, was she referring to Congress or the American people?
Remember when ABC told Cheney that 3/4ths of the American people now believe Iraq was a mistake and his reply was "so"?
So when we write and fax our representatives, let's inform them that the majority of Americans want single payer and remind them that "so" is not a popular response.
June 7, 2009 1:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
Great point! Love it!
Still I think because of the money behind our competition this is going to require the american people to extend themselves into greater demonstrations and actions. Writing, calling, conversation, blogging, etc is important but I think it will also take some demonstration of numbers to give the members of congress willing to lead the fight the ammunition to push back with.
Can you post the talking points Miguel?
June 7, 2009 3:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
HEALTH CARE REFORM TALKING POINTS
President Obama is commited to supporting meaningful healthcare reform that:
1. Reduces costs for families, businesses, and government
2. Protects peoples choice of doctors, hospitals, and health plans
3. Assures affordable, quality health care for all Americans.
Democrats are committed to supporting health care reform legislation this year that
protects what works about health care and fixes what’s broken.
Health care reform cannot wait another year. For American families, the status quo is
unacceptable.
PROBLEM:
American families and small businesses are being crushed by sky-rocketing health care
costs and they are losing the choices they value most. Every day in America:
• Families are forced to choose a different doctor because their employer can no
longer afford the old plan. They continue to see their health plan benefits erode
because they can’t keep up with higher premiums, co-pays and deductibles.
• People decide to skip a doctor’s visit or medication that they know they need
because they can’t afford the payment.
• As health care costs increase, American families are losing the very parts of their
health care that they value most – their choice of doctors, hospitals, and insurance
plans; their choice of treatments; and the security and stability that comes from
knowing that they are covered if anything goes wrong.
• The president will support health care reform that builds on the existing employer-
based system but also supports providing Americans with the option for public
health insurance operating alongside private plans. This would provide a better
range of choices, make the health care market more competitive, and keep
insurance companies honest.
SUPPORT REFORM THAT ASSURES QUALITY, AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE
FOR ALL AMERICANS:
The President is committed to health care reform that guarantees Americans their health
care choice. President Obama has consistently said that if a family likes what they have,
they will be able to keep it under health care reform. Democrats will support health care
reform that builds on the existing employer-based system and strengthens it.
Democrats will support reform that:
• Assures quality, affordable health care for all Americans.
• Takes on the status quo and makes sure that Americans are not denied coverage
because of a pre-existing medical condition
• Offers insurance security for Americans who lose their job or want to switch jobs.
Offers Americans who want insurance, but can’t afford it, help that will allow them
to purchase the quality, affordable health care that is so important.
June 7, 2009 4:07 AM | Reply | Permalink
Good point SS. I believe she was referring to congress, when she said it was not feasible. The 'so?' mentality appears to be endemic in DC.
June 7, 2009 2:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
Super post!
I too have had the same impression, that they are bending over backwards and it's not for We the People!
June 7, 2009 8:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
Actually, they are bending over forwards, and the insurance companies are right behind them, if you get my drift.
```mental image```mental image```mental image```
June 7, 2009 10:10 AM | Reply | Permalink
One thought that keeps coming back to me -- how many people who have great entrepreneurial ideas, and would otherwise venture out and start an innovative small business -- stay where they are because of insurance? How many people could they hire if they didn't have to include the lure of insurance, which would be an unaffordable expense for a start-up company?
If it weren't for the fear of losing coverage, or being unable to afford it because of not being in a big group, I would have started a business a few years ago. How many others might do the same? If we want to get the US engine going again, we've got to make the atmosphere rich for innovations and ideas to go forward.
So Universal Health Care as a solution to unemployment is another great talking point in my book!
June 7, 2009 11:32 AM | Reply | Permalink
Good post. Power to the peeg! But, mini-Oinker: If a tree falls in the forest..........?
If a 2x4 hits them in the head will they even know that it came from a tree? That the tree came from a forest? Can we make them hear and understand that most trees fall because they were chopped down? I hope they can hear the swoosh of the ax as it swings close to their heads. I hope we have the collective strength to swing that ax hard and fast and that our aim is good. I hope that it gets their attention.
I've been hoping in one hand. I don't want to try the other half of the experiment but I am afraid that I know how it would turn out.
June 7, 2009 1:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
Trees falling?
For what it's worth, while people still want an overhaul, significantly less people today want the health care system rebuilt from scratch than compared to 1993:
http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1160/health-care-support-stem-cell-opinion
Note that significantly more only want minor changes.
In fact, if you look at the numbers, it's clear people aren't as gung ho as they were in 1993, with the biggest zealots moving down to lesser changes.
You can be sure that Obama reads these numbers and his proposal will reflect them.
June 7, 2009 3:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
The first sentence of the Pew report:
Detailing the numbers:
Again from the report:
And then:
While the report shows a decline in the number of people thinking the system needs to be overhauled completely since the peak in '93, again:
What's your point?
June 7, 2009 5:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
The point is that while people want change, they don't want as much change as they did in 1993. Therefore, I'm betting that things like a single payer system won't be on the table as a proposal.
Considering how health care reform was a major issue in this past election, those numbers are surprising to say the least.
I find it even more interesting that the more elderly are more against reform if it increases taxes.
PS Nice try at cherry picking: Most implies greater than 50%, but the point of my comment was that most back in 1993 is different than most in 2009. Moreover, the issue isn't change, but how much change. There is a distinct difference between 1993 and 2009. I know that nuance isn't cherished at TPM, but I thought I'd make the point. It may well be these numbers that are informing Obama's decision on how far to push things.
June 7, 2009 5:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
Also, for those that bothered to follow the link I posted, Miguel's cherry pick of the first sentence:
is followed by the second, which he chose not to highlight, but was the point of my comment:
June 7, 2009 5:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Without analyzing the polling protocols, I'm not sure what those numbers really mean. Still I'll stand on the assertion that when 40% favor complete change, and an additional 36% think it needs fundamental change, there are sufficient trees falling to have a single payer option without restrictions be seriously considered as part of the proposed legislation.
June 7, 2009 5:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
I've got to walk my dog now, so if this is going to devolve into one of our usual circle jerks, bear with me till I return.
June 7, 2009 5:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh stop it.
It's PEW RESEARCH.
"I'm not sure what those numbers really mean."
Gimme a break!
I notice you didn't have a problem with quoting one of your polls about single payer basis. Or did you delve into what those numbers meant too?
You are arguing for the sake of arguing now. You'll note I never contradicted you, merely pointed out there was more to the story and that Americans may not be as radicalized on health care as the rank and file here. There's not much to discuss beyond that.
Except, of course, it's because I posted a Pew poll rather than someone from your clique.
So, cool yer heels, bub. And stay focused on that dog so you don't lose him!
June 7, 2009 5:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
*arguing for the sake of arguing* You are good for laughs if not much else, clearschtupper.
June 7, 2009 7:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
And just to repeat why I think your initial comment, and in turn the following comments are superfluous to this blog:
June 7, 2009 9:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
CT, Your point is something to consider. If more people need educating on health care (and there isn’t going to be much of a window of time here), then that needs to be done. Still, I believe that an enormous number of people favor a complete overhaul of HC in spite of the decades of propaganda by the corporations that wrested control of the system from the people and medical profession.
As regards the polls, I’ve watched public opinion vacillate with the politics and propaganda and conventional wisdom over decades beginning with Kennedy’s attempts at reform in the ‘70s. Thankfully, for most people it is a matter of their own personal assessment of their health care “coverage” that drives their judgment. But if any one is cherry-picking the numbers, you are by going back to the short-lived apex of public support for single-payer.
It was short-lived due to the Republican Hillary/liberal/feminazi/big government/no-choice demonization and the $billion Harry and Louise insurance/big pharma/AMA/HMO propaganda media blitz supported for decades afterwards by a corporate controlled and compliant MSM and a spineless incumbency-assured Congress dependent on a permanent campaign financed by the very lobbyists of the corporations who profit from the very real misery inflicted on all but the wealthy in this country. On top of that there is a solid 20-25%, ideological conservatives, who oppose large government programs on "principle" and would oppose this even if it meant they might wind up drooling in a wheelchair under our vaunted capitalist systemas it interferes with the “market”.
Now that I look at it, it’s really a wonder that anyone would support this Big Government, commie-pinko socialist, un-American single-payer health care system. It’s actually kind of inspiring to see people demanding their country back from the Corporatocracy.
June 7, 2009 10:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks for commenting Don. I was not sure of the timing of that ad campaign by the 'vested interests'. I guess advertising works, if they can reduce the percentage of Americans who support 'complete change of our health care system' from 55% to 37% in one year. We should be seeing the big guns being rolled out by those same interests very soon now as they attempt to undermine support for a public option.
June 8, 2009 1:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, I think Sicko was a coupla years early. Then again, it's not exactly a summer blockbuster and Sicko IV just wouldn't have the oomph of the original. This is a natural story, full of drama and heartbreak (and would probably cost less to make than one episode of "Dancing with the Stars"), but really, how many prime time documentaries have we seen on the health care system? I don't have cable and missed this great 'documentary.'
People were pissed at the beginning of the economic meltdown, especially at the banksters but also corrupt corporations generally.
I think America is ready for a complete overhaul all around: balanced and honest government (loosen lobby chokehold), FP, return to rule of law and civil rights, but most of all, reform of the financial industry and health care. Unfortunately, the more little sops are sold as progress, the less adamant people are for change.
I've been advocating for government health care since the '80s. People just can't see how the system has been hijacked to maximize profits on the suffering of people both health and money-wise (until they experience it).
I can't even describe how disgusted I am with these vultures right now. I've been sitting in the County hospital for most of two weeks. My son just had a six hour surgery to screw plates and rods up and down his spine because he was kicked out of the hospital too soon after a freak accident and the insurance company denied coverage. Besides the unnecessary pain, he'll probably be disabled to some degree for life. And the kicker is, they hardly deny that he was rushed out because he was on the equivalent of Medicaid. That's "just the way it is."
June 8, 2009 11:50 AM | Reply | Permalink
If a tree falls in the forest... and you can't see the wood for the trees... basically, I'd say you're hooped.
June 8, 2009 12:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
That's a time when you're particularly happy to have along a citizen of the Giant Flaming Turd People of planet 3Burger2Burger1BurgerHUTT, to help light the way.
June 8, 2009 1:08 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'll be there, man.
Errrr.... THEY'LL be there. No worries. I'll let 'em know.
Oh yeah. How about some of this. HOT damn.
June 8, 2009 1:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
Free is the good. Giant Flaming Turd People are more X-pensive to maintain, and shouldn't take it so hard if they're not accepted right away.
June 8, 2009 1:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
I've already written my senators and representative in opposition to this government sponsored slavery program.
Could I have a copy of your talking points, so that I may easily refute them all?
June 21, 2009 6:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
CMN, the boy, the inflated sense of self, the misogynist.
June 21, 2009 7:27 PM | Reply | Permalink