We are at one of many crucial junctures in the process of advancing health care reform legislation.  It certainly seems to me at times that events are proceeding without any way for us to influence them.  It takes work to remind myself that this is untrue, and also a convenient cop-out.  We the people continue to have power, when we make our voices heard.  A loud noise made by constituents gets the attention of any elected official, even those who claim otherwise. 

It's important for us to keep asking for what we want in healthcare reform.  To me at this point that certainly includes universal (or near-universal) coverage and a strong public option.  Single payer is my true preference, but I believe a bill with a strong public option is the pragmatic way forward to opening that single payer door over time. 

Some pundits opine that we have enough momentum on our side for reform to survive if the House and Senate do not pass their respective bills prior to August recess.  I'd like to believe that, but I am not confident in it.  Therefore, my current focus and what I recommend to others is to push our reps and senators to complete legislation prior to August recess, even if it means postponing/shortening the recess.

I do believe (as CT - love him or hate him - has insisted many times) that faxing is a fine way to communicate with Congress.  All those pages spilling out of the machines make an impression.  However, if you aren't into faxing, call or Email.  Just make your voice heard!  I think this is of particular urgency if your senator or rep is one of those who is currently holding up the show (House Blue Dogs, Max Baucus, Kent Conrad, etc.)

For what it's worth, here's the text of a fax I just sent to my Dem rep (and to my Dem senator, with the appropriate changes).  I must admit I have given up on my right-wing Republican senator.

I call upon you to please do your part to expedite passage of a House health care reform bill before the August recess.  The primary effect of a delay in the process at this point may be to kill legislative momentum and destroy any real chance of passing health care reform this year, or even for the rest of President Obama's term in office.  Shall we then wait another decade or so, as our system crumbles and the number of uninsured skyrockets further, until we take another stab at it?  Please don't let this happen!

There will be time and opportunity to amend the details of health care reform legislation in the conference committee process.  Delaying progress until after the August recess will kill momentum and make the proposed bills sitting targets for opponents of health care reform, who will mount a well-financed onslaught of smears and fear-based propaganda throughout August.  Please don't let this happen!

If completing and passing a House health care reform bill means postponing or shortening the August recess, so be it!  We, the people, in our professional and personal lives must postpone or cut short vacations when important issues present themselves and demand our time and attention.  We expect no less of our legislators.

The American people want health care reform, and we know that this is a pivotal moment in the struggle to finally make reform happen.  We are watching to see what our legislators will do.  Please show us what you are made of!  Support and fight for health care reform now!  Make us proud!

Regards,

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