Ask, Today, For Health Reform

There are a ton of videos floating around, explaining health care reform and advocating for change. But this one from Robert Reich hit home on an important fact we knew a month ago, but seems to have been lost somewhat since the beginning of September.



Did you catch the difference in Reich's video? He reminds us to write our Congressmembers, and President Obama, now, and tell them how we feel. After writing numerous letters in July and August, I mentally let the issue slide after Sen. Warner said he would not oppose the public option. Mr. Reich reminded me that this is not enough. Sen. Warner and my Democratic candidates expected a lot of me in 2008. In 2009, I expect a lot of them.

Dear Senator Warner,

Tonight, our President speaks before you and will tell you that he supports a public option. He joins a majority of America in this belief. It is right that he comes to Congress to ask for your support as our Senator. After all, there is a reason that James Madison and the other framers, so many of them Virginians themselves, placed the legislature first in our system.

With that primacy comes both responsibility and opportunity. There is a responsibility to seriously and deliberately consider the weighty issues placed before the Senate. But there is also an opportunity to be in the right place, at the right time, and change the course of the waters of American history.

These next few weeks are one such opportunity for you and your colleagues in the Senate. America needs real health reform, and that means a market-based check on the insurance market that has both the size and strength to set the standard by which health insurance coverage will be measured. It means a national, robust, fully-funded public option, available on day one.

This is my seventh letter to you, sir, asking for your support of this important initiative. I was happy to hear that you would not oppose a public option if it came up for a vote, but not standing in the way is not how to lead. Leadership means being at the front of the line, not a bystander. Your life has been one of leadership, demonstrable, results-oriented leadership. I proudly campaigned and voted for that leadership, and I’m asking for it to shine through at this critical time.

Please sir, millions of us, myself and my small, Virginia employer among them, need a real alternative in the flawed health insurance market. May your voice sound loud and proud for the real reform on the table today. Speak out, now, for the public option.

Sincerely,

Paradox13VA

Take the time to write your own letter, or call the Senator, today.

Senator Mark Warner
Phone: 202-224-2023
Fax: 202-224-6295

Lest one think that supporting the public option is a sign of creeping communism, and perhaps that's why Sen. Warner hasn't come out in favor of it, Sen. Webb has been on the side of you, me and the public option for months. It's not like Sen. Webb is known for his liberal credentials. His support is just further proof that the public option is the right answer for health reform. It is important to acknowledge that support, and thank the Senator for it.

Senator Jim Webb
Phone: 202-224-4024
Fax: 202-228-6363

Dear Senator Webb,

In anticipation of tonight’s speech by our President, I wanted to send you a short note to again thank you for your support for the public option. This fight is upon us, and your voice and strength on this issue are appreciated by this Virginia family.

Please honor your commitment to a strong, national, fully-funded public option in the coming weeks of debate. A strong, national public health insurance option is the only way to ensure real competition and reform.

Sincerely,

Paradox13VA

This battle is upon us, and now is the time to make our voices heard. Call, email and fax our Senators and Representatives, today.