If You're Committed To Fighting For A Public Option, Nevermind The Defeatists & Please Check In.

[KittyWampus]

Because I, for one, refuse to be demoralized by the onslaught of Rightwing talking points and Leftwing cynicism popping up like mushroom on DU .

It may be a long, hard slog and things might not go the way we'd prefer but I am not giving up. There are Congressional Dems out there fighting for us and at some point an organized front will appear.

It's actually still a little early since was Rove was right about one thing. You don't roll a new product out until September. And Obama does seem to like letting the other side throw a bunch of punches first.

And all the DU'ers who are trying their best to demoralize us? Whatever. For some reason a good number of DU'ers are able to whine endlessly about corrupt Dems a but they never seem to have any action plans or ideas for fighting back.

[hlthe2b]

1. I'm depressed at what I'm hearing, but still in the fight.

[KittyWampus]

4. is it partly cause posts about what progressive Dems are doing sink like a stone?

[hlthe2b]

20. I had faith in BO, Sebellius and several others....

When I hear these stories about them seemingly double dealing (first with big Pharma) and now potentially around PO, knowing that single payer advocates were horrifically pushed out of the process from the start, my remaining faith is holding on like a thread.

But, yes, it would help tremendously to hear what progressives are doing to counter... We need to kick them back up.

[TheKentuckian]

125. Socialized medicine supportes got the gas face to becuase they had about the same odds

[katkat]

157. in English

TheKentuckian, want to try that again in English?

[theFrankFactor]

183. LOL!

[Mermaid7]

76. MOBILIZE! MAD AS HELL DOCTORS EMBARK ON A TRIP TO CONGRESS TO DEMAND SINGLE PAYER

It's finally happening. Someone is organizing a caravan to Washington to protest for single payer health
care.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/singlepayer/doctors/prweb...


Frustrated with the health care 'options' coming out of Washington, D.C., six "Mad as Hell" Oregon physicians are taking an unprecedented road trip across America to lobby Congress for a single-payer health care system.

Portland, OR (PRWEB) August 14, 2009 -- Frustrated with the health care 'options' coming out of Washington, D.C., six "Mad as Hell" Oregon physicians are taking an unprecedented road trip across America to lobby Congress for a single-payer health care system. A big part of their plan is to take the entire country with them.

Called a "Care-A-Van," these road-tripping Oregon physicians (http://www.MadAsHellDoctors.com ) will leave in a used motor home from Portland, Oregon on September 8th, inviting doctors and ordinary citizens from other states to join them on their twenty-city tour across the country. Their journey will culminate in a D.C.-based event on September 30th, scheduled to take place on the steps of Congress. Demonstrating with the doctors will be thousands of fellow 'Mad as Hell' single-payer advocates, all adorned with the movement's new symbol - the white ribbon. Their demand: Single-Payer Now!

"We're mad as hell because our health care system is run by people who profit from illness" says Dr. Paul Hochfeld, lead Mad As Hell Doctor and producer of the documentary 'Health, Money and Fear. (http://www.blip.tv/file/2266267 /)' "The rest of the civilized world has test driven single payer and it works. But elected officials in America won't even allow a discussion." more...

[HowHasItComeToThis]

87. BRAVO

[swilton]

153. This Needs a Separate Thread

I hope there are plans to give people advance notice so that they can come out to rally.:applause:

[eagertolearn]

155. don't forget about the purple bus tour that has been going on for a while.

She's has been on the road by herself giving talks across the US fighting for health care because she saw how her two adult children were struggling to pay for or even qualify for health care because of pre-existing conditions. Everyone deserves health care. Good for her and the Mad as Hell Doctors for putting their beliefs into action!

http://blog.votehealthcare.org/2009/03/purple-bus-lady-needs-your-help.html

[99 Percent Sure]

111. Right on, and thank you, KittyWampus. As for the weak-hearted, scaredy cats - no guts, no glory.

If some of you are going to go off the deep end or into whine mode sucking your thumbs like two-year old toddlers, everytime someone misspeaks - I prefer to believe Sebelius misspoke rather than that she touted the current WH line which hasn't changed - y'all are going to need Single Payer/Public Option as well as pre-death counseling by the time the bill passes because a lot of you are going to have a heart attack before the recess ends. Ain't nobody seen no bill, yet some of y'all are caterwauling like felines in heat.

Good googly moogly, some of you are some fragile, faint-hearted people, listing every which way the wind blows. I wouldn't want to go into battle with y'all, 'cause y'all ain't got nobody's back, not even your own. :spank:

Rec'd because KW deserves it.

[It Cant Just Be Me]

152. No time for Depression only Aggression.

What's up Aggressive Progressives?!?

Please join me today at 10:00am CT/11:00am ET on www.blogtalkradio.com/EadyMedia and express your views in support of the Public Option/Single Payer. We can't and won't let this moment slide without putting our hands to history's course.

Please call into internet talk radio show "It Can't Just Be Me.." at the times listed above by dialing 646-595-3233. I'll be discussing why Progressives can't let Regressives sabotage HealthCare Reform.

Join: "It Can't Just Be Me..."
Hit: www.blogtalkradio.com/EadyMedia
Time: 10:00am CT/11:00am ET

"It Can't Just Be Me.." is the Pool hall of Politics.

[lsewpershad]

196. Depressed but hopeful.

Will do whatever I can to help.

[happygoluckytoyou]

220. SEND YOUR OPINION TO www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

LET THEM KNOW THAT YOUR VOTE FOR PRES.... AND YOUR FUTURE SUPPORT FOR THE DEMOCRATS IS TIED TO THIS ISSUE AND THE PUBLIC OPTION.... END OF STORY!!!

[sandnsea]

2. Take Action August

Now's the time.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x8590626

http://www.obama-mamas.com/blog/?p=351

[KittyWampus]

6. I knew you would have something useful!

:hi:

[sandnsea]

24. I'm tryin'!!

I just believe there are more people who want reform who are either confused by the public option or opposed to it because of single payer and they're skewing the polls. If we can get on one page, we'll swing this back in no time.

[amborin]

90. k&r

[HopeOverFear]

3. I'm here with ya. I refuse to let the media spin this shit to look like defeat.

[Ohio Democrat]

170. ditto

we cant let the media decide what we think

[sharesunited]

5. When Democratic Senators say there aren't the votes, they should name names.

[WeDidIt]

7. Dude, it was Kathleen Sebelius who threw the public option under the bus

Last I checked, she, Conrad, Baucus, Nelson, and Obama were all Democrats.

[KittyWampus]

13. you're a pretty good example of someone who never has any positive suggestions

In fact, you've stated numerous times you're leaving the Democratic party if there is no public option AND then go on to say the public option is already dead.

SO LEAVE ALREADY AND LET US TRY TO FIGHT WITHOUT YOUR CONSTANT NEGATIVITY.

[WeDidIt]

15. Becvuase I'm tryi9ng to wake some of you up

Obama threw you under the bus.

Get used to it, because he'll do it again.

[rockymountaindem]

17. Weren't you Mr. Positivity until yesterday?

What gives?

[WeDidIt]

19. I watched Kathleen Sebelius throw the public option under the bus this morning

It's over.

The Dems are about to make health care worse.

[rockymountaindem]

23. Maybe. But there's still a long way to go in the House and conference committee

My expectations have been extremely low all along though, so I'm not too disappointed. Making it worse will only hasten the demand for real reform in 10-20 years, so there's even a silver lining for me in that cloud.

[drm604]

27. 10 - 20 years?

That's too late for a lot of people, and it's too late for our economy.

[rockymountaindem]

30. It's already too late for our economy

If we wanted to solve that problem it should have been done years ago. Nothing on the table now is going to fix that anyway.

[drm604]

37. We can't simply give up on the economy.

If that fails then nothing else we try to do will matter. We have to assume that it can be fixed and do our best to fix it. That includes fixing the healthcare mess.

[WeDidIt]

29. Thanks for sentencing me to death

I really appreciate it.

It's a worthy death, too, if it helps Obama score some political points.

:eyes:

[rockymountaindem]

45. Who says anything about scoring political points? I wish he'd fight harder for real reform

I'm just saying my expectations were already low because we are facing major opposition and we have a president who seems to like compromising more than fighting. It's been a bad situation from the get-go.

[sabrina 1]

128. 26.000 die every year because they do not have

coverage.

How many dead will there be in ten, twenty years? That's some silver lining, a quarter to half a million dead Americans.

[rvablue]

42. Two things:

#1 PRESIDENT OBAMA was promoting the public option at the two town halls he did out West this week.

So, do I believe him or Sebelius?

Cause......

#2 Cabinet Secretaries rarely, if ever formulate or write legislation, they carry implement it.

[Demoiselle]

181. Didn't Gibbs say yesterday that Obama still supports the public option?

...At a press conference AFTER Sibelius hedged?

[cliffordu]

68. Sack full o' crap

That's what yer sellin'

We ain't buyin'

[demwing]

107. OK. I'm used to it. You win

Now will you go?

[Richard Steele]

118. Wake us up to the "reasons" we should vote for B*sh twice, like you did?

nm

[galloglas]

219. And your wise solution is WHAT??

Bring back the Tsar??

[ThomWV]

145. Exactly. And if you listen to here words she was stating the President's message

Listen to what she said - she was not giving her own opinion, she clearly stated that what she was saying was the policy of the President.

[crazy_vanilla]

8. count me in

I refuse to allow myself to be discouraged even though things are looking bleak right now.

[me b zola]

9. Checking in

:kick:

[divideandconquer]

10. Kicking to the curb the tens of millions without insurance is a new product?

The organized front that has appeared during this vacuum of leadership are called deathers.

[KittyWampus]

16. Well, they've been given enough room and rope over August to hang them in September

The Republican party is going to try and distance themselves from the bullshit, but it's too late.

[tosh]

11. I'm in. nt.

[villager]

12. the problem is when the defeatists are in the White House...

...as they seem to be, after today's "trial balloons..."

[Ian David]

14. Checking in! n/t

[onestepforward]

18. Count me in.

I'm discouraged at times, but I will continue to fight.

[glinda]

21. In

[rucky]

22. If there's no organized front by now...

all we can do is complain. "fight" is a meaningless word unless there are specific actions we can collectively take that'll lead us somewhere.

I don't think expressing frustration about this as intentionally being demoralizing to others. We are demoralized and expressing frustration. If you have a pep talk, I hope it inspires some folks to take action. But it would be more effective if pointed to a clear path. I don't think there is one right now - hence the frustration.

[sandnsea]

25. There is and has been for months

DU has refused to join because they're either stuck on single payer or stuck on behing reactionaries. See above. There is plenty we can do.

[rucky]

36. Thanks, Sandnsea! I did the Congressional office visit - which was a joke.

But i'm willing to try the neighbor-to-neighbor. I'm wondering, though, why I didn't receive an email for this, since I signed up for the other program earlier.

[sandnsea]

40. Absolutely No Clue

I found that on my own. My local Dems are just like DU, so there's no organizing here. That's why I went looking to see what the web site was doing. I have most hope in HCAN so please sign up for that and sign up to be a team leader or crew leader, I think they call it. They make it so easy. They are doing awesome work in Oregon, I think they're our best hope for national organizing.

[dhpgetsit]

47. I admit I'm stuck on single-payer

But when I call my reps and tell them that I also say that I want them to at the very least fight hard for a strong public option.

http://healthcareforamericanow.org/

[Kceres]

26. At your service and awaiting further orders!

:hi:

[KittyWampus]

28. SandnSea posted some good links in post #2. She always pulls through

:fistbump:

[potone]

31. Count me in.

It is too early to give up, and the results could be disastrous if we do.

[Odin2005]

32. Checking in! Healthcare is a FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHT, not a commodity!

[classof56]

162. Good one!

Wrote it down to be sure and remember it (my Medicare-eligible brain cells are dying at a rapid rate!) so thanks for that!

As we used to say back in the Roaring 60s--We Shall Overcome!

:fistbump:

[patrice]

33. Fuck 'em. They are enablers of dependence. I've always known for myself what I should do.

[patrice]

34. P.S. What they don't know is that it isn't about being part of a clique, theirs or anyone else's.

It's about doing what is right because it IS right.

[silverweb]

35. Fighting all the way -- this is NOT over!

I still believe President Obama is doing everything he can for us -- using his own methods, playing the necessary political games, and working behind the scenes to get the best legislation possible for us.

Call, write, and email the President and your congresscritters to help drown out the determined, hostile voices of the status quo.

[drm604]

38. Checking in. n/t

[graywarrior]

39. Still in the fight here.

[rvablue]

41. K&R! Because while today's headlines made me feel defeated for a second

we can't have health care reform without the public option.

[Faryn Balyncd]

43. K&R (even though you called me "fatalistic"/defeatist?) ...We're on the same side, KittyWampus!

I'm with you, and agree we need to work to get an intact Public Option passed.


(I do believe it is essential, rather than harmful, to recognize & identify the strong forces we must, and will, defeat. Perhaps this strikes you as defeatism. But that is a question of tactics, or possibly even of less than optimal use of language. And we must identify those who are attempting to dress up reactionary corporate welfare in the rhetoric of "reform", and educate our fellow Americans regarding the distinctions.)


We're on the same side.


Thanks for the post.


K&R

[jmondine]

44. All my congressional folks are on board with a public option...

... but I'm still planning on attending all the public events I can and getting our voices heard. And I will be contacting them and letting them know that a Public Option is essential for my campaigning and voting support.

[dhpgetsit]

46. Here!

I just made another call.

http://healthcareforamericanow.org/

[LisaLynne]

48. Here

I've never understood giving up before the fight is over. Sure, be aware of where things look like they're going, but only to redouble your efforts and respond -- not give up. I have no problem with those who watch what even the Dems are up to - that's great. What I have a problem with is those who encourage inaction and defeatism. Doing nothing solves NOTHING.

[snappyturtle]

147. I agree with you HOWEVER I thought we fought hard in 2006 and 2008

to have the people in place to get meaningful healthcare passed without all the political games.

[BumRushDaShow]

49. K&R

:kick:

[Cha]

50. Yay for your OP, Kitty!

They won't defeat us.

[Blue_In_AK]

51. What I really want is single payer. n/t

[bemildred]

52. Throw the bastards out if they don't deliver.

(No offense intended to persons born in uncertain marital arrangements.)

[NYC_SKP]

53. (raises hand)

"Present, Here, I'm in."

:patriot:

[burning rain]

54. Lot of demoralization trolls about.

Though it can be hard to tell them from sincere pessimists.

[Cha]

56. They don't get to me..they just make me

more determined to get the facts out!

See post # 55, please:)

[Cha]

55. "President still favors Public Option as Means of Creating Competion

and Choice."

Cross posted from LBN..

cravermi (19 posts) Sun Aug-16-09 02:21 PM
Original message

"President Still Favors Public Option as a Means of Creating Competition and Choice, says Gibbs"
Source: CBS News/Face the Nation

(CBS)White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said on Face the Nation Sunday that President Obama is still in favor a government-sponsored health insurance plan -- but does not intend to replicate the beleaguered U.S. Postal Service.

The federal government would be able to successfully administer a health insurance option, Gibbs told CBS Anchor Harry Smith, even though the government-run Postal Service is facing serious financial problems.

"I don't think he was saying that what we were going to do is create the postal service for healthcare," Gibbs said. "The president believes this option of a government plan is the best way to provide choice and competition."

Read more.. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/08/16/ftn/main5245252.shtml?tag=stack


Kathleen Sebelius is saying one thing about the public option. However, Robert Gibbs is saying another.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x4017510

Cross posted from GDPHopeOverFear (1000+ posts) Sun Aug-16-09 07:43 PM
Original message

"Crooks & Liars: White House reiterates its support of the Public Option"

Oh, the Republicans have been having a field day with this mantra - that employers would shunt their employees into the public plan. But they're really upset for the same reason Sebelius mentioned as a positive: Job lock. Above all else, the Republican party stands for cheap, disposable labor with no rights or protections. God forbid you should have a public option - you could up and leave your job anytime you wanted!

In the meantime, the White House released this statement late this afternoon:


"Nothing has changed. POTUS has always said that what is essential is that health insurance reform must lower costs, ensure that there are affordable options for all Americans and increase choice and competition. He believes the public option is the best way to achieve those goals."


Everybody....... caaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalm dooooooooooooown.

Take deeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep breeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaths.


Please."

http://crooksandliars.com/susie-madrak/say-what-sebelius-touts-public-option

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x8591684

[Number23]

60. Thanks for that, Cha

Kicked and rec'd

[HowHasItComeToThis]

86. BRAVO

[dotymed]

131. I WROTE PRESIDENT OBAMA

another e-mail, outlining why I feel he must create UHC in
America. I hope it works.

[grantcart]

57. We need a big reaction hundreds of thousands of calls

[1776Forever]

58. Rachel Maddow comment on MTP this morning said if all to me - 3 Repubs & 3 Dems - Why?

Rachel brought up the fact that Sen. Baucus has given 3 Dems and 3 Repubs (including Grassley) the reins to control the HC Bill! Why? The Dems won! Now get the Public Option in the damn bill!

Go Rachel Go!

:applause: :woohoo: :applause:

[JBear]

59. In! (nt)

:bounce:

[spanone]

61. k&r

[Political Heretic]

62. Not only will I fight for it, its the only thing I'll accept. Any Dem contributing to its demise..

..is on notice.

I'll do everything in my power to ensure that you never serve another political term in your life ever again. I'm not that important on my own, but its not me you should worry about - its the People, and we know how to work together.

And Obama, without the minimum public option, when single payer is clearly what's needed, you're not giving people health care reform - you're giving them insurance reform. Refusing to stand your ground for once and say public option or veto, and threaten Democrats and name names - well that's just fucking pathetic.

Everyone cheers when it is reported how much congress person receive in money from the health care industry - as it exposes their conflict of interests. Let's see the money big pharma and the health care industry has dumped onto Obama too.

[Maru Kitteh]

63. Handwritten letters go out to congress critters tomorrow. Probably one to Obama too.

We MUST have a public option. MUST.

[bertman]

64. I'm DISCOURAGED, DEMORALIZED, DISILLUSIONED AND PISSED! But not about to give up.

What I am most pissed about is the way Democratic leaders and Senators are undercutting the effort to actually reform healthcare. Why in the world would Sebelius even give the impression that the President is about to roll over on the public option unless there was something to it? She's THE cabinet member most affected by this legislation.

The defections, the bullshit bi-partisanship, the bluecross dogturds are all perfect examples of the ineptitude of the Democratic leadership.

But, despite all of that, I will not give up on public option. I will type my fingers to the bone telling my Democratic Senator and Rep to support it. And I'm working hard to convince friends to do the same. But when you have such negative, defeatist crap coming from within the President's cabinet that really hurts the effort.

[Jakes Progress]

65. Two problems.

First is what do you call a public option. My belief is that the signed bill will not settle the argument because it will contain some language that will say something about public option. If it isn't a government-funded program available to all that can negotiate prices and services, then it isn't really the public option that will do the job. It would be a compromise of the compromise for single payer.

Second is the meme of calling people "right wing" when they decry the trend toward corporate written plans. When you do this you are calling black white and conservative liberal. The right wing likes the way the plans are trending. The liberal view, the left wing view, would be the one that demands better and more progressive action. I know that calling people right wing is popular here, but you are just wrong. It make you seem uninformed.

[andym]

66. To quote John Paul Jones; " I have not yet begun to fight"

This should be our motto here.

[cliffordu]

67. Checking in,

[proud patriot]

69. I'm here

:hi:

[tinkerbell41]

70. I'm Here!

I'm curious about this. Cleaning my house today, I had "talk" radio on. I usually listen to some
weird UFO stuff before I sleep, so it was "Right Wing" during the day today.
All I heard was the "Public Option" is off table and other such non-sense. Now, not being on DU all day my Radar went off, having read about this shit Repugs pull during the Clinton yrs. I did think it a little strange, trying to defeat us thru morale busting. I am NOT giving up. If I didn't give up from the beginning (when Chicago Sun-times said it was too soon he wasn't ready) to the end (when my DEM family members treated me with pity that he couldn't close the deal) I ain't gonna do it now. I love him and always have, if I go down let it be in flames.

[jimlup]

71. fight we must

[Hekate]

72. KnR. You bet, KittyW. Why the hell should we give up before the fight is even well-engaged?

I'm beginning to believe that there are a lot of fools out there who (a) thought the RW corpo-fascists would slink away quietly after the election, and (b) that Obama promised them the Moon and if he didn't, then he SHOULD have, and (c) everything is Obama's fault.

And if I read that Obama has "thrown X under the bus" one more time I am going to :argh:

Hekatte

[Tess49]

73. I'm in. n/t

[Bluerthanblue]

74. i'm in for the long haul-

:hi:

[Capn Sunshine]

75. Ramp it up!

OK. We played nice, and they just didn't get it.

It's Go Time

[brewens]

77. Where are the dissatisfied Brits and Canadians?

If the national plans in Canada and Great Britain were so bad where are the horror stories? Wouldn't Cluster FOX News and other right-wing media outlets have an endless stream of them on?
Someone that wasn't feeling well and couldn't get in to see their doctor? Ending up with inoperable cancer or something like that. Wouldn't that be perfect to put one of those people on to scare Americans? So perfect that it must be that they can't find anyone like that.

[indimuse]

132. "As an Australian"

indimuse (1000+ posts) Sun Aug-16-09 07:05 AM
Response to Original message
146. "As an Australian"



<snip>

Michael E. Hyers, Master Sergeant, USAF (Ret)
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 23:50 — Mickeyde
As an Australian I may be butting in here where I'm not wanted but I'd like to give some observations on our system of universal health care we have enjoyed since 1973 in my country. First- thank you Mr Myers for your military service-we Aussies have never forgotten the Yanks saved out bacon in the South Pacific in WW2 and we cherish the special friendship that has been forged between our 2 countries.
All political parties in Australia from conservative to liberal and everyone in between now support the public option where everyone has access to good medical care. In fact, the last very conservative PM who got on pretty well with your last president tried to find ways to improve the system-and all public infrastructures need improvement- and he succeeded. In the past 6 years I've had 2 full knee replacements, something I could never have afforded by going private. All I paid for was my TV rental in hospital and taxi-fare home (although the free hospital bus would have got me there).

But nothing is free of course in the end-we pay a medicare supplement in our taxes and we pay it every week but over a few decades that adds up of course and all those years when I haven't needed medical help-suddenly it's there just when I do and haven't got the cash. I see it as no different than paying taxes to build roads, schools , highways and everything else. Plus the government covers the un-employed. pensioners and so on.

Plus of course there is a private option for those who want gold plated treatment away from the hoi polloi like me but I'm happy in the public ward and the doctors are just the same so -whatever !.

I think you should look carefully at the plan eventually your leaders offer you as it your country and your health but I honestly think many Americans are over-reacting to something that we, most of Europe and Scandanavian countries just take for granted now-a right to medical treatment which we don't regard as a luxury and which 90% of doctors and nurses support. I also lived in the UK for 10 years and the British National Health system can be aggravating and unwieldy at times, always underfunded but most problems there are caused by bureaucracy.-and the Brits invented the word and know more ways to complicate any system!.

It's up to you guys in the end-but you should examine what is on offer very minutely. We did back in 1973..gave it a go and we have never looked back.



LINK:: http://blogs.newsobserver.com/multi/first-look-health-c...

;)

K&R!

[eagertolearn]

160. There's only been good stories with admission from a few that

there is always room for improvement. But where they are is very ahead of us and they are spending half the money. The BBC had a talk with people representing several countries with NHC. All very happy with their's and not understanding why the U.S. is putting down what they have when they are very happy!

[DrZeeLit]

78. w/o Public Option there is NO REFORM.... Period. So, what would be the point?

I'll keep fighting. My representatives -- Bernie Sanders, Pat Leahy, and Peter Welch -- are all in the Public Option Camp.

Do we have any sway with Baucus and that Conrad idiot from N.D.? Any way to pile on? They disgust me, and I'm sure, disgust others.

[FarLeftFist]

79. MUST HAVE A PUBLIC OPTION !!!

ITS AMAZING HOW MIS-INFORMED SOME PEOPLE IN AMERICA ARE. A PUBLIC OPTION IS A WIN/WIN SITUATION FOR EVERYBODY. AND TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE IT WILL PUT THE EVIL PRIVATE SECTOR OUT OF BUSINESS LOOK AT IT THIS WAY: YOU CAN BUY A CAR FOR $4000 BUT PEOPLE STILL DONT MIND PAYING $60,000+ FOR A MERCEDES-BENZ, YOU CAN BUY A CHEAP SEAT ON A PLANE BUT PEOPLE STILL FLY FIRST-CLASS, YOU CAN EAT CHOP MEAT BUT PEOPLE STILL PAY FOR FILET-MIGNON, YOU CAN PURCHASE SNEAKERS FOR $20 BUT NIKE IS STILL A THRIVING BUSINESS, ETC ETC. DO THESE PEOPLE EVEN KNOW AMERICA? WE LOVE CHOICES.

[Cleita]

80. Sorry but I'm for the whole enchilada, which is single payer. I will only

settle for a public option when it's really settled that it won't happen. That would be after the CBO report and the debate for HR676 in September is over.

[opihimoimoi]

81. GOP Bullies like to BrnShirt Intimidate with moot distractions....not knowing anything else

they lie cheat steal to remain in power...now that they lost both houses and the Oval. they are pissed off,

They are void of plausibe realistic answers

Why?

They lack what it takes...no empathy, no vision, and no desire to help others...they are a cancer to our Land

[George II]

82. Thank you so much for this post...

...I, a DUer, will NOT be demoralized by the cynics of "mainstream Democratic Underground". We will prevail, and I think Obama is doing a great job pushing this and the rest of his platform.

Thanks again.

[FarLeftFist]

83. THE FIRST THING THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE IS....

TAKE BACK THE INTERNET. THE INTERNET IS SOMETHING FAIRLY NEW TO THE RIGHT-WING, FOR THE PAST 10YRS LIBERALS/PROGRESSIVES RAN THE INTERNET, WE MUST TAKE IT BACK ONCE AGAIN.
VISIT FOXNEWS.COM/HANNITY BLOGS AND SHUT THEM UP BY POSTING FACTS, ALSO GLENN BECK BLOGS, LIMBAUGH BLOGS, FREEREPUBLIC.COM, 912PROJECT, ETC. WE NEED TO LAUNCH AN INTERNET OFFENSIVE AND SPREAD THE TRUTH AND CREATE A BUZZ....
THEN WE TAKE IT TO THE STREETS.

SHUT THEM DOWN !!!

[bemildred]

84. You bet.

We will not get a public health system without a fight. It's up to us to get after Congress and support the President.

[Faryn Balyncd]

85. I think it's good that even a lot of us "defeatists" are recommending this thread!

Those who find a robust, universally available public plan which can negotiate provider prices ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL are committed to fighting for this.


Whether demoralized by developments or not, we're in this together, and we will win.

[mzmolly]

88. . Many DU'ers have great ideas for fighting back. I think we're a bit tired

is all.

[downeyr]

89. I think...

...we should all spend the night e-mailing the white house or posting on their advice board telling the president that we're still behind him and to keep fighting, because we won't stop!

[Liberty Belle]

91. Yes, I just e-mailed the White House and asked for a reply.

I cried when I heard they are taking public option off the table. Our "insurance" is terrible and we've had one nightmare with it after another - multiple companies, same story - refuse to order needed tests, delay treatment, deny coverage, jack up premiums to force sic people off plans -- in short make patients suffer or worse, die.

I publish a news site with 5 million hits in 10 months. I am committed to raise visibility for why we need a public option now. I posted a piece on Howard Dean's book, and comments he made here in San Diego, earlier today before hearing that Obama is poised to drop the public option (as AP now reportS). You can see the story at www.eastcountymagazine.org.

[amborin]

92. The Nation : Healthcare we can believe in: Link

<http://www.thenation.com/doc/20090831/pollitt>

[ChiciB1]

163. Thank You... Great Link... Saw It At Another Post... Keep It Going!! n/t

[costahawk1987]

93. Thank you!

I was feeling a bit demoralized tonight but not by DU'ers. Just when the prez grabbed momentum from the thugs and we started shutting down their bully tactics, the headlines started saying we lost overnight. So I grabbed a beer, popped in some Woody, and signed up to DU! :)

"You will never make peace with these fascists. You will never find friends such as we." - Woody Guthrie

[Lifelong Protester]

102. let me be the first to welcome you here...

[costahawk1987]

115. It's an honor

to be welcomed by a "lifelong protestor". I wish I could claim the same awareness all along, but I believed in the lies they told us until the reign of * the unelected.

[Lifelong Protester]

214. I have reached the age of bragging about it (age, that is)

and was in college when I marched with NOW, AIM, and a host of other groups and causes. I'm one of those old lefties who still believes in the power of the march.
Glad to have you on board, don't get discouraged, keep up the fight!

[gtar100]

94. Single payer first; public option my only compromise.

Anything else would be a wink and a nod to the rats who are stealing our money now.

[eagertolearn]

171. I'm in with your plan. The rest would cost too much and not change a thing!

[BlooInBloo]

95. Hopefully there are enough of us to defeat the republicans, shitty Democrats...

and the nihilists who label themselves "true progressives".

They've got a powerful coalition - getting something decent is by no means assured.

[Mithreal]

96. Never miss an opportunity to kick an ally BIB. nt

[BlooInBloo]

98. I would never kick an ally. Those who pose as allies, sure.

[Mithreal]

117. "True Progressives", those sure are a bunch of posers. nt

[Third Doctor]

97. I"ll fight

to the very end. I try not to let the news bother me until it's actually fact.

[unapatriciated]

99. I have been fighting since 1991...

I have told my story to three administrations, Starting with Bush 1. So I'm not about to give up now.
Public Option is the compromise to single payer, if we do not get at least that then there is no real reform
I Started writing letters and making phone calls in early 1991, regarding health care reform. My son became ill in the summer of 1990, it took six months for my hmo doc to do a simple blood test for Lupus (that I had requested many times) and then the fun began. i spent over ten years fighting my insurance company (blue cross) just to get the necessary medical treatment for my child to survive. I lost only material things my son lost a hell of a lot more. He is disabled because of the delays and denials of treatment. Treatment that was covered under my insurance but expensive, so the longer they could withhold treatment the more profit they made. They count on you dieing before they have to provide care. Hell no I will not give up!

[SemiCharmedQuark]

100. Sorry! Add a recommendation to this...I meant to hit rec, but hit unrec instead.

but...rec, in spirit.

[Lifelong Protester]

101. I ain't giving up either...

I'm sticking with it, and not giving up. Nothing gained by that, and even though the 'bleakers' seem to be all around us here, I say there's still a lot of cards to be played before this hand is done.

[titoresque]

103. BRING IT ON FUCKERS!

:patriot:

[David Zephyr]

104. I am fighting and I am with you. This will define Obama for the next three years.

Obama needs to know that he can't lose his base and then expect to push back against the GOP on his own.

I think everyone needs to call the White House and their representatives and do all we can.

[laughingliberal]

116. The White House gets 2-3 emails per week from me

Today, they got 2

[DonCoquixote]

105. Count me IN!

OK, I admit, I am angry that Obama has tried hard to be nice, sadly though, I do understand sometimes you need to pretend to be nice to get things done, and we need THINGS DONE! I saw the far right and left shoot Hillary down, only to have a fine next few years keeping their names on TV while I lost thousands in medical Bills. I see the same players lining up again, both side willing to sacrifice us on the altar of some idealized America that never was and will never be. To those on all sides that think it is worth trashing this plan for another joust at the way YOU want things, I say you can all rot in a hospital bed you cannot pay for!

[man4allcats]

106. For now at least, I'm willing to trust President Obama.

Hopefully that trust will not prove to have been misplaced. Presently, I personally believe the President sincerely intends to bring about genuine health care reform based on a strong public option. I should add that he wouldn't necessarily lose my support by failing in this effort. Were health care reform to fail because the President refused to sign a bill that lacked a strong and robust public option, President Obama would still have my respect and support for standing strong regardless of any possible or perhaps probable political consequences.

[knixphan]

108. Action.

Dam right!

I stood on Santa Monica blvd for 3 hours last Friday, out-screaming the wingnut demonstrators, and out-soliciting honks from drivers passing by - holding up my 'Healthcare Can't Wait' sign.

Gotta get on the streets, all of us.

[lumberjack_jeff]

109. K&R n/t

[syberlion]

110. I've already emailed the White House My discontent

I said that the public option was a large part of the discussion during the campaign and to pull that out of the health care bill means NO reform and I could no longer support this administration if it decided to go back on what it said during the campaign. Without the Public Option the Insurance companies win, AGAIN (remember '93). This is a fight that has been ongoing since Truman! Then I pointed out this country voted for a majority in the House, a strong majority in the Senate and we have a democratic President in the White House. WHEN are we going to start acting like it and stop acting like we are a minority party? It is time to get this country going in the correct direction and stop letting the screaming babies in the back seat tell us how to drive! Monday I am calling my congressman, and 2 Senators (that will be a waste of time since I have John Corn-hole and Kay Baliey, but I am still going to call and register myself in the strong public option sector). I want to know what is it going to take to motivate the 72+% to call. write and get this on every TV Radio and newspaper that America WANTS reform!!!

[madmax]

112. Present n/t

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

113. exactly. No way Insurance companies will just walk away

we have to make it happen.

[grahamhgreen]

114. Public option or no bill, absolutely!

[GreenTea]

119. Yo...I'm always fighting, donating, writing and trying to educate...

even if I find myself pontificating a bit...I know I'm absolutely positively right, no question in my mind....We need a PUBLIC OPTION nothing less will do.

[CitizenPatriot]

120. what I find so funny

is the "defeatists" will go on about how the R's got everything they wanted under shrub. Actually, his reign was an epic failure, and not only for the reasons we all know to be true. Rove was so divisive that even R's in congress didn't want to work with *. THey never got a lot of their pet projects passed, and *'s promises were never delivered. Sure, he fucked up this country but good, so he stayed busy, but he was a policy failure by their standards. He just didn't know how to work with congress at all. They made a ton of money, so I'm sure they're not crying over that part of it -- but they know they can't point to successful implementation of promises kept. EPIC FAIL.

I'm sure every time they hear Obama say he's reaching out to R's, they cringe in recognition of their own utter incompetence.

I will never give up. We won the election, even with Diebold et al. We can do this and no one is going to tell me we can't.

It is going to happen.

[Skidmore]

121. Now this is more like it.

A little common sense and some focus. Rather than a premature burial, let's do what the President has asked of us--act like citizens and give some support to the need for reform and challenge to those who would kill any reform. What comes out of that Congress will be only reflect how strongly the will of the people is presented to this nation preoccupied with soundbites and image.

[truthrocks]

122. DON'T GIVE UP ON OBAMA!

Do you remember John McCain and Sarah Palin?? Do you? This is who we'd be dealing with if Obama wasn't elected! THINK about that for a minute. What would McCain be doing right now, 7 months into his first term, other than running around fighting the crisis fires that Palin would be igniting? What was Bush doing 7 months into his first term, other than going to Crawford for another vacation? What did the last 8 years of Bush do about the economy and a broken health care system? NOTHING. Absolutely NOTHING, other than make it more broken.

We voted for CHANGE. OK, this is what REAL CHANGE LOOKS LIKE! It's NOT pretty, it's messy, it's chaotic, it's unbelievably hard, there is huge resistance, people are afraid and will do anything to stop it. There will be missteps and steps backward and steps forward as Obama picks his battles. It's a rocky road to negotiate, but consider the alternatives.

It's going to take a long time to clean out the toxic mess that has accumulated on the political landscape of America, but it has to start somewhere! Obama put himself out there to take on this seemingly impossible task for our country. Give the man a break! Don't wimp out on him now, darn it! He needs and deserves our support more than ever RIGHT NOW.

:rant:

[katkat]

164. thanks

Thanks for posting that. I have been expecting greater strides, but I didn't realize the effect of spineless Reid and Pelosi, and the degree that Congressional Democrats have been bought by industry. Where is Tip O'Neill or even LBJ, despite his flaws as President, when we need guts in Congress.

[Penguin31]

123. I'm in. Public Option. Period.

[peace frog]

124. Public option or no bill

Give up, hell!

[TheKentuckian]

126. Check. I wasn't so stupid to think it wasn't very much losable. So, I'm not the least put off

Nothing changed in the last 24 except the administration may have got a little torch to the toes.

[The Wizard]

127. There must be a

nationwide grass/net roots effort to remove Max Baucus from the Senate. He abused his position as a Committee chair to shut down all discussion of single payer or public option. Max Baucus has to go. He's in the insurance lobby's pocket at the expense of the American people.
The Democrats have to abandon all hope of cooperation from Republicans, as the Republican's stated goal was to destroy the President and damaging the majority of Americans to do it was part of their plan.
Howard Dean framed it right: You're either with the American people or you're with the insurance companies. It's obvious Max Baucus stands with the insurance companies' bottom line and against the American people. Max Baucus has to go.

[democracy1st]

129. this admin never put up a fight or tried to organized what i'm seeing from them right now

is pure bs

[The Wizard]

130. Contact your Senators and Representatives

and the DSCC and DCCC and remind them you will not only withhold all donations but you will work for their defeat if they fail to include a strong and viable public option.
Why vote for and support those who are nothing more than Republicans in a cheap disguise.

[Ganja Ninja]

133. K & R

:wtf: :shrug:

[RoccoR5955]

134. I have been fighting the right for too long to let this demoralize me!

I know that the vast majority of people are "in the middle," but I know that there are better ideas for WE THE PEOPLE from the true left. The Left that is NEVER portrayed on the media.

[Lerkfish]

135. you have to admit, the cynicism reflects past performance on the Dem's part

[loyalkydem]

136. Gladly committed

I don't want to see what happened to me happen to anyone else

[Orsino]

137. "A public option" is too vague.

We need single-payer. We will have to settle for a watered-down version.

We must ensure that whatever "public option" passes is able to demonstrate clearly the superiority of socializing health care. Don't let Congress discredit the concept with some weasely, privatized pseudo-public shadow of what health care can be.

[Number9Dream]

138. Without a public option, it's not health reform n/t

[we can do it]

139. Never Rest!

[Bettie]

140. Working hard not to be discouraged

I'm hoping that what we're hearing is all talking points and that Reid and the Senate Dems will grow a spine over the recess and send the President a bill that includes a strong public option.

[southernyankeebelle]

141. I hope you are right -

Frankly am depressed for this country as a whole. Democrats won the majority in this country yet it looks like the republicans are in charge. Am for democrats, especially the working poor who voted for Obama thinking they were getting change yet it turns out that the president is kissing the ass of the rightwing nutjobs. I never thought they would worry about them being pussies yet that is actually what they have become. Worrying about getting reelected. Sorry bunch of fools.

[4dsc]

142. Sorry but I support single payer

Public option means nothing to me. We are fighting for the wrong kind of change.

[scentopine]

143. Stop sending cash to dem party and candidates.

Many of us busted our asses getting dems elected and they've left us high and dry. One thing about republicans - they definitely look after their base as whacky as they are, they no how to keep the nut jobs happy and the nut jobs keep spending.

Dem leadership fks us over and over (amnesty for health insuraqnce companies, amnesty for wall street investment banks, amnesty for torture, amnesty for wire tapping, on and on) and we sit up like puppy dogs every time they need grass roots cash, door knockers, signs, people greeters, etc.

Not a penny more for these unprincipled and cowardly wind bags.

[hwmnbn]

144. I'm in...

We had a national town hall last November and health care reform won. Time to collect the fruits of our labor.

[AllyCat]

146. I am here! Tired of the other side not realizing how they are being used

but I'm here and still fighting.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

148. The Blue Dogs seriously need primary challengers,

even token ones, to call them on their bullshit in 2010.

Depending on the "safety" of the seat held by a Republican or Blue Dog, it may even be time for a little strategic third party voting.

[on point]

149. Single Payer please

I prefer single payer option as the real way to save money and make improvements. The public option is minimal reform and would do something, but not much to improve things and is the MINIMAL that should be done. Anything less is a sham and not worth the effort, or the hype that something was done, when in fact nothing will have been done.

[kevsters]

150. Glenn Beck's Health Care Proposal...Brilliant!

Watch Beck's capitalistic cure to health care. He essentially says to let rich people pay for expensive treatments, while the rest of us wait years for the price to fall. Sure beats a public option.

Here is the clip.

http://progressnotcongress.org/?p=2575

[BlueMTexpat]

151. Thanks ... I AM committed to a public option at the very least.

I would prefer single payer, however. As someone who spent eight years residing in a third world country where universal access to medical care was much BETTER than what US citizens have now ... and that was years ago ... if we don't at least get the public option, we will not only be "third world," we will begin sliding into the fourth.
We need to take the blinders off in this respect, just as we need to in many others. We are being "left behind" in too many ways.

[DinahMoeHum]

154. Single Payer/Public Option or no dice. If we don't get it this year. . .

kick ass in 2010 and vote in those people who WILL vote for it.

:kick:

[katkat]

156. checking in and donating

Checking in, and donating to progressive candidates.

[Dora]

158. check

[tomm2thumbs]

159. 200th! K&R

[fulllib]

161. I'm in too

I visited Klobuchar's office, and have emailed Amy and Al as well. I can't use the phone to easily at work, but I will be sending emails!

If you haven't fought before, now is the time! It isn't too late.

[Gidney N Cloyd]

165. Checking in!

[Fire1]

166. Check. n/t

[Overseas]

167. And don't listen to NPR this morning-- they're trumpeting the Sibelius quote.

And next we have the "let's have a whole bunch of insurance company run health clinics" to delay and divert the discussion from Single Payer Now.

Rick Scott, former exec of United Healthcare that paid the largest Medicare fraud penalties in history during his watch, would be glad to see a whole bunch of little co-ops.

Anything to divert us from the quest for a simpler, cost-saving measure like Single Payer.

Right wingers are really desperate to prevent millions of Americans from feeling the security of not having to worry about their finances if they or a family member get ill.

[waiting]

168. I'm not going to let the American Way Plan go down

without a fight. As Lakoff says, we need to appeal to the people using phrases that grab attention and link with positive synaptic reactions. There has to be a phrase that sounds better than Public Option. Option is wishy washy and makes it sound like even the creators of the plan aren't sure you should buy into it.

[grahamhgreen]

173. How bout UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE? Easily understood, but not what O is for...

[BlueMTexpat]

169. Mudflats has a great column today about the fact that we need to keep

fighting the good fight.
She has been inspired by Netroots Nation and by those there who tell it like it is.

http://www.themudflats.net/2009/08/16/what-we-must-do/

[DevonRex]

172. Anybody who wants to kill reform is JUST LIKE THE REPUBLICANS.

The result is the SAME.

So everybody buck up. It's time to get to work dammit.

[lpbk2713]

174. It's a good idea to look at the 'Greatest' page now and then.

I just found this. Glad to KnR.



:kick:

[BEZERKO]

175. Present and ready for war sir!

DON'T MAKE ME COME UP THERE!

[TheCoxwain]

176. We will fight to death

[DeadEyeDyck]

177. It should be a Public Option or No Option

If we accept a watered down bill, it will be like the Bush prescription care plan. Once a bill is passed, the pressure will be off of congress to do anything. They will not do anything more.

We need to take action while to iron is hot! If not, we will flounder with "co-ops" (wtf?) for the next three decades.

We are getting snookered by the right wing (again) and WE HAVE ALL THREE BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT!!

No bill is better than a bad bill. If no bill is passed then at least it will keep surfacing. If some whored down bill passes, the issue goes off the table.

[sui generis]

178. good for you, calling everyone who doesn't agree with you a defeatist

or a cynic.

What a maroon.

A realist is a third option - I want public healthcare, AND I want to be taxed for it, not forced to buy a FUCKING insurance policy.

What the fuck is the matter with you people? You've already bought into the careful strategy that insurance companies have wanted all along: sell more policies. Do you really think calling a public option "insurance" and mandating it is going to change the cost of healthcare? If that means your employer is still administering the policy choice, then your employer will still have every right to see and sell your health care information (or just deny you employment), just as they do today.

No, I'm sorry, we do need a good public healthcare system, it needs to be one of our nation's values, but it makes me livid when my fellow progressives are out there spewing this Polyanna meets the proletariat browbeating shit.

-1 for artistic impression.

[mckara]

179. The Public Option is Necessary!

[LiberalEsto]

180. I don't trust private companies

to take care of our health care needs.
If there's no public option, I'm no more a Democrat.

[Joanne98]

182. I'm in but only if we fight hard. I'm sick of weak and timid strategies.

[femrap]

184. Am I right that it is the damn

Dem Senators not accepting The Public Option? If so, we need the names and we need to do a MASSIVE writing and phoning campaign. Just who are they...I'm sure it's the same ones who are always siding with the Repugnants.

This would be a good Action for DUers.

[theFrankFactor]

185. Maybe If We Had A Congressional Majority & a Dem President... Oh Wait.

Weak. I'm sorry. Just fuckin' weak.

IF REPUBLICANS WANTED "SOCIALIZED MEDICINE" THEY'D FUCKING HAVE IT BY NOW.

Tell me they wouldn't.

Our problems are deep. Make no mistake, this is not chasing me AWAY from being a proud Liberal just ashamed of the Democrat party of today.

We SHOULD NOT HAVE TO FIGHT THIS HARD!

All the signs are that American's ELECTED CHANGE. Not capitulation, appeasement and weakness.

[Better Believe It]

186. What congressional bill contains a strong public option?

The public option contained in the House bill has already been compromised to the point of being almost useless but the conservative Democrats and Republicans won't even settle for that!

[flakey_foont]

187. I'm with you

this is not a fight we can afford to lose

[DeadEyeDyck]

188. Before it is all said and done, there will be a public option or else

there will NEVER be a public option.

See, once a bill passes without a public option, the pressure will be off the administration to add one. Right now, most congressman would do anything to get this issue off their plate.

Once we have been thrown a few bones, the train will leave the station.

It is now or never.

[sui generis]

198. now or never crap

is just mindless crap. It will happen sooner or later, so the now or never sense of urgency is for the braindead.

the real deal with getting a public option WHENEVER it happens is that it will never be repealed, any more than we could repeal medicare/medicaid.

THAT's the foot in the door. But we need a FOOT in the door and not a toenail.

[DeadEyeDyck]

223. Okay, I will give you that

but look at the watered-down prescription drug plan that the repugs got through. It took the issue off the table. They declared victory and what did we get?

See what I'm saying?

[WheelWalker]

189. Roger that !

:kick:

[jllindblad]

190. If You're Committed To Fighting For A Public Option, Nevermind The Defeatists & Please Check In.

I'm here!!!

[Auggie]

191. I'm committed

[FarLeftFist]

192. PRESIDENT OBAMA NEEDS TO....

GET ALL THE DEMS TOGETHER AFTER THE BREAK AND HAVE A CLOSED DOOR MEETING WHERE HE WOULD DELIVER AN INCREDIBLY AMAZING SPEECH ABOUT HUMANITY AND HOW WE HAVE A CHANCE TO MAKE HISTORY SO ONE DAY OUR FUTURE RELATIVES WILL LOOK BACK AND SAY "ONCE AGAIN OUR ANCESTORS DID SOMETHING FOR THE GREATER GOOD OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE" . F**K THE REPUBLICANS ON THIS ONE, I DONT WANT ONE REPUBLICAN TO GET CREDIT FOR THIS. THEY SHOULD ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED AS THE EVIL POWERS THAT WANTED MILLIONS OF AMERICANS TO SUFFER.

[DeadEyeDyck]

194. He don't need shit!!

He is the president. He has a democrate congress and has just appointed a judge to the supreme court. He won an election wioth a biggest margin since FDR. Why does he have to kiis anyone's ass to do something.

George Bush started two wars on a stolen election!!!!!

All Obama needs to do is pass an executive order. He'll get some flack for awhile but once people see their cost of health care go to zero, he will be a hero (I think I made a poem).

Tell Obama to "Just Do It"

[KaryninMiami]

193. Reporting in and committed... nt

[WI_DEM]

195. I think we will get it.

[Kajsa]

197. Checking in,

K & R.

This is too important- we need this.

[SandWalker1984]

199. Public Option should = Medicare

The public option should be the right of all Americans to opt into Medicare. The system is already in place and works.

Coops are a joke. They tried them here in Florida several years ago and the insurance companies killed them off.

Anything less than a true public option (Medicare) is not health care reform, it is a giveaway to the big insurance corporations.
Period.

Since Dems are in charge, they should take the blame for failure to pass the reform we want. Period.

[damonm]

200. Checking in, and signing on...

My Congresscritter already knows how I feel about it, and Babs is gonna hear today. DiFi I'll hit on, but I expect the usual brick wall from that RepubLite.

[avaistheone1]

201. Keep it simple.

The public option should be Medicare for all who want it.

[robertpaulsen]

202. Checking in!

:patriot:

[barbtries]

203. i don't want to be defeatist i promise!

but i am feeling discouraged. however i am checking in determined to see it through.

[Wendio]

204. Checking In!

They are trying to divide and conquer.
Don't let them!

[awnobles]

205. Must Push Back!

[PurgedVoter]

206. K&R

I just called Chet Edwards office and let them know that this was the litmus test.


I just recently opened a door and stepped onto a slurry of floor stripper and wax. If slid and fell.

I decided not to immediately go to a doctor, even though I am insured, cash flow is not what it once was.

Work insisted I go to the doctor, and I told them I had a bit of a cash flow issue. They said work mans compensation would take care of it. So I went. I went twice, I got a knee brace, some ibuprofen, and they did an MRI.

I have continued working, and I seem to be getting better. I was just informed, by letter that Workman's compensation will not be taking care of the expenses.

It looks like we are being ripped off to me. Single payer seems like a real nice option right now.

I let the office of Congressman Edwards know, that he is either with companies that are actively pushing lies about health care and bribing politicians, or with us.

[defendandprotect]

207. It's not "early" considering Baucus is "pre-owned" and "pre-bribed" . . .

Baucus should be removed --

In fact, we all know that Howard Dean should be leading this health care "reform" . . .

MEDICARE FOR ALL --

[defendandprotect]

208. Nor is it "early" for GOP to run fascist rallies, while Democrats sit at home . . .

Where are the Democrats who should be calling us out to demonstrate?

They should be organizing demonstrations!!!

Where are the labor unions -- the women's groups -- health care for everyone

is vital to small businesses, to labor overall, to women and families, children!!!!

Where is everyone????????????????????????????

[kjackson227]

209. I'm on board with President Obama.

[ProudDad]

210. You might wish to listen to this first.

http://www.democracynow.org/2009/8/17/business_week_the_health_insurers_have

They're going to get everything they want...mandatory "insurance" with NO Health Care Reform...

More tax dollars to the leeches in the sick-care industry!

And they'll further fuck up Medicare -- just to show that "government health care can't work", in spite of the example of the entire freakin' civilized world.

Further proof that we DON'T LIVE IN A DEMOCRACY no matter how much you may wish or pretend that we do...thanks to the Rounding (rich, white, land-owning, male, patriarchal) Fathers for setting up a system that protects privilege against the privations of the "masses".

Forget the Feds. Forget most of the states. We'll have to do what we need locally and hope for the best...

www.transitionus.org

Piss on ALL Flags!!!

[Oldtimeralso]

211. K & R and proud to help n/t

[kirby]

212. A public option is important for cost control...

K&R.

[ramapo]

213. I'm mad as hell

WTF is wrong with the Democrats? Conrad should be taken to the woodshed. It seems as if Obama has lost complete control (did he ever have it) of the Democrats in the Senate.

It is EXTREMELY discouraging to once again watch Democrats become the Democrats own worst enemy? Does anybody remember the Carter Administration? All Republicans had to do was sit and watch the Dems tear each other apart.

That said, I will send off another round of letters and faxes. My own two Senators are pro-public option. My Republican Congressman is a complete lost cause.

I'm not sure what good it all does but I have to feel that I'm in the fight.

[earcandle]

215. Hook me Up! I want single payer

[Motown_Johnny]

216. i am with ya, but must admit to being discouraged

[mzmolly]

217. This appearance by Dean on Morning Joe is a MUST WATCH.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036789/vp/32445707#32445707

[Ozymanithrax]

218. I'm not trying to demoralize anyone...

Just being realistic.

The rightwing fringe has succeded at convincing democrats and the whitehouse that they can dump the public option and make this a health-care insurance welfare bill. We need to make noise, and a lot of it.

Demonstrate. Carry signs. Get really noisy and irate.

The squeaky wheel gets greesed, and now the squeaky wheels are the fringe. Democrats are willing to greese them and take away the public option.

[Vroomfondel]

221. Demoralized by the best Congress that money can buy....

But not out of the fight. (non-elective) Healthcare for profit should be illegal. Period. I am so sick and tired of my peers' continual rant that "this is the greatest country in the world". EXCUSE ME? We may be the most SUCCESSFUL country in the world, but we often behave as nothing more than a boorish, bullying plutocracy. Don't get me wrong, but, as the bumper sticker says: "I love my country, but I think we should start seeing other people". UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE FOR ALL, OR NOTHING!!

[galloglas]

222. Let's storm the US Bastille !!

It is waaaay past time.

Cue up Le Marseillaise! and let's get ready to march!

[scentopine]

224. You are correct - insurance cos, trade flesh, profit on sick

They should be shut down. They offer ZERO value in the health care delivery equation.