Archive for March, 2010:
Co-sign with the President
From David Plouffe:
President Barack Obama will soon sign comprehensive health care reform into law. A century-long fight will finally be won.
As the President wrote last night, it was you who made this improbable victory possible. It was volunteers knocking on doors, talking to neighbors, and proving once again that Americans, standing together, can change the course of a nation.
Supporters like us now have a chance to add our names as "Co-signers" of this historic legislation -- adding our names next to President Obama's to show our pride in helping to bring about this great achievement.
Organizing for America will establish a permanent archive with all the signatures, so that generations to come will have a record of those who stood together in this moment and won this fight for our future. And I will personally present all the names we collect to the President. Will you add your name?
This is the most significant domestic achievement in decades. And this movement of Americans, committed to improving their country, made it possible.
We Buy Cialis turned out for that first cold morning in Springfield, for the canvasses in New Hampshire, for the phone banks in Iowa. We kept fighting when no one gave us a chance and the cynics told us we were clinging to a false hope.
We organized for health reform. We spread the facts on doorsteps, in town-halls, and through millions of conversations. Your voice rang through the halls of Congress and filled the pages of local newspapers.
It took many months and tremendous resolve, but we built a national network of support so strong that when the deceptive attack ads choked the airwaves and the pundits declared our effort defeated -- we had what it took to fight our way back.
And we won: the toughest insurance regulations in history, affordable coverage for 32 million without it, relief from skyrocketing costs for small business owners and from rising deficits for our children.
That's the story of how change really happens. And now, hundreds of millions will have better lives because of it.
It's rare to be part of something so meaningful that will help change the course of history. But you are.
Please consider adding your name as co-signer today to commemorate your efforts:
http://my.barackobama.com/Cosign
Thank you,
David Plouffe
Today’s Front Pages
Here are a few front pages from newspapers across the country following last night's historic vote for health reform.
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“This is what change looks like”
Moments ago, President Obama sent out the following email to OFA supporters:
For the first time in our nation's history, Congress has passed comprehensive health care reform. America waited a hundred years and fought for decades to reach this moment. Tonight, thanks to you, we are finally here.
Consider the staggering scope of what you have just accomplished:
Because of you, every American will finally Buy Accutane be guaranteed high quality, affordable health care coverage.
Every American will be covered under the toughest patient protections in history. Arbitrary premium hikes, insurance cancellations, and discrimination against pre-existing conditions will now be gone forever.
And we'll finally start reducing the cost of care -- creating millions of jobs, preventing families and businesses from plunging into bankruptcy, and removing over a trillion dollars of debt from the backs of our children.
But the victory that matters most tonight goes beyond the laws and far past the numbers.
It is the peace of mind enjoyed by every American, no longer one injury or illness away from catastrophe.
It is the workers and entrepreneurs who are now freed to pursue their slice of the American dream without fear of losing coverage or facing a crippling bill.
And it is the immeasurable joy of families in every part of this great nation, living happier, healthier lives together because they can finally receive the vital care they need.
This is what change looks like.
My gratitude tonight is profound. I am thankful for those in past generations whose heroic efforts brought this great goal within reach for our times. I am thankful for the members of Congress whose months of effort and brave votes made it possible to take this final step. But most of all, I am thankful for you.
This day is not the end of this journey. Much hard work remains, and we have a solemn responsibility to do it right. But we can face that work together with the confidence of those who have moved mountains.
Our journey began three years ago, driven by a shared belief that fundamental change is indeed still possible. We have worked hard together every day since to deliver on that belief.
We have shared moments of tremendous hope, and we've faced setbacks and doubt. We have all been forced to ask if our politics had simply become too polarized and too short-sighted to meet the pressing challenges of our time. This struggle became a test of whether the American people could still rally together when the cause was right -- and actually create the change we believe in.
Tonight, thanks to your mighty efforts, the answer is indisputable: Yes we can.
Thank you,
President Barack Obama
President Obama Addresses the Nation on Historic Health Reform Vote
Following last night's historic vote for health care reform, President Obama addressed the country from the East Room of the White House.
Today’s vote answers the dreams of so many who have fought for this reform. To every unsung American who took the time to sit down and write a letter or type out an e-mail hoping your voice would be heard -- it has been heard tonight. To the untold numbers who knocked on doors and made phone calls, who organized and mobilized out of a firm conviction that change in this country comes not from the top down, but from the bottom up -- let me reaffirm that conviction: This moment is possible because of you.
Most importantly, today’s vote answers the prayers of every American who has hoped deeply for something to be done about a health care system that works for insurance companies, but not for ordinary people. For most Americans, this debate has never been about abstractions, the fight between right and left, Republican and Democrat -- it’s always been about something far more personal. It’s about every American who knows the shock of opening an envelope to see that their premiums just shot up again when times are already tough enough. It’s about every parent who knows the desperation of trying to cover a child with a chronic illness only to be told “no” again and again and again. It’s about every small business owner forced to choose between insuring employees and staying open for business. They are why we committed ourselves to this cause.
Tonight’s vote is not a victory for any one party -- it's a victory for them. It's a victory for the American people. And it's a victory for common sense.
Now, it probably goes without saying that tonight’s vote will give rise to a frenzy of instant analysis. There will be tallies of Washington winners and losers, predictions about what it means for Democrats and Republicans, for my poll numbers, for my Buy cheap online Provigil administration. But long after the debate fades away and the prognostication fades away and the dust settles, what will remain standing is not the government-run system some feared, or the status quo that serves the interests of the insurance industry, but a health care system that incorporates ideas from both parties -- a system that works better for the American people.
...So this isn’t radical reform. But it is major reform. This legislation will not fix everything that ails our health care system. But it moves us decisively in the right direction. This is what change looks like.
OFA Supporter’s Message for Reform Heard on the House Floor
Mary Anne F. is a 91-year-old OFA supporter from Pittsburgh, who called her Congressman today to voice her support for health reform.
Representative Doyle heard her and other constituents' message loud and clear -- and on the floor of the House of Representatives during today's health care debate, Rep. Doyle shared Mary's message:
“My office got a call today from Mary Anne, 91 years old from Pittsburgh. She asked me to vote for health reform because she wants everyone to get the coverage she has. She remembers before Medicare, when half of our seniors worried about getting sick because they had no health insurance.”
Mary Anne was one of the thousands of supporters who pledged to get involved as part of OFA's "You Fight, We'll Fight" effort to support candidates who fight for reform in this year's elections.
We caught up with Mary Anne this evening, who had been watching the debate all day:
"I got letters from Obama, and I had already called Representative Doyle, and I got a very good answer, but not definite. Organizing for America asked me to call again today, and I was very happy to be told that he was definitely going to vote 'yes.'"
I'm so grateful for people who are doing things -- I can't go to meetings, so I wrote a letter, and I called twice, and I'm glad to continue. I've been watching all day. I don't know if i dare go to bed or not.
After this, we've got to follow through, whatever I can do, I'll do. 31 million people need this -- it's beyond politics, it's just plain good sense. I think that this is as historic as Medicare itself, even Social Security. I think this is a momentous thing.”
President Obama to Address the Nation Tonight
Following the House of Representatives' vote on health reform later tonight, Buy cheap Cialis Online >President Obama will address the country from the East Room of the White House.
With the House debate underway, we are just a few hours away from a final vote - you can watch live on CSPAN.
With Hours Before a Final Vote, Momentum for Reform Continues to Grow
As Congress moves toward a final vote on health insurance reform, momentum continues to grow. Earlier today, Washington representative Brian Baird announced that he would vote 'yes' on reform, after voting against the initial bill in November.
Rep. Baird explained why he's supporting reform and thanked constituents for voicing their views:
Weighing the concerns against the benefits of the legislation, and considering that the status quo is unsustainable, I will vote for this legislation.
...I want to express my personal appreciation to those who have written, called, visited our office and attended town halls and other events to express their opinions on all sides of this issue. The fact that so many have taken the time to do so is itself a testimony to both the importance of this issue and the vibrancy of our republic.
More and more representatives are joining with President Obama – standing for the millions of Americans that are struggling under our broken health insurance system.
Here is some of the news on representatives supporting reform:
“Markey signs on to health care reform:”
U.S. Rep. Betsy Markey, D-Colo., has jumped on board the latest health care reform legislation, saying the bill significantly reduces the deficit, expands coverage to millions and helps small businesses. In a conference call with reporters Thursday, Markey said she opposed the bill that passed the House in November because she felt it didn't sufficiently reduce health care costs for families and businesses.
“Capuano: Yes on health care”:
Representative Michael Capuano will vote yes on the sweeping health care package the House is set to take up on Sunday, the Somerville Democrat told the Globe. Capuano voted for the measure in the House last year, but was wavering on the current version of the package, seeking assurances that it would be beneficial for Massachusetts. The Bay State, with its many hospitals and generous Medicaid coverage, has specific concerns Massachusetts lawmakers wanted addressed in the bill.
“Titus, Berkley say they will vote for House bill”:
Nevada's two Democratic representatives broke their silence Friday and announced they will vote for health care reform, moving controversial legislation that much closer to passage in the House. With the vote expected to take place Sunday, Rep. Dina Titus emphasized consumer-friendly provisions in the landmark bill, saying it will improve coverage for Nevadans who already have health insurance while extending coverage to thousands more uninsured in the state
Cheap Cialis >“Boccieri to throw support toward health bill”:
At a press conference Friday morning, Boccieri, D-Alliance, announced he would support the bill when it comes to a vote, presumably this weekend… Boccieri brought some families from the district with him during his press conference in Washington, D.C, including Esther Hawkins from Wooster, who shared how insurance companies continually have denied coverage for her 10-year-old son, Jay, who was born with autism, because it's considered a pre-existing condition.
One Last Chance to Make Your Voice Heard
From OFA Political Director Addisu Demissie:
In Provigil online No prescription just a few hours, the House of Representatives will cast their final vote on health reform. The outcome is still uncertain. Each minute, the race tightens between D.C. lobbyists desperate to block reform and the voters back home calling for change.
Most offices on Capitol Hill are open and taking calls. Please call your representative right now.
In these closing moments, your voice has extraordinary power. It's time to use it.
Thanks for standing up,
Addisu
Addisu Demissie
Political Director
Organizing for America
P.S. -- While there's still time, please pass this note on to any friends or family who support reform and want to help pass it. Every call counts.
If We Do Nothing: Nearly 1/4 of Income Will Go To Health Care
Today, members of Congress will be faced with a choice: seize the opportunity to pass health reform, or turn back without making progress. So what happens if we fail to act?
If we do nothing on health reform, we'll be paying nearly 1/4 of our income toward health care by 2020.
According to the Commonwealth Fund, average family health insurance premiums are expected to nearly double -- from about $13,000 to $24,000 in just ten years.
Learn more about the cost of inaction on health reform:
Today's vote will be close. But thanks to the amazing work of OFA volunteers throughout the final push for reform, we are on track to make history by passing health reform in the House of Representatives. If you haven't voiced your support to your member of Congress yet, you can give him or her a call here.