Health care reform pitch gets personal

[andym]

Health care reform pitch gets personal
By David Jackson, USA TODAY
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2009-06-11-grassroots_N.htm

Volunteers who fueled President Obama's election are now trying their hand at health care policy by telling stories.

Organizing for America, the Democratic group drawn from Obama's campaign e-mail lists, is busy collecting chronicles about the existing health care system: People who have lost their insurance, can't pay their medical bills, or see their businesses threatened by rising costs.

The hope is that the weight of testimony will pressure Congress into translating Obama's vision for health care reform into legislation. It is a test for the volunteer organization that figures to be part of Obama's re-election effort in 2012.

"We aren't selling a candidate this time, we're selling an issue," said Robin Deters, an Organizing for America volunteer in Toledo, Ohio....
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Good work everybody. Instead of carping, it's the time to push, push, push.
If you want single payer or a strong public option explain the current problems with the system and how single payer or a strong public option would solve them. Be prepared for answering how to avoid potential problems with the proposed system you advocate.

[murielm99]

1. We had two OFA volunteers at our central committee

meeting tonight. We discussed several things, but health care reform was the main topic.

Over the next few weeks, the Illinois OFA chapter will be holding listening tour events all over the state. They will listen to voters on a variety of issues, but health care reform will be the main topic for now. I will be attending their next event, in Rockford IL, on June 20th.

OFA is not as well financed and staffed in Illinois as it is in some states. In Obama's home state, they don't have to worry about the depth of our blue.

They are still a grassroots organization. They are trying to keep the gains we made in 2006 and 2008. We need to work with them where we can.

[Hepburn]

2. Kick....

...IMO, this is worthwhile ~~ making it personal because it sure as hell is personal when a health crisis hits and there is NOWHERE to go.