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What exactly IS essential?
Author: Raine
Date: 08/17/2009 12:18:45
Sorry to be so late today. I will admit that health care reform is first and foremost on my mind, and with the events of the past weekend the entire process seems to be in chaos. As of right this moment, I can't tell whether or not the public option is in or out of what the President wants for health care reform.
Yesterday, you may have heard the Secretary of HHS said that the public option is "is not an essential part" of health insurance reform. This has set off a firestorm in the blogosphere. Rightfully so. The President has stated on many many occasions that he would not sign a bill without a public option.
We have a very good bill floating around Washington called HR 3200. I have mentioned it quite often. It includes the public option. As of today, nothing has come out of any committee in the Senate.
The White has issued retractions (once again) saying that Ms. Sebelius misspoke. 2 other people were mentioned in this article. It also mentions that Robert Gibbs stated Is it a walk back? Are they caving to the Senate conservadems and republicans by dangling the idea of co-ops with a non profit insurance option? I am really not sure. What I do know and I have been saying, is that it is critical that people contact their representatives while they are in recess and back in their home states. Or, was it mis statement from an administrative official? That is where I get really angry with this administration. I am getting very tired of this happening. For a campaign that ran so smoothly these gaffes are getting irritating. It shouldn't be that hard for people to stay on message, right? (Do you hear me Rham? )
One thing is clear and important to remember: The public option is NOT dead. Congress is NOT in session. The corporatists are whipping up the conservatives by taking action, deceitful as it may be -- by going out disrupting meetings, spreading lies, and stoking fear. What we must do now is organize, and get noticed. We need to fight like hell for the rest of the month and well into September. I refuse to let these people frame the debate again. It's THAT important.
When people ask you 'Why the rush or why a public option?' Think about this:
22,000 Americans die every year because they lack adequate health care coverage. That's a basic, essential fact. That's about 60 Americans every day, 2 people an hour or six 9/11's every year. Those people no longer have an option. 3 people have died since I began todays blog. What exactly is essential to Washington?
and 
Raine
Yesterday, you may have heard the Secretary of HHS said that the public option is "is not an essential part" of health insurance reform. This has set off a firestorm in the blogosphere. Rightfully so. The President has stated on many many occasions that he would not sign a bill without a public option.
We have a very good bill floating around Washington called HR 3200. I have mentioned it quite often. It includes the public option. As of today, nothing has come out of any committee in the Senate.
The White has issued retractions (once again) saying that Ms. Sebelius misspoke.
An administration official said tonight that Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius "misspoke" when she told CNN this morning that a government run health insurance option "is not an essential part" of reform. This official asked not to be identified in exchange for providing clarity about the intentions of the President. The official said that the White House did not intend to change its messaging and that Sebelius simply meant to echo the president, who has acknowledged that the public option is a tough sell in the Senate and is, at the same time, a must-pass for House Democrats, and is not, in the president's view, the most important element of the reform package.
fostering competition and choice were non-negotiable, but the specific mechanism designed to do so was up for discussion.
One thing is clear and important to remember: The public option is NOT dead. Congress is NOT in session. The corporatists are whipping up the conservatives by taking action, deceitful as it may be -- by going out disrupting meetings, spreading lies, and stoking fear. What we must do now is organize, and get noticed. We need to fight like hell for the rest of the month and well into September. I refuse to let these people frame the debate again. It's THAT important.
When people ask you 'Why the rush or why a public option?' Think about this:
and Raine
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Will in Chicago on 08/17/2009 13:18:54
Will in Chicago on 08/17/2009 13:18:54
FIRST!
I will post my message to the White House here soon.
I will post my message to the White House here soon.
Comment by 
Raine on 08/17/2009 13:24:46
Raine on 08/17/2009 13:24:46
Thanks Will!
Good morning!
I see Momma is doing some work for Patriot Majority
Good morning!
I see Momma is doing some work for Patriot Majority
Washington, DC (August 14, 2009, 9:00 am EDT) -- Patriot Majority next week will launch a series of radio ads on progressive talk radio shows urging listeners to call their Senators and Members of Congress and tell them to support healthcare reform. Patriot Majority is already running banner ads on Progressive Radio Network with a similar message of "Health Reform Now." The number of the Capitol switchboard, at which to read all Senators and Members of Congress, is 202-224-3121.
Patriot Majority's ads are part of a nationwide effort to stop insurance companies and Republican leaders from killing President Obama's healthcare reform plan.
The healthcare reform plan supported by Patriot Majority includes:
1. A strong public option that provides real competition to private insurers. This will keep costs down for millions of American families.
2. An employer mandate so that all employers must provide affordable coverage to their workers.
3. No tax on healthcare benefits. In tough times, it would be wrong to raise taxes and make people pay more, instead of less, for healthcare.
Comment by 
wickedpam on 08/17/2009 13:25:47
wickedpam on 08/17/2009 13:25:47
Morning 
Had a very expensive weekend -
Satuday - car needs front brakes, 2 front axels, 2 front hub bearings, rotar resurfacing and an engine mount - cost about $1000
Sunday - washer died, dryer @15 years old and not sounding good - decided it was time to suck it up and get a new stackable front loading washer & dryer - cost $1600
And yet when I compare myself to the rest of US, I feeling okay, I don't have more house then I can afford, I wasn't tricked into one of those sub-prime loans, my car is paid off and for the most part runs great, and I'm lucky to not be saddled with heavy medical expenses and for the latter I thank God.
Had a very expensive weekend -
Satuday - car needs front brakes, 2 front axels, 2 front hub bearings, rotar resurfacing and an engine mount - cost about $1000
Sunday - washer died, dryer @15 years old and not sounding good - decided it was time to suck it up and get a new stackable front loading washer & dryer - cost $1600
And yet when I compare myself to the rest of US, I feeling okay, I don't have more house then I can afford, I wasn't tricked into one of those sub-prime loans, my car is paid off and for the most part runs great, and I'm lucky to not be saddled with heavy medical expenses and for the latter I thank God.
Comment by Raine on 08/17/2009 13:31:23
Raine on 08/17/2009 13:31:23
I refuse to give up. I still believe that this is a lot of people muddying up the water.
Comment by Raine on 08/17/2009 13:32:17
At least you are driving around in a safe car!
Raine on 08/17/2009 13:32:17
Quote by wickedpam:
Morning
Had a very expensive weekend -
Comment by wickedpam on 08/17/2009 13:33:38
true - its the rental car 
My baby is in the shop getting fixed as we speak
wickedpam on 08/17/2009 13:33:38
Quote by Raine:At least you are driving around in a safe car!Quote by wickedpam:
Morning
Had a very expensive weekend -
true - its the rental car My baby is in the shop getting fixed as we speak
Comment by wickedpam on 08/17/2009 13:35:55
wickedpam on 08/17/2009 13:35:55
Did Steph just got to best of?
Comment by 
Scoopster on 08/17/2009 13:37:07
Scoopster on 08/17/2009 13:37:07
Morning all..
Logged into Facebook this morning and saw this from one of my friends:
And one of the replies to that said "And that was also the main reason the Confederates seceeded. People get all caught up in the PC reasons, but they fought over states' rights as opposed to a meddling, overbearing central Federal government." YEAH.. DAMN THAT FEDERAL GOVMINT AND ITS OVERBEARING NEED TO FREE SLAVES!
Logged into Facebook this morning and saw this from one of my friends:
"I believe the states can best govern our home concerns, and the general government our foreign ones. I wish, therefore, to see maintained that wholesome distribution of powers established by the Constitution for the limitation of both; and nev...er to see all offices transferred to Washington, where, further withdrawn from the eyes of the people, they may more secretly be bought and sold as at market"
- Thomas Jefferson
And one of the replies to that said "And that was also the main reason the Confederates seceeded. People get all caught up in the PC reasons, but they fought over states' rights as opposed to a meddling, overbearing central Federal government." YEAH.. DAMN THAT FEDERAL GOVMINT AND ITS OVERBEARING NEED TO FREE SLAVES!
Comment by Raine on 08/17/2009 13:42:43
I am hearing Rude Pundit right now.
Raine on 08/17/2009 13:42:43
Quote by wickedpam:
Did Steph just got to best of?
Comment by wickedpam on 08/17/2009 13:45:26
I am too but it seems familiar
wickedpam on 08/17/2009 13:45:26
Quote by Raine:I am hearing Rude Pundit right now.Quote by wickedpam:
Did Steph just got to best of?
I am too but it seems familiar
Comment by Will in Chicago on 08/17/2009 13:46:11
Will in Chicago on 08/17/2009 13:46:11
Here is what I just sent to the White House. You can send an e-mail to the White House at http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/.
My Comments on Health Care Reform
I would like to state that I am a supporter of the President, and stand in support of a public option for health care reform. As someone who spent hours campaigning for the Obama campaign, I must object to the possible dropping of a public option for regional co-operatives which do not seem a viable solution to our health care problems. Indeed, the public option is already a compromise from the single-payer plan that many progressives support.
Abandoning a public option would not likely get any Republican votes on Capitol Hill and will cause many Democrats in Congress not to support a co-op plan. Furthermore, many of the President's supporters feel that abandoning the public option for a co-op plan, a plan that many health care experts state will not offer enough competition nor solve the underlying problems with our system, is wrong. Many will consider it a betrayal. If the President does not support a public option, I doubt that I will campaign for him as vigorously as I did in 2008 or at all. Several of my friends said that they would either leave the Democratic Party or consider leaving the party. I understand their feelings, and find it hard to think that I will be doing as much in 2010 and 2012 as I did last year.
I believe that President Obama and the Congressional leadership, no matter how well intentioned, have made a critical strategic mistake on health care reform. They should have pushed for a single payer plan, and presented the public option as the compromise. Instead, the Democratic leadership and the President made the public option the initial plan and the Republican party and some very conservative Democrats are trying to drag the goal posts further away to make the public option seem like a radical notion. At the same time, too many of the opponents of health care reform are pandering to fear, hate, and bigotry. I have been utterly disgusted with some of the remarks directed at the President, and feel embarrassed for my country.
For the present, I consider myself a supporter of the President and have hopes for his success in pushing through a public option. I want President Obama to succeed and keep his promises. I am prepared to work hard to make this happen, both in health care and other issues. So I ask the President to strongly support the public option and remember that we, the people who campaigned for him, are willing to stand with him if he is willing to stand with us. We can win the battle for health care reform and pass a public option -- if we work together to reach out to hearts and minds, both on Capitol Hill and in the homes of our fellow Americans.
Comment by Raine on 08/17/2009 13:51:07
Link
Raine on 08/17/2009 13:51:07
"I don't think it can pass without the public option," Dean said about the bill to CBS Anchor Maggie Rodriguez on "The Early Show." "There are too many people who understand, including the president himself, the public option is absolutely linked to reform."
Comment by Raine on 08/17/2009 13:52:42
Raine on 08/17/2009 13:52:42
That is a wonderful letter Will.
Comment by 
BobR on 08/17/2009 14:05:36
BobR on 08/17/2009 14:05:36
Comment by Raine on 08/17/2009 14:11:40
Raine on 08/17/2009 14:11:40
Comment by BobR on 08/17/2009 14:16:57
BobR on 08/17/2009 14:16:57
Comment by Will in Chicago on 08/17/2009 14:18:30
Thanks, Raine! I plan to share this with a few places online this morning. Maybe it will spur some people to action.
Will in Chicago on 08/17/2009 14:18:30
Quote by Raine:
That is a wonderful letter Will.
Thanks, Raine! I plan to share this with a few places online this morning. Maybe it will spur some people to action.
Comment by Raine on 08/17/2009 14:22:49
Raine on 08/17/2009 14:22:49
White house phone numbers:
Comments: 202-456-1111
Switchboard: 202-456-1414
FAX: 202-456-2461
Comments: 202-456-1111
Switchboard: 202-456-1414
FAX: 202-456-2461
Comment by Raine on 08/17/2009 14:23:26
Raine on 08/17/2009 14:23:26
Oh, and keep trying -- I have not been able to get through at all this morning...
Comment by wickedpam on 08/17/2009 14:25:58
wickedpam on 08/17/2009 14:25:58
We'll just got the acutal cost of the car repair 1900 but they knocked it down to 1700 and I'm getting a free oil change -
so after they picked me up off the floor, I realize I can still manage this compared to what others are dealing with
so after they picked me up off the floor, I realize I can still manage this compared to what others are dealing with
Comment by Raine on 08/17/2009 14:29:05
Raine on 08/17/2009 14:29:05
See when I hear knuckle draggers like this it gets my dander up.
Comment by 
livingonli on 08/17/2009 14:38:42
livingonli on 08/17/2009 14:38:42
Good morning everyone.
A quick hit and run for now. I have an 11 AM doctor's appointment. A follow up visit after the diabetes wig outs I had a few week's ago. And then this afternoon I am going to try and get back to apartment hunting since work and the car made it difficult to get it done this week.
A quick hit and run for now. I have an 11 AM doctor's appointment. A follow up visit after the diabetes wig outs I had a few week's ago. And then this afternoon I am going to try and get back to apartment hunting since work and the car made it difficult to get it done this week.
Comment by wickedpam on 08/17/2009 14:41:25
wickedpam on 08/17/2009 14:41:25
Good Luck Liv!
Comment by Raine on 08/17/2009 14:47:47
Raine on 08/17/2009 14:47:47
If you can't get through to the White House, try getting thru this way:
@whitehouse
@whitehouse
Comment by Will in Chicago on 08/17/2009 14:51:52
I think that some of them have devolved from knuckle draggers to slime lords.
Here is a video that seems appropriate from Devo, Through Being Cool:
http://www.80svideos.tv/play.php?vid=85
Will in Chicago on 08/17/2009 14:51:52
Quote by Raine:
See when I hear knuckle draggers like this it gets my dander up.
I think that some of them have devolved from knuckle draggers to slime lords.
Here is a video that seems appropriate from Devo, Through Being Cool:
http://www.80svideos.tv/play.php?vid=85
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
Comment by Raine on 08/17/2009 15:04:02
Raine on 08/17/2009 15:04:02
Comment by Raine on 08/17/2009 15:07:03
Raine on 08/17/2009 15:07:03
Breaking News:
US Supreme Court orders federal judge to look further into Troy Davis case, postponing his Georgia execution indefinitely.
US Supreme Court orders federal judge to look further into Troy Davis case, postponing his Georgia execution indefinitely.
Comment by wickedpam on 08/17/2009 15:12:46
wickedpam on 08/17/2009 15:12:46
Well, I've emailed and twittered, keeping it very short and sweet
Comment by Raine on 08/17/2009 15:15:04
I am going to keep tweeting it. I send a letter this morning SSS as well.
Raine on 08/17/2009 15:15:04
Quote by wickedpam:
Well, I've emailed and twittered, keeping it very short and sweet
I am going to keep tweeting it. I send a letter this morning SSS as well.
Comment by Scoopster on 08/17/2009 15:44:48
Scoopster on 08/17/2009 15:44:48
Ewww.. Tom Delay is going on Dancing With The Stars.
No big loss for me.. The show was unwatchable before this.
No big loss for me.. The show was unwatchable before this.
Comment by Raine on 08/17/2009 16:06:26
Raine on 08/17/2009 16:06:26
Comment by Raine on 08/17/2009 16:12:37
Thom imitating Bill Clinton!!! 
Raine on 08/17/2009 16:12:37
Thom imitating Bill Clinton!!!
Comment by livingonli on 08/17/2009 16:27:00
Same here, but why isn't he in jail. If Blogajavich couldn't do I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here, he should be barred from TV work as well.
livingonli on 08/17/2009 16:27:00
Quote by Scoopster:
Ewww.. Tom Delay is going on Dancing With The Stars.
No big loss for me.. The show was unwatchable before this.
Same here, but why isn't he in jail. If Blogajavich couldn't do I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here, he should be barred from TV work as well.
Comment by wickedpam on 08/17/2009 16:31:05
agreed.
wickedpam on 08/17/2009 16:31:05
Quote by livingonli:Quote by Scoopster:
Ewww.. Tom Delay is going on Dancing With The Stars.
No big loss for me.. The show was unwatchable before this.
Same here, but why isn't he in jail. If Blogajavich couldn't do I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here, he should be barred from TV work as well.
agreed.
Comment by livingonli on 08/17/2009 16:36:35
livingonli on 08/17/2009 16:36:35
Is Glenn Beck proof of the stupidity of the "average" American?
Comment by Will in Chicago on 08/17/2009 16:55:36
As long as Thom doesn't imitate Clinton in ways that will annoy Louise, this is fine.
Will in Chicago on 08/17/2009 16:55:36
Quote by Raine:
As long as Thom doesn't imitate Clinton in ways that will annoy Louise, this is fine.
Comment by Scoopster on 08/17/2009 17:28:44
Scoopster on 08/17/2009 17:28:44
Comment by Will in Chicago on 08/17/2009 17:31:57
I think that Freddie Mercury said it best:
Will in Chicago on 08/17/2009 17:31:57
Quote by Scoopster:
Oooooh another biggie - GMAC Financial has ditched Glenn Beck!
I think that Freddie Mercury said it best:
Comment by Raine on 08/17/2009 17:48:24
Raine on 08/17/2009 17:48:24
Comment by Raine on 08/17/2009 17:49:24
I could not agree more!!!!
Raine on 08/17/2009 17:49:24
Quote by Will in Phoenix:Quote by Scoopster:
Oooooh another biggie - GMAC Financial has ditched Glenn Beck!
I think that Freddie Mercury said it best:
Comment by Raine on 08/17/2009 17:50:09
Raine on 08/17/2009 17:50:09
BTW--- I have GREAT news on a personal Front!!!
MY OMA IS OUT OF THE NURSING HOME!
Comment by Scoopster on 08/17/2009 18:03:06
Awesome news!!!
Scoopster on 08/17/2009 18:03:06
Quote by Raine:
BTW--- I have GREAT news on a personal Front!!!MY OMA IS OUT OF THE NURSING HOME!
Awesome news!!!
Comment by Raine on 08/17/2009 18:11:48
She is walking and dressing herself, pain in the hip is gone and that mind is still sharp as a tack! Not too shabby for a 90 year young....
Raine on 08/17/2009 18:11:48
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:
BTW--- I have GREAT news on a personal Front!!!MY OMA IS OUT OF THE NURSING HOME!
Awesome news!!!
Comment by Will in Chicago on 08/17/2009 18:18:19
Mazel tov, Raine!!! Please give your Oma a hug and a kiss from me. To use an old Jewish blessing, may she live to be 120.
Will in Chicago on 08/17/2009 18:18:19
Quote by Raine:
BTW--- I have GREAT news on a personal Front!!!MY OMA IS OUT OF THE NURSING HOME!
Mazel tov, Raine!!! Please give your Oma a hug and a kiss from me. To use an old Jewish blessing, may she live to be 120.
Comment by wickedpam on 08/17/2009 18:36:15
Yeah! OMA!!!!
wickedpam on 08/17/2009 18:36:15
Quote by Raine:She is walking and dressing herself, pain in the hip is gone and that mind is still sharp as a tack! Not too shabby for a 90 year young....Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:
BTW--- I have GREAT news on a personal Front!!!MY OMA IS OUT OF THE NURSING HOME!
Awesome news!!!
Yeah! OMA!!!!
Comment by Raine on 08/17/2009 18:36:42
Raine on 08/17/2009 18:36:42
Comment by Raine on 08/17/2009 18:38:08
When I get back to New york I promise I will. I am trying to figure out how I can get up there for a visit. I sorta made her a promise, and it was that I would visit her AFTER she got out of the home.
She kept her end of the deal, now I have to figure out how to keep mine.
Raine on 08/17/2009 18:38:08
Quote by Will in Phoenix:Quote by Raine:
BTW--- I have GREAT news on a personal Front!!!MY OMA IS OUT OF THE NURSING HOME!
Mazel tov, Raine!!! Please give your Oma a hug and a kiss from me. To use an old Jewish blessing, may she live to be 120.
She kept her end of the deal, now I have to figure out how to keep mine.
Comment by Raine on 08/17/2009 18:54:35
Raine on 08/17/2009 18:54:35
You know... If Obama Came out TOTALLY against a Public Option -- I bet the Conservatives would be for it. 