Miracle on Pennsylvania Avenue ... And Beyond

The other day while at the West Hartford Town Hall Health Care forum, I met a young reporter, Suzanne Langlois, from The Huffington Post. Suzanne asked me did I know what was the most effective means to get my voice heard by my elected officials. Being somewhat of a computer geek, I went through the litany of referencing emails, twitter messages, blogging,etc. Her response was, "write a letter."

Imagine in this day and age of social media, writing a letter is the most effective way to have our voice heard by our elected officials. I asked her where did she get this information and she replied, "from Congressman Larson."

Suzanne explained that when a person takes the time to sit down and write the letter, address and stamp an envelope and then mail it -- it is not the same as quickly sending an email or the seconds we take to push out a tweet. She then shared her idea on how to get the message out about health insurance reform, "Miracle on Pennsylvania Avenue."



Remember the movie, "Miracle on 34th Street," and all the bags and bags of letters that were written regarding Santa Claus and everyone's belief in same. OFC is launching "Miracle on Pennsylvania Avenue" and asking each person to write our President and let him know that we want health insurance reform with a public option. But we are not stopping at the White House mailroom, we're taking this campaign to the House and Senate mail room, as well. Let's get pen, paper, envelopes and stamps and send out those letters now.

President Barack H. Obama
President of the United States of America
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

Click here to get address information to write your US Representative.
Click here to get address information to write your US Senator

West Hartford CT Town Hall Health Care Forum

Yesterday, I attended the town hall health care forum with Congressman John Larson and an excellent panel of speakers. I happen to come across a blog post by Rick Green on his Courant.com blog, CTConfidential, entitled, "Paranoia runs deep: Read memo from CT Tea Party Central!." Green's commentary focuses on a memo that was sent to "Liberty Supporters" about yesterday's event. The memo states that:

"[T]here were many of our people who showed up at the West Hartford town hall and although we were not allowed to go inside - because the room was packed with Obamacare supporters...we had plenty of people outside protesting and shouting down the other side.

Larson's folks bused people in - I hear that some came from Massachusetts. There were a bunch of kids - like 12 year olds ... also SEIU people and Planned Parenthood people and union employees ... plus some high school and college kids - who clearly did not know what they were asking for or what this issue is really about." Full article.

I am a proud resident of West Hartford, Connecticut. I say proud because residents in my town, like many others, have a longtime reputation for being actively involved in our community. We regularly come out to town hall gatherings to hear from our elected officials and others on any given issue that is important to us. In fact, this is one of the reasons why we have one of the best K-12 public school systems in the country, and enjoy one of the highest voter turnout rates in our state. Moreover, when there is a town hall gathering on a critical issue close to us all, we all know to arrive early, or at the very least on time, to ensure that we get not just a seat, but a good seat.

There were no buses at yesterday's event. There was a large representation from the community (and the first CD), i.e., elderly/retired citizens, small business owners, families, clergy, students, community activists, elected officials, as well as groups and organizations that are, in fact, a part of every community. In other words, do some of us belong to unions, to organizations, such as Planned Parenthood, AARP? Are some of us community activists, members of the Faith community, and more? Are some of us students? Do we come out as a family? Yes, to all of these and more.

As for those who oppose some of the proposals of health insurance reform, I found that the majority of these individuals stayed clear of a relatively small group of loud hecklers. Once inside, one man who stated that he opposed health care reform called out for hecklers in the rear of the room to stop heckling so that we could hear what the speaker was saying. It was clear that the majority of participants, regardless of their personal viewpoint, wanted to hear from Congressman Larson and the panel of speakers.

Rallies are all about a call to action for a cause through signs, slogans, buttons, stickers, handouts etc. And both sides rallied vigorously outside on the green in front of town hall.

Just prior to the forum, supporters of health insurance reform hosted a press conference outside on the front steps of town hall. Clergy and speakers did their best to be heard over those who shouted at them in opposition. The most heart-wrenching scene was the shouting at a person who shared their story of health insurance denial, sickness, loss and despair by those in opposition stating that they did not care about that person's problems. This is heartless and shows a complete lack of humanity in every way.

To disagree on an issue or policy proposal on how we will accomplish health insurance reform provides for a healthy debate and allows for a diverse pool of thoughts and ideas, when done constructively. To deliberately stop the flow of dialog at all costs, to disparage those who, of no consequence of their own doing, become victims of our broken health insurance system, is despicable and unconscionable behavior that creates no value for anyone.

We must all call on our sense of humanity and engage in meaningful dialog. It matters not what our personal viewpoint on health insurance reform is. We are all in this boat together and there is a hole in the floor of the boat called health insurance costs. If we do not act constructively to close that hole, we will all sink.

United for Health Insurance Reform

From every corner in Connecticut, organizations, unions, faith community, private citizens, community activists, leaders and elected officials are joining together to send a clear message to our Congressional leaders to take back to Washington: Affordable, Quality health care for all Americans with a strong public option.

Our united voice won the day on July 24th when our state legislators joined together and made SustiNet law. Our united voice will do the same for health insurance reform on a national level. Come out September 2nd and 3rd and let's make our voice be heard.

***WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 2ND***

4:30 PM West Hartford – Rally & Health Care Town Hall Forum w/Congressman John Larson. Join us for a 4:30 pm rally at West Hartford Town Hall, 50 South Main Street, West Hartford followed by a health care forum w/Congressman Larson @5:30 PM

5:30 PM Montville - Rally & Health Care Town Hall Forum w/Congressman Joe Courtney. Join us for a 5:30 PM rally at Montville High School, 800 Old Colchester Road, Oakdale, CT followed by a health care forum w/Congressman Courtney @6:30 PM.

5:30 PM Norwalk - Rally & Health Care Town Hall Forum w/Congressman Jim Himes. Join us for a 5:30 pm rally at Norwalk City High School, 23 Calvin Murphy Drive, Norwalk, CT followed by a health care forum w/Congressman Himes @6:30 PM in the school's auditorium.

5:30 PM Washington - Rally & Health Care Town Hall Forum w/Congressman Chris Murphy. Join us for a 5:30 pm rally at Shepaug Valley High School, 159 South Street, Washington, CT followed by a health care forum w/Congressman Murphy @6:30 PM.

***THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 3RD***

12:00 PM Storrs - Health Care Town Hall Forum w/Congressman Joe Courtney. Join Congressman Courtney for a 12:00 PM health care forum at UConn's Jorgensen Auditorium, 2132 Hillside Road, Storrs, CT

5:30 PM Bridgeport - Rally & Health Care Town Hall Forum w/Congressman Jim Himes. Join us for a 5:30 pm rally at Bridgeport City Hall, 45 Lyon Terrace, Bridgeport, CT followed by a health care forum w/Congressman Himes @6:30 PM in the Council Chambers.

Thank you for all that you do.

Val McCall, State Director
Organizing for connecticut


Visit Organizing for Connecticut

American Assoc. for Justice Report: 10 Worst Insurance Companies for Consumers

The American Association for Justice recently released a report entitled, "10 Worst Insurance Companies for Consumers." The report goes beyond health insurance coverage and takes an in depth look at the insurance industry as a whole. The findings show how an industry that no doubt began as a means to provide a service, centering on consumer protection, for a fee in a free market society, has run amok. The focus has drastically shifted from the consumer to profits for the industry -- especially for share holders and CEOs -- at all costs.

At the top of the list is Allstate, whose symbolic logo of a pair of seemingly strong hands, boasts the slogan, "you're in good hands." No doubt, Allstate's symbolism is used to instill a sense of security to its clients and prospective clients. There's a caveat to that slogan, "if you are a shareholder." As noted in this report:

"Allstate-The Worst Insurance Company in America"

One company stood out above all others. Allstate's concerted efforts to put profits over policyholders has earned its place as the worst insurance company in America. According to CEO Thomas Wilson, Allstate's mission is clear: "our obligation is to earn a return for our shareholders." Unfortunately, that dedication to shareholders has come at the expense of policy holders. The company that publicly touts its "good hands" approach privately instructs agents to employ a "boxing gloves" strategy against its own policyholders. In the words of former Allstate adjuster Jo Ann Katzman, "We were told to lie by our supervisors--it's tough to look at people and know you are lying."

The insurance industry leads all other industries in profits, taking in over $1 trillion annually, and with assets over $3.8 trillion ("more than the GDPs of all but two countries in the world (United States and Japan)." Their strategy is to simply payout less through delaying and denying claims. The report states further:

"As a senior executive at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), the group representing those who are supposed to oversee the industry, said, "the bottom line is that insurance companies make money when they don't pay claims."

One example is Ethel Adams, a 60-year-old woman left in a coma and seriously injured after a multi-vehicle crash in Washington State. Her insurance company, Farmers, decided the other driver had acted intentionally and denied her claim, contending that an intentional act is not an accident.

Another example is Debra Potter, who for years sold Unum's disability policies until she herself became disabled and had to stop working. All along, Potter thought she was helping people protect their future, but when her own time of need came, she was told her multiple sclerosis was "self reported" and her claim denied by Unum, the very company whose policies she had sold.

In cases like these, and countless others, the name of the game is deny, delay, defend -- do anything, in fact, to avoid paying claims. For companies like Allstate, there are corporate training manuals explaining how to avoid payments, portable fridges awarded to adjusters who deny the most claims, and pizza for parties to shred documents."

I'm all for a free market society but not at my expense. When we set out to buy a car, we do all sorts of information gathering and go from dealer to dealer, looking for the best buy. If it is used, we want to see the "car fax." We do the same when we buy a house, or anything else. Our health insurance should be no different. This report clearly shows, without a doubt, we cannot allow these practices to continue.

Regulations are not Enough

None of us want "government running our lives." The thought of a government employee deciding on our health care is just as repugnant as having an insurance company employee making that decision. Right now, the leading decision maker for health care is the insurance industry and not doctors.

We need regulations in place to put an end to the insurance industry's "deny, delay, defend -- do anything, in fact, to avoid paying claims" business practices. But regulations are not enough. People who do not have medical insurance do not see a doctor for medical checkups; they go to the emergency room when something drastic has occurred, often requiring extensive -- and expensive -- medical treatment. By default, those of us with insurance are paying for those of us without insurance, ratcheting up our premiums out of our reach, tossing us into the cycle of unexpected illness/accident, insurance coverage/treatment denial, and bankruptcy. The American Medical Journal released a report, Only in America: Bankruptcies due to Health Care costs stating that 62% of bankruptcies filed in the US in 2008 were from health care costs. Moreover, the majority of those filing had health insurance.

End the Health Insurance Industry Monopoly

We need a strong public option that will allow us to provide ALL American citizens with quality, affordable health care while simultaneously ensuring that the market becomes competitive for the benefit of the consumer. A public option will do both.

Val McCall, state Director
Organizing for Connecticut


Visit Organizing for Connecticut

Take Back the Debate on Health Reform

Everyday, whether in our email in box, or on television, we are bombarded with negative rhetoric -- some quite offensive -- against health insurance reform. The attacks are relentless. If you have health insurance -- the President's plan is going to reduce your benefits, make you pay for those who do not have insurance, and you will eventually have to go to a public health assistance plan. If you are a small business, the President's plan is going to tax you into non-existence. If you are a veteran, you are going to loose your health care benefits. If you are terminally ill or elderly, the President's plan is going to end your life. And on and on and on.

Moreover, when you attempt to attend a town hall meeting to wade through the rhetoric, it turns into a brawl with folks shouting just for the sake of stopping the meeting. Some folks carrying signs with racial slurs against the President. All this and more to deter us from finding out the truth.

We keep hearing about "President Obama's plan." Let us take the President out of the equation for a moment. Let us take the politics out of the equation for a moment, i.e., this not a Democratic plan or a Republican no-plan, or Libertarian, and so on. Let us peel back the skin of this onion and find out what is inside beneath all of the rhetoric. Let us find the truth, realizing that the truth is neither right or wrong, left or right or somewhere inbetween, it just is.

Follow the Money

Start by asking yourself who stands to gain from the current health insurance system as it is and what do they gain. At the end of the day, health insurance is a business, indeed a vast industry. It is a thriving, profitable business where those at the top, like most businesses, make a fortune. The insurance industry will continue to realize profits from the premiums we pay them that allow them to receive high salaries, stock options, big bonuses, out-of-control marketing/sales/advertising budgets, corporate jets and junkets for the top tier of insurance industry employees, and more. The insurance industry will continue to set policies and practices that benefit the industry and not the patient, such as acne being tagged as a pre-existing condition. The insurance industry, and not doctors, will continue to set insurance coverage caps, have entire departments (not a panel) review each claim and determine who will be treated and who will not, regardless of how much money the insureds have paid over the years for such coverage. The insurance industry will continue to enjoy no oversight or government intervention that could provide checks and balances to protect the patient/insured.

The patient/insured, will continue to pay the premiums on a downward sliding scale, i.e., premiums rise (covering the cost of treatment to the uninsured, all of the above insurance company expenditures and more) and benefits decrease. the patient/insured will continue to be subjected to insurance industry policies that do not benefit the patient/insured and will continue to be denied coverage at the 11th hour, i.e., on their hospital bed or just before major, life-saving treatment that has been deemed to be too expensive by the insurance industry. Small businesses without the ability to pay the rising costs of premiums will continue to rise in number. Mid-size employers (100 employees or more) will continue to pass more and more of the cost of health insurance coverage on to their employees. Large-size businesses will continue to consolidate their business in an effort to reduce health insurance costs, often laying off many employees in the process.

Use it Or Loose It

We have a chance, right now, to change the insurance industry and bring about the kind of reform that will benefit all. We can raise our voices and show our numbers at town hall meetings, house meetings, canvassing, phone banks, write letters to the editor, write blogs, write, call, twitter our Congressional leaders, or we can be silent. If we do not use our voice right now, we will loose it.

We cannot afford to take a wait and see attitude. If we do not understand or are confused by all the negative rhetoric -- come out to the town hall meetings and voice concerns.

Public Option - Speak out Now or Loose It

If we want to make sure that the public option -- and a strong public option -- we have to unite -- many in body / one in mind -- and say so. Here's a list of Connecticut activities to get involved with. If you cannot find an activity suitable, create one of your own.

AARP Health Action Now Community Conversations: Don't let the myths stop reform. Special interest groups are trying to block progress on health care reform using myths and scare tactics. Get the facts at the AARP Health Action Now Conversation.
Seats for 50 - 75 people at each event. Pre-registration is required. Lunch will be served. Register on the AARP Reservation line toll-free at: 877-926-8300 or by email at: ctaarp@aarp.org

August 19: Portland Senior Center, 7 Waverly Ave., Portland 12 - 1 Registration and Lunch. 1 - 2:30 Program.
August 28: Enfield Senior Center, 299 Elm St., Enfield 12 - 1 Registration and Lunch. 1 - 2:30 Program.
September 1: New Milford Senior Center, 40 Main St., New Milford 12 - 1 Registration and Lunch. 1 - 2:30 Program.
September 2: North Branch Library Community Center, 3455 Madison Ave., Bridgeport 12 - 1 Registration and Lunch. 1 - 2:30 Program.
September 3: Wallingford Senior Center, 288 Washington St., Wallingford
9:45 - 10 Registration. 10 - 11:30 Program followed by lunch.

Other Events:

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19TH
Hartford: Bruce Springsteen Concert Canvass 4PM.

SATURDAY AUGUST 22ND
Bridgeport: OFC Community Conversation on Health Insurance Reform. August 22nd 11AM-1PM. Contacts: Diane Peterson peterson6@optonline.net and Wayne Winston waynewinston@hotmail.com.

Hartford: Hartford Health Insurance Reform Canvass 10AM.

New Haven: New Haven Jazz Fest Canvass 5PM.

SUNDAY AUGUST 23RD
Groton/New London: HCAN Rally at Norms Diner August 23rd.

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 2ND
Norwalk: Town Hall meeting with Congressman Himes September 2nd.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 3RD
Hartford: Rally and March 4:30PM.

As for the hate, lies and fear tactics, Stevie Wonder says it all.



Val McCall, State Director
Organizing for Connecticut

Visit Organizing for Connecticut

Something Worth Forwarding - Facts About Health Insurance Reform

A message from David Axelrod, The White House, that is critical in debunking the lies and hate being spun. The goal is to get this out to as many people as possible. Cut and past this message in an email and send it out far and wide.

8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage

1. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history.

2. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays: Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for out-of-pocket expenses.

3. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must fully cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you prevent illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.

4. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously ill: Insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who become seriously ill.

5. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited from charging you more because of your gender.

6. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies will be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive.

7. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.

8. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be required to renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full. Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because someone became sick.
Learn more and get details

8 common myths about health insurance reform

1. Reform will stop "rationing" - not increase it: It’s a myth that reform will mean a "government takeover" of health care or lead to "rationing." To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are currently being used by insurance companies.

2. We can’t afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford. It’s a myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the President has identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs by cutting waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs; ending big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with such steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long term, reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a fiscal crisis.

3. Reform would encourage "euthanasia": It does not. It’s a malicious myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for seniors. For seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about end-of life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private consultations for those who want help with these personal and difficult family decisions.

4. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It’s a myth that health insurance reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage under the VA, extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously excluded. The VA Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible veterans.

5. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it (them): It’s a myth that health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary, reform will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to help them pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big firms who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

6. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It’s myth that Health Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To the contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of Medicare, ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary subsidies to insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare "doughnut" hole to make prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

7. You can keep your own insurance: It’s myth that reform will force you out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors. To the contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is an absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts. Health insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and more convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just like paying a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or by a direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they will be easier to understand. The choice is up to you – and the same rules of privacy will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people make.

Learn more and get details:
http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck
http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck/faq

8 Reasons We Need Health Insurance Reform Now

1. Coverage Denied to Millions: A recent national survey estimated that 12.6 million non-elderly adults – 36 percent of those who tried to purchase health insurance directly from an insurance company in the individual insurance market – were in fact discriminated against because of a pre-existing condition in the previous three years or dropped from coverage when they became seriously ill. Learn more

2. Less Care for More Costs: With each passing year, Americans are paying more for health care coverage. Employer-sponsored health insurance premiums have nearly doubled since 2000, a rate three times faster than wages. In 2008, the average premium for a family plan purchased through an employer was $12,680, nearly the annual earnings of a full-time minimum wage job. Americans pay more than ever for health insurance, but get less coverage. Learn more

3. Roadblocks to Care for Women: Women’s reproductive health requires more regular contact with health care providers, including yearly pap smears, mammograms, and obstetric care. Women are also more likely to report fair or poor health than men (9.5% versus 9.0%). While rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure are similar to men, women are twice as likely to suffer from headaches and are more likely to experience joint, back or neck pain. These chronic conditions often require regular and frequent treatment and follow-up care. Learn more

4. Hard Times in the Heartland: Throughout rural America, there are nearly 50 million people who face challenges in accessing health care. The past several decades have consistently shown higher rates of poverty, mortality, uninsurance, and limited access to a primary health care provider in rural areas. With the recent economic downturn, there is potential for an increase in many of the health disparities and access concerns that are already elevated in rural communities. Learn more

5. Small Businesses Struggle to Provide Health Coverage: Nearly one-third of the uninsured – 13 million people – are employees of firms with less than 100 workers. From 2000 to 2007, the proportion of non-elderly Americans covered by employer-based health insurance fell from 66% to 61%. Much of this decline stems from small business. The percentage of small businesses offering coverage dropped from 68% to 59%, while large firms held stable at 99%. About a third of such workers in firms with fewer than 50 employees obtain insurance through a spouse. Learn more

6. The Tragedies are Personal: Half of all personal bankruptcies are at least partly the result of medical expenses. The typical elderly couple may have to save nearly $300,000 to pay for health costs not covered by Medicare alone. Learn more

7. Diminishing Access to Care: From 2000 to 2007, the proportion of non-elderly Americans covered by employer-based health insurance fell from 66% to 61%. An estimated 87 million people - one in every three Americans under the age of 65 - were uninsured at some point in 2007 and 2008. More than 80% of the uninsured are in working families. Learn more

8. The Trends are Troubling: Without reform, health care costs will continue to skyrocket unabated, putting unbearable strain on families, businesses, and state and federal government budgets. Perhaps the most visible sign of the need for health care reform is the 46 million Americans currently without health insurance - projections suggest that this number will rise to about 72 million in 2040 in the absence of reform. Learn more

Take Action on Health Care Insurance Reform

No doubt, some of the town hall meetings that have been taking place across the country have folks quite concerned. I have heard from those who are concerned about attending large gatherings for fear of having meetings turned into shouting matches and even violence. Let's not be deterred from our course. Let's not be intimidated by what is taking place in other states. Here's a recap of the most recent town hall meeting with Congressman Joe Courtney.

Woodstock Town Hall Meeting with Congressman Courtney a Success: Last week, Vernon Democrats hosted a town hall meeting with Congressman Courtney in attendance. The event drew at least an estimated 350 people, according to the Norwich Bulletin. After Congressman Courtney gave opening remarks (see CCAG video below), guests speakers took the podium, which was followed by a lengthy question and answer session. "Overall the event was a positive one, which can be credited to the gentleman who asked the first question, setting a civil tone for the forum." (CCAG)

Click here for full update on the Woodstock Town Hall.

These kinds of events are critical. It is an opportunity for folks on both sides of the aisle to get their questions answers, to hear fact and not fiction. OFC, together with many of our partners, is working to set up more of these kinds of events both large and small. Take Action: Host a community conversation in your backyard or living room. Invite your friends, neighbors and colleagues to come out and talk about health care insurance reform. Talking points and the facts can be downloaded directly from the White House @ http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/.

Here are some events already being organized that is open to everyone to attend and volunteer for:

Stay Connected: Be on the OFC teleconference on Friday, August 14th and get up to date status on events and plans, Q&A, and more.

Bridgeport: Three large community conversations are being organized in the 4th Congressional District. Details are being worked on and will be announced shortly. Contacts: Diane Peterson peterson6@optonline.net and Wayne Winston.

Hartford: Visit Senator Lieberman's Office August 14th.

Groton/New London: HCAN Rally at Norms Diner August 23rd.

Norwalk: Town Hall meeting with Congressman Himes September 2nd.

Call Your Representative: Click here to call your Representative on health insurance reform.

There is something for everyone. No matter how little or how much time you have to spare, if each of us makes a phone call, writes a letter to the editor or a blog post debunking the lies, sends out a twitter message promoting articles and comments online with fact and not fiction, we will win this battle. Check for existing events and ways to take action @ Organizing for Connecticut, Health Care for American Now, Connecticut Citizens Action Network.

Thank you for all that you do.

Val McCall, State Director
Organizing for Connecticut


Visit Organizing for Connecticut

Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing: Truth + Value vs. Lies + Hate

Some folks may remember the incredible duo of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell that for two years (1967-1969) delighted us with their soulful tunes, especially "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing" and "Ain't No Mountain High Enough."

The 1960's are often referred to as radical, tumultuous, chaotic. It was a time of change in all aspects of life, beginning with an inner revolution to remove those things that were holding us back and lacked humanity. We cried out for "the real thing" and there was "no mountain high enough" to keep us from achieving racial and gender equality, freedom of speech and press, the right to assemble, equal pay, the right to equal and quality education (segregated schools continued in parts of the south right up to 1972), preserving our planet, and seek love not war.

We challenged the status quo on every front, especially our youth who dared to be different in every way. It was fashionable to be considered a "non-conformist" by not adhering to conventional ways. Young men refused to go to war, many burning their military draft cards in defiance (remember the draft -- one did not volunteer, one was enlisted and that was that). Young women sought equality in society and in the work place by launching the Women's Liberation Movement. Many burned their bras as in an act of defiance (at least those with a source of income that would allow them to readily replace same).

We sought out leaders current and past whose ideology professed the kind of change that we so hungered for. We reached out to Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Henry David Thoreau. The mantra of the day was civil disobedience, was dare to be different, was be an individual and rekindle your dreams, was be the change you wish to see. It was a revolution, no doubt. And in the midst of it all was some of the greatest music ever that lightened our hearts and kept us moving forward.

We did it all without Twitter, without Face Book. We managed to organize, especially in our churches and places of worship that became the center for hearing the truth, the facts and for encouragement that at the end of the long journey, truth, righteousness and justice will prevail.

We sought truth and humanity. Not lies and hate. We sought civil discourse and debate not angry mobs and violence.

Once again, change is happening and we find ourselves at another crossroad -- universal, quality health care for all with a strong public option (to keep those pesky insurance companies leaning toward the honest side of the aisle) that will go a long way to fixing our economy vs. insurance companies and their lobbyists who want to continue to take our money and yank treatment coverage when we need it because the treatment is too expensive. A vicious cycle and we have the tremendous fortune and opportunity of breaking that cycle and creating something of value for all.

So what should we be doing? Seek the the truth and stop listening to hate mongers and lies. Once we find the truth -- don't covet it, share it with everyone we can. Go to the source and read the facts. Those who tell the lies and spread the fear are counting on the average American to NOT read the facts. They have built an entire platform and strategy based on their belief that for the most part, no one will take the time to go to http://www.healthreform.gov/healthcarestatus.html and select their state and read the facts on how this administration's proposed health care reform will improve conditions in their state and for them.

Who are the "they?" Follow the money. Who is it that are making decisions on our health treatment -- the insurance companies. Who do we pay month after month, historically high premiums only to receive fewer and fewer services. Imagine how many folks pay monthly insurance premiums through a joint payment plan with their employer (or of their own accord) for years and then when we need coverage to pay for life saving treatment, we are more than likely denied. What happened to all that money? Where did it go? Who is benefiting from all those premium payments? We might as well have stowed our premium funds in a mattress and created our own rainy day health care fund. At least we would reap the benefits of same.

Those who spread the lies and hate are counting on us to take them at face value without question. They spend hundreds of thousands of dollars (most likely generated from those premium payments that far too many of us do not get the benefit of) on research into our fears, our habits, our weaknesses and then they use those to bate us into believing them. We are subjected to all manner of tricks of the trade, i.e., race, Hitler, fear of the unknown; they have more money and power than we do so they must be right; they mailed out a glossy, colorful postcard; they are dressed up in a business suit (like a used car salesman) or profess to be a religious person and a true family person, or just an average person like you and me (but with paid actors), or a true American (even though this country was founded by people from everywhere else and is considered a melting pot of cultures); or they look like those who have been in power for centuries, i.e., they are not a "minority" but a "majority," therefore, they must be right because they are ...

It's time to peel the onion. It is time to remove all items from the table except the facts. Here are the facts about national health insurance reform and how it will benefit Connecticut citizens:

Stable and Secure Health Care for Connecticut
How Health Insurance Reform will Benefit Connecticut

LOWER COSTS FOR RESIDENTS OF CONNECTICUT

* Ending the Hidden Tax – Saving You Money: Right now, providers in Connecticut lose over $383 million in bad debt which often gets passed along to families in the form of a hidden premium “tax”.1 Health insurance reform will tackle this financial burden by improving our health care system and covering the uninsured, allowing the 34 hospitals2 and the 15,257 physicians3 in Connecticut to better care for their patients.
* Health Insurance Premium Relief: Premiums for residents of Connecticut have risen 98% since 2000.4 Through health insurance reform, 274,200 to 332,600 middle class Connecticut residents will be eligible for premium credits to ease the burden of these high costs.5
* Strengthening Small Businesses: 56,659 employers in Connecticut are small businesses.6 With tax credits and a health insurance exchange where they can shop for health plans, insurance coverage will become more affordable for them.
* Reforms that Reduce Your Costs: Under health insurance reform, insurance companies will be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive. Insurance companies will also have to abide by yearly limits on how much they can charge for out-of-pocket expenses, helping 36,400 households in Connecticut struggling under the burden of high health care expenses.7

Click Here to continue getting the facts, state by state.

Val McCall, State Director
Organizing for Connecticut


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Standing Up for Justice Starts at Home

While at our annual (since the 1960's) family reunion, I took the opportunity to speak about health care. I thought to myself that this would be a great time to do so, especially since there are representatives of 105 families. I waited patiently for a chance to speak at our annual business meeting. Finally, the president said "any new business?" That was my queue. I sprang from my seat, clad in a bright red T-shirt with a large yellow circle that boldly proclaimed, "Health care for everyone," and my Obama button, and proudly bounded up onto the stage.

Homecoming is always held at the East Collins Community Center in Collins GA. The Center has seen many a gathering, especially during the late 1950's and early 1960's. Pictures on the wall are a testament to an era that is carved deep in the hearts of all. They portray photos of Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders who visited the Center, encouraging the family members and neighbors to let nothing deter them from their course of fighting for justice for everyone.

Knowing the history of those who stood where I was now standing, those family members and neighbors who had placed their lives in danger for the sake of justice, I felt both humbled and even more determined to speak my part about supporting the President's plan for health care. The president (of our family organization) thought perhaps my quick presentation on health care was not exactly on point but allowed me to speak (ok, he's my husband:0).

When the meeting adjourned, everyone enjoyed some of the best food the South has to offer. That was my opportunity to talk one on one about health care and why reforming this broken, unfair system must be done and done now. Taking the opportunity to do so was important. Family members come from Ohio, New York, Michigan, Connecticut, Florida and beyond, and, of course, from various parts of Georgia. A heart to heart dialog in this manner was most definitely worth it.

Imagine if each of us took a few minutes out of our day and called our relatives -- just our relatives -- and talked to them about the importance of health care reform, especially the insurance industry. Encourage each one of our family members to become empowered to stand for justice in their own lives and the lives of their loved ones.

Watch this video and then get on the phone and call your relatives; especially our seniors who are being bombarded with lies, deceit and hate. We cannot afford to allow angry mobs to become the norm. We have come too far for too long to turn back. In my heart I know that if we keep our eyes on the prize and do all that we can to reform a broken health insurance system, a broken health care system, we will win.

Moreover, it does not matter who we are or where we are, or how much or how little time we may have. What is important is that we do something. Talk to a relative. Talk to a friend. Sign a petition for a strong public option. Sign the declaration to stand with the President that we elected to do just what he is doing.



Val McCall, State Chair
Organizing for Connecticut


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Right-Wing Harassment Strategy Against Dems Detailed In Memo: ‘Yell,’ ‘Stand Up And Shout Out,’ ‘Rattle Him’

We cannot afford to sit on the side line and allow those who do not want this country to succeed deter us from our course. Now that the House/Senate is in recess, there is an effort to derail the President's call for health care reform by delay and disruption tactics.

Normally, the recess in Washington offers lawmakers an opportunity to reach out to their constituents in their home states and discuss with them issues of importance. It is also a time that ordinary people have an opportunity to constructively interact with their elected leaders and ask questions, provide feedback and more.

The new strategy of the Republican party sadly is to disrupt these meetings by "‘Yell,’ ‘Stand Up And Shout Out,’ ‘Rattle Him’." Clearly, someone at the helm of the Republican party is not thinking constructively and obviously does not care about the needs of the American people. It is ordinary citizens who suffer from such actions.

Now is the time to stand up and show your support. We cannot allow these individuals to disrupt the process with their negativity. The Republican party's goal is to disrupt the town hall meetings that are often used by lawmakers to host an open dialog with their constituents. Here are a few details that should move us all to action immediately.
---------

After Bragging ‘Our Effort Is To Slow This Down,’ Sen. Kyl Claims Republicans Are Not Holding Up Health Reform

Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ), who serves as the Republican whip in the Senate, has been a chief architect of tactics aimed at delaying — and ultimately defeating — health reform.

Speaking with radio show host Hugh Hewitt last month, Kyl stated, “The President has said that if we don’t do [health reform] quickly, it won’t get done at all, and he’s right.” Kyl then added, “Our objective is to slow this down.” He also admitted recently that he revoked Sen. Chuck Grassley’s (R-IA) authority to negotiate with Democrats on the Finance Committee, even though Grassley is the ranking member. Full Article.

AND

GOP Health Care Reform Plan: Distract, Delay, Obstruct
by jai2 — published on July 22nd, 2009

The following talking points memo is being circulated within the Republican National Committee in its effort to sabotage health care reform and “Waterloo” the President in the process.

Obama’s plan for health care is deemed an “experiment” and a “risk” that could bankrupt the country and dangerously change the doctor-patient relationship. Full Article.

AND Town Halls Gone Wild

Malking Calls Right-Wing Tea Party Movement A ‘Counter-Insurgency’

This morning, right-wing blogger Michelle Malkin joined the ABC roundtable on This Week with George Stephanopoulos. Asked what the conservative opposition strategy is going to be this coming month while Congress is in recess, Malkin said there is a growing “tea party movement — these counterinsurgencies amongst taxpayer rights groups” — that is fomenting opposition to Obama’s health care plan.

Malkin claimed the Obama administration has “vastly underestimated just how grassroots this movement is.” Lawmakers are going to face “townhalls-gone-wild,” she added. Watch it:



Full Article.

AND

Right-Wing Harassment Strategy Against Dems Detailed In Memo: ‘Yell,’ ‘Stand Up And Shout Out,’ ‘Rattle Him’

This morning, Politico reported that Democratic members of Congress are increasingly being harassed by “angry, sign-carrying mobs and disruptive behavior” at local town halls. For example, in one incident, right-wing protesters surrounded Rep. Tim Bishop (D-NY) and forced police officers to have to escort him to his car for safety.

This growing phenomenon is often marked by violence and absurdity. Recently, right-wing demonstrators hung Rep. Frank Kratovil (D-MD) in effigy outside of his office. Missing from the reporting of these stories is the fact that much of these protests are coordinated by public relations firms and lobbyists who have a stake in opposing President Obama’s reforms. Full Article.

Watch for town hall meetings in your district and attend to show your support. Sign up to host a canvass or a phone bank. Be a blogger and set the record straight with the facts. There is something for everyone in our quest for universal health care and more. It does not matter how little or how great amount a time you have, all efforts are greatly appreciated. It is through our united stance -- many in body / one in mind -- that will win the day.

Thank you for all that you do.

Val McCall, State Chair
Organizing for Connecticut


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Keith Olbermann to Expose Congressional Opponents of Universal Health Care Tonight 8/4/2009

First, join OFC teleconference @ 8:45PM (get details here), then watch Keith Olbermann's show tonight @10PM. According to Michael Moore, Keith Olbermann will expose those Congressional opponents of universal health care. Here's a message from Moore's web site:

We've just received an advance transcript of tonight's Special Comment by Keith Olbermann on his MSNBC show. It is nothing short of brilliant -- and if all of America were to hear what he is going to reveal tonight, we are certain the vast majority of Americans would be on the phone to their elected representative immediately, calling for an end to the private, for-profit, rip-off health insurance companies who have wrecked our country.
Here's a brief section of Keith's editorial tonight:

"Congressman Mike Ross of Arkansas. Leader of the Blue Dogs in the House. You're the guy demanding a guarantee that Reform won't add to the deficit. I'm guessing you forgot to demand that about, say, Iraq. You're a Democrat, you say, Congressman?

"You saw what Sandy Barham said? Sandy Barham is 62 years old, she's got a bad heart, and she's hoping her valves will hold together for three more years until Medicaid kicks in, because she can't afford insurance. Not just for herself, mind you. For her employees. She needs the public option. So do those six people who work at that restaurant of hers, Congressman Ross.

"And why should you give a crap? Because Sandy Barham's restaurant is the Broadway Railroad Café, and it is at 123 West First Street North in Prescott, Arkansas. Prescott, Arkansas, Congressman Ross. Your home town. You are Sandy Barham's congressman. Hers, Sir. Not Blue Cross's and Blue Shield's, even if they do insure 75 percent of the state and they own you."

And here's what Keith has to say about Senator Thune:

"Senator John Thune of South Dakota? You gave the Republican rebuttal to the President's weekly address day before yesterday. You said the Democrats' plan was for '... government run health care that would disrupt our current system, and force millions of Americans who currently enjoy their employer-based coverage into a new health care plan run by government bureaucrats.'

"That's a bald-faced lie, Senator. And you're a bald-faced liar, whose bald face is covered by… your own health care plan run by government bureaucrats."

Hope you tune in after our teleconference.

Moyer Interview with Former Cigna Exec. Wendell Potter

Bill Moyer, a journalist, interviewed Wendell Potter, a former Executive with Cigna, one of the larger health insurance companies. After a successful career, Potter resigned under amicable circumstances from Cigna. Currently, however, he and is now talking about what goes on behind the scenes in many large insurance companies that charge ever increasing high rates for insurance coverage. They can decide whether or not to cover any illnesses they want, depending on what it costs them and, as I suspect, how much money they can make.

Health Spectator » Blog Archive » Bill Moyers interviews Wendell Potter, CIGNA executive @ http://healthspectator.com/2009/07/17/bill-moyers-interviews-wendell-potter-cigna-executive/

This should be required viewing by everyone who is concerned about the health care reform that is being jockeyed back and forth now in Washington. It is also a good response to those who send you emails containing fear tactics about the proposals being discussed in Congress now.

Health Care Reform Must Include a Strong Public Option

Call your US House Representative now @ 1-877-264-4226 and urge them to ensure that a strong public option remains in HR3200.

President Obama is working tirelessly, urging the US House and Senate to approve sweeping health care reform at the national level.

SustiNet was just passed in Connecticut, but the success of SustiNet will be impacted by the strength of the national health care plan. We need to ensure that HR 3200 (the strongest bill that has been proposed) includes a public health insurance option.

Please take a moment to call your US Representative today and ask that they support HR 3200.

1-877-264-4226

Thank you for all that you do.

Val McCall, State Chair
Organizing for Connecticut


Visit Organizing for Connecticut

Boycott Fox News and Network

These words, "we, the people," what do they really mean to you, to me. In my opinion, "we, the people" was written to empower us to become emboldened to take powerful steps together, united, one in body - many in mind. "We, the people" was written to shake us, to wake us, to call us out to action.

We cannot ignore this moment in time. We worked long and hard, day after day, month after month. On November 4, 2008, we sent a message that was heard and celebrated around the world -- we elected change we can believe in. It is no wonder that opposition rises up to deter us from our course. We were expecting fierce opposition to come knocking at the door, doing it's best to stop us, and so it has.

Let us unite again and again until every American has access to affordable, quality health care with a strong public option.

We have run out of time for the likes of Glen Beck and Fox News. Let's send a very clear message and stop watching Fox News. And on August 4, 2009, let's boycott Fox stations nationwide for one day. A kind and gentle woman, Rosa Parks, made a decision on December 1, 1955, to not give up her seat. Let's follow her example and not expose ourselves to the hatred and lies that are espoused daily on Fox network.

Glenn Beck and his associates have gone too far. It is time to stop the hatred!

Boycott not just Fox News, but its entire network and affiliates. Join us on Face Book

National Day of Action - Support HR3200 America's Affordable Health Choices Act

Summer finally came to Connecticut -- we hope. But before you go on vacation, we need your help to keep the momentum for health care reform building. We can win health care at the federal level just like we did at the state level. Let us stand with our President and let Congress know that we want them to vote for HR3200.



Our House of Representative members have been supporting HR3200 thus far; Congressmen Larson and Courtney voted for HR3200 in their committees last week. Please take a moment to call them and thank them for their vote:

Congressman Joe Courtney(202) 225-2076 [DC]; (860)886-0139 [CT]

Congressman John Larson(202) 225-2265 [DC]; (860) 278-8888 [CT]

Opponents of reform have been calling into House members non-stop, trying their best to put a halt to meaningful health care reform. They are putting the pressure on doing their best to distort the truth about HR3200. This bill proposes to save a person an average of $2,800 per year. The bill also states that those who earn more than a quarter of a million dollars a year should help pay for reform by rolling back Bush's tax cuts by just 1%.

Tuesday July 28th National Health Care Day

Next Tuesday, July 28th, OFC together with HCAN partners and allies across the country will unite and generate 50,000 contacts nationally that sends one message to the House of Representatives by phone, email, text, letter and even in person that clearly states, "We want quality, affordable health care for everyone and WE CANNOT WAIT."

A special number has been set up to make these 50,000 calls

1-877-264-HCAN(4226)

Here is what you can expect to hear when you call in to 1-877-264-HCAN (4226):

Opening greeting:Thanks for helping us to call on Congress to act we will look up your member of Congress for you and connect you directly to them. Simply enter your ten digit home phone number and then press the pound sign.

If yes: Confirm address press 1.

Please hold and we will connect you to.. (Representatives name)

Tell them your name and that you live in their district. Be polite and urge your Member of Congress to vote for quality affordable health care for all – now by voting yes for HR3200, America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009.” We will connect you now.

If no address: In a moment you will be connected to the Congressional switchboard. Let them know where you live or the Member of Congress you want to call and they will connect you. Please be polite and urge your Member of Congress to support quality affordable health care for all – now by voting yes for HR3200, America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009.

If busy: Sorry that line is busy.
At the tone, please tell us your health care story and why we need to pass health care legislation so we can send your message on to Congress. Remember to give your first name, your city and state.

Click to Call

If you would like to use the click to call tool for your activities on June 28th please click here. This link will connect only to House members and has the most up to date message.


Call your Representative on Tuesday, July 28th using the special number of 1-877-264-HCAN(4226) and tell them to stand up for health care. Here is a sample of what you can say:

Write a Letter to Your Representative

Click here to write a letter to your representative online and urge them to vote for this historic health reform bill that will finally make health care affordable.

Thank you for all that you do.

Val McCall, State Chair
Organizing for Connecticut


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SustiNet is Now Law! Congratulations

Congratulations! SustiNet has re-passed the House and Senate with and thus overriding Gov. Rell's veto and becoming law. We had one final opportunity and we did not waste it.

We should all feel a sense of accomplishment and pride. By fighting for SustiNet, we have made Connecticut the beacon of hope for a better future for America's healthcare system. This is something that will benefit us, our children and many more generations to come.

You have one final task though. Please, call your Representatives and Senators that so bravely put themselves on the line and voted against the Governor. Thank them for their courage and wisdom. They deserve the praise...and so do you- so thank you!

Adam Chiara
Organizing for Connecticut


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The Family at C Street: Secret Religious Group of Washington & World Elite

Several members of Congress belong to "The Family," a secret church referred to as C Street located in Washington, DC. These members actually live at C Street. The family hosts Bible study classes and counseling to it's members, along with sermons and does things that any church would do. That's fine. We live in a country that allows freedom of religion, wherein a person can worship as he or she chooses, whether Christian, Buddhist, Jewish, Islam, etc.

What gives pause for concern about The Family is that this group likens the words of Jesus Christ to Hitler, Osama Bin Laden, and other dictators. The Family purposefully does its best to be as invisible as possible -- most religions aspire to spread the word in order to save others. The Family believes that only a few elite people should become as wealthy as they can and help folks from behind the scenes with no programs for the poor or disadvantaged, etc. Of greatest concern is that The Family contains members of Congress who vote and enact laws that govern us all.

I am a person of faith, and, as such, I see no separation (except for that of church and state) between a secular life and a spiritual life. I strive daily to adhere to my faith as the core of my life, constantly guiding me on the right path in life, no matter whether I am attending a religious service or a musical performance, or writing a blog, or dinning with friends, or being with family.

Our thoughts, words and deeds are causes that we make that are embedded in our lives forever. I use my faith to help me make causes that create value for myself and others (simultaneously -- I believe service on behalf of others is the road to one's true happiness) and in that manner, I will enjoy a life without regret. I assume that others, regardless of their faith, also use their faith as a guiding light in their lives. The Family, however, concerns me. I keep recalling Jones Town where everyone was encouraged to drink the purple lemonade. Something is not right here.

While I do not purport to be a scholar on Jesus Christ, I am confident in my belief that some may say the only way to use Jesus Christ and Adolph Hitler in the same sentence would be that if Hitler had found Christ in his heart, there would not have been a war.

So when the leader of The Family on C Street likens belief in Jesus Christ to the followers, tenets and belief in Adolph Hitler, and other dictators, we all need to sit up and take notice. When the leader of The Family on C Street (Mr. Coe) uses the Red Army (uses the example of Red Army recruits having to literally behead their mother (or father, sister or brother) to show their total allegiance and their faith) to describe the level of faith and commitment members of The Family on C Street church should aspire to, everyone needs to take notice.

Just what is Mr. Coe espousing in his sermons and his interpretation of Christianity. In three different biblical texts, each has this to say about our parents:

New American Standard Bible (©1995): "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the LORD your God gives you.

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995): "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live for a long time in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

King James Bible: Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

So where is Mr. Coe getting his spiritual direction and guidance from? Is The Family some kind of radical religious group in that they encourage members in faith by citing as role models those individuals who have forever placed a dark stain in our world history, namely Hitler, Osama Bin Laden, Lenin and other dictators.

It is one thing to note how a person is able to gather followers or the strategies that a person, whether a sage or a demon, won a contentious battle. It is quite something else to edify a demon. In my opinion, The Family goes beyond noting strategy, ability to organize, etc. The Family appears to be edifying those historical figures that inflicted immeasurable pain and suffering on it's victims with a brutality that tears at the core of humanity. Something is not right here.

Watch these two interviews on The Family (especially the second one) and share your thoughts. We need to find out more about The Family and its interpretation of religion.

First Interview:


Second Interview Part I:


Second Interview Part II:


Val McCall, State Chair
Organizing for Connecticut


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Health Care - It's Not Over Yet

This is the 11th hour. This is the time that all of us hungered for when we sought to put into the White House a leader that could deliver leadership, justice and integrity.

We got the leader. Now we need to support him. Everyday, I get requests asking "what can I do." Here's the answer. First, watch this video then take action.



At the state level: Sustinet and CT Partnership Bills: Come out to the State Capital @9:30AM on Monday July 20th and urge our legislators to override Governor Rell's veto.

Homeless and Health Care: Contact a local homeless shelter in your area and set up a time to have some volunteers come and help serve breakfast, help clean the facility. While you are there, gather signatures of support for the president's health care plan.

If the shelter needs repair, contact Home Depot or Lowe's and they will provide paint, lumber, etc.

Literacy and Health Care: There are literacy agencies all across Connecticut, contact one and find a time to do a book drive of gently used and new books to donate. Combine it with health care. While folks are delivering their books, educate them on health care and get their support.

Community Gardens and Health Care: Connecticut has been enjoying a lovely Fall this Summer with lots of Spring rain. Community gardens can certainly use our help with upkeep. Contact your local garden and bring health care literature with you. Get folks to sign up to support the President's plan.

When it is Raining, Mall Crawl: While we cannot solicit inside of our malls, we can join the morning walkers and wear our Obama gear. You can meet up in the parking lot and have folks sign to support the President's plan. Then go inside and do four or five laps.

USE THE INTERNET. Post your events at http://www.ctobama.org and at http://www.barackobama.com.

When you post your event on Organizing for Connecticut (www.ctobama.org), we will send out a press release alerting news media in your area of your activity.

Visibility: Wear your Obama gear at all of your events. Buy a jar of white fabric paint, a small sponge brush and large letters. Write on your blue t-shirt - Health Care Reform 2009.

Make Calls and Canvass: Log onto Organizing for America @ http://www.barackobama.com and go to the Health Care Action center where you can make calls from home, set up a phone bank, set up a neighborhood canvass, write letters and more.

Recruit, Empower, Multiply.

It does not have to be 100 people working together -- it could be three. It is amazing what a handful of people coming together neighborhood by neighborhood can do.

Thank you for all that you do.

Val McCall, State Chair
Organizing for Connecticut


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Uniting Our Voices: The Work Ahead

When we began this journey of change over two years ago, we began with hope and determination for a better place to live, to work, to play, to raise our children, our grandchildren (I've got ten beautiful grands). We dared to dream out of the box and elected a president that would bring about that change. In the back of our minds, we knew opposition would be strong, but we forged forward despite negative attacks and we won.

It was our united voices from all aspects of society, political thought, the young, the seniors and all those in between. That unity, that dream, that determination brought us to this point. Let us not forget how we got here and continue to unite our voices and move ahead.

There's work to be done!

Monday marks the beginning of yet another defining moment in our history as Judge Sotomayor goes before the United States Senate for her confirmation hearings for a seat on the highest court in our nation. This is, indeed, a grand moment. Unfortunately, not everyone would agree with me on that and the naysayers are lining up. In the words of Vice President Biden:

Judge Sotomayor's brilliance and unique legal qualifications have stood strong against fierce scrutiny. Law enforcement officials have praised her tough-mindedness and experience as a prosecutor and trial judge, and just this week she earned the highest possible rating from the American Bar Association. There's no doubt -- the President picked the right person for the job.

Unfortunately, some people would rather try anything to score political points than debate honestly about the facts. Some people are even trying to say Judge Sotomayor's proud record as a civil rights advocate in the Latino community is evidence of "extremism." Well, there was a time when standing up for the disadvantaged and fighting for equal rights was called extreme -- but now we just call it doing what's right.

Now is the critical moment for us to stand up and fight back against these attacks.

Visit our online action center now. The action center has all the tools you need to write a letter to the editor, tell your senators why Judge Sotomayor should be our next Supreme Court Justice, and spread the word to everyone you know.

Access to Affordable Quality Health Care with a Strong Public Option

In Connecticut, we watched as our Governor seemingly ignored the united voice of the people and vetoed two critical bills that would have launched a viable health care reform in our state. We must continue this fight for health care justice on the federal level and support President Obama in bringing about health care reform for our country. Organizing for America Director Mitch Stewart had this to say in his recent blog post:

As we speak, key committees in Congress are weighing options and making final decisions about how to tackle health care reform. This could be one of the last opportunities to shape the legislation before it's written.

The behind-the-scenes committee negotiations aren't front-page news, but the lobbyists trying to block reform are following every detail, and they won't miss a day. If the final plan is to uphold President Obama's principles of reduced costs, guaranteed choice -- including the choice of a robust public insurance option -- and quality care for all, your voice must be heard.

Organizing for Connecticut has spent the last week coming up with ideas to reach as many people as we can to support the President's health care reform.

We're going door-to-door, making phone calls and reaching out to folks at various events such as community garden clean ups, homeless shelters, churches and community organizations, letting them know the facts about the President's plan and gathering their support through declaration signatures.

The key to our success on November 4th and now is our united voice. If you cannot make it out to an log onto the action center and write a letter to our elected leaders and urge their support for the President's health care plan. The action center has all the tools you need to make calls, write letters, create a canvass to go door to door and more.

Organizing for Connecticut is reaching out to all of our partners and teaming up to pool our resources and help with immediate issues while simultaneously fighting for health care reform, fighting for Judge Sotomayor's confirmation on the US Supreme Court, fighting to tell the truth about our new greener economy under President Obama's administration, sharing with people the good works that this administration is already doing.

Join the conference call on Tuesday and help make change happen.

Thank you for all that you do.

Val McCall, State Chair
Organizing for Connecticut


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Help Me Stop the Republicans from Re-Writing History

Middletown's Democratic Mayoral Candidate Dan Drew

Middletown's incumbent Republican Mayor Sebastian Giuliano was on the Eye on the Air radio show this afternoon, and host Ed McKeon started to ask a question about the “Got Your Tax Bill?” message of the mayor’s campaign four years ago.

Mayor Giuliano quickly interrupted Ed and began talking about how he intended for the signs to spark a dialogue about the nature of the tax system. It’s understandable that he wanted to avoid the topic. He has tried to raise taxes 13 percent in his second term while cutting critical services. And, he's raised taxes more on average in four years than his predecessors did in the 12 years prior to his assuming office.

If the Sebastian Giuliano of four years ago were running against Mayor Giuliano in 2009, his campaign slogan would justifiably be: "Got Your Tax Bill?"

The mayor’s talk of fiscal responsibility is just that — talk. But he'll have enough money in his coffers to advertise heavily and tell people that he was right to try cutting 13 school teachers and six police police positions while raising taxes. I am going to door-to-door with our Common Council members, and we are spreading the Democrats’ message one door at a time.

But we still need your help to get the word out. Mayor Giuliano is well-funded by a very small group of people with ample resources. Please consider making a contribution on our secure credit-card processing site today: www.dandrew09.com/contribute

Please also mark your calendars for the New Leadership Brunch on Sunday, July 26 from 10:30 a.m., to 1:30 p.m., at the First & Last Tavern on Main Street in Middletown, and help us spread the word to your family, friends, and neighbors

Please become a supporter on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dan-Drew/84890878270. Please check my Web site at: www.dandrew09.com

Please also attend the New Leadership Brunch kick-off fundraiser. You can find an invitation on Organizing for Connecticut's Facebook page.

Please also e-mail me directly at dan@dandrew09.com. I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas.

SustiNet: Knocked Down but Not Knocked Out!

The horrible, perhaps even inevitable has happened. Governor Rell has vetoed the SustiNet bill. For all those that sacrificed so much to advocate for SustiNet, please do not feel discouraged. It was not that you did not do enough, it was that Gov. Rell does not care enough.

With that veto we have been knocked down but we have not been knocked out. There is still always the opportunity to override the veto. I'll be blunt- the chances are not good. The 2/3 votes needed are there in the House (a credit to all the lobbying done by you all this session) but the Senate is a different story. As of now, we are drastically short.

It is time to blitz our State Senators! Calls, emails, petitions, editorials, don't hold anything back. Frankly, because this is it. If we don't succeed here there is not another shot. They need to know that votes are at stake for them if they do not vote for SustiNet.

Everyone likes a good underdog story; let's make this one they will talk about for years to come.