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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