Dedicated to Young Republicans Against Hypocrisy and For Democratic Health Care Reform

Forget About Politics, Make Some Good Old Fashioned Money

2010-10-11T19:36:00.000-07:00

My friend JP is teaching you step-by-step,
EXACTLY how to build a MONEY-GETTING email
list FAST during his online workshop this
coming Thursday.
My gift to you ... register here:
http://www.goldbar.net/ua/link.php?affID=sklopfer_lbccw101410
It's called ...
---------------------------
"HOW TO BUILD YOUR
OWN MONEY-GETTING EMAIL
LIST -- FAST!"
---------------------------
It's 58-minutes of hard-hitting, shoot-from-
the-hip, real-world list building training
that you don't wanna miss.

BEST NEWS ...
There's no charge -- it's my treat!
But, seating is LIMITED ...

Register NOW:

http://www.goldbar.net/ua/link.php?affID=sklopfer_lbccw101410

DETAILS:
Thursday, October 14th
TIME:
9 PM Eastern
8 PM Central
7 PM Mountain
6 PM Pacific
Seating LIMITED - Register here:

http://www.goldbar.net/ua/link.php?affID=sklopfer_lbccw101410

---------------------
HERE'S A SMALL SAMPLE
OF WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
---------------------
- The BEST WAY to build your "first list"
of 1,000 responsive subscribers

- How JP built his first "BIG" list of almost
5,000 subscribers in LESS THAN 48-hours
(back before he really even knew what he was
doing)

- Why you don't need a BIG list to sell
$10,000.00 to $50,000.00 per month

- The top strategies I'm using RIGHT NOW to
build my list (Hint: I'm learning all the
time and trying new stuff -- I'll share the
truth about what I've learned recently)

- The secret behind my VERY BEST converting
opt-in "Squeeze Pages"

- Why I recently changed my email list
provider, and started making even MORE
MOOLAH from my list

- The three NEWEST list building strategies
I'm using, how they're working, and how you
can use them too

- And, a LOT MORE!

Register NOW:
http://www.goldbar.net/ua/link.php?affID=sklopfer_lbccw101410

See ya there ...
Cheers!
Susan

PS: This workshop is EASILY worth paying to
attend -- it's that good. But, you get to
attend as my guest:
Register now:

http://www.goldbar.net/ua/link.php?affID=sklopfer_lbccw101410

Why the Civil Rights Movement Was An Insurgency

2010-02-25T06:16:00.000-08:00

Typically, groups excluded from power wage wars of insurgency, and Southern blacks certainly fit that description. Before 1965, few blacks in the Deep South could even vote. Nowhere in the South were they able to influence legislation and law enforcement through the normal political process. The civil rights movement attempted to gain access to political power by coercion. Had it been done with guns, no one would hesitate to think of it as an insurgency.

More --

Young Republicans "Just Leave Glenn Beck Alone"

2009-09-26T02:21:00.000-07:00

Listen up, this is Audra Shay talkin' and you're pickin' on my man!!

Leave our man, Glenn Beck, alone you big, nasty liberals!! We love him just the way he is. Just leave him alone. He doesn't have to be nice to your Barack Obama. He is right and Obama is wrong. So Just leave him alone. He doesn't want health care. He doesn't want poor people to be sick -- he just doesn't want to pay for their damned xrays. Just leave him alone. He has degrees from Harvard, Yale, Ole Miss and Jackson Hole College. He is just as smart as Obama, so leave him alone. He doesn't have to care about your grandma, but he does. He doesn't want a death panel to get her!! Can't you people just be nice to him??? It makes me so sad that liberal pick,pick, pick. Can't you just leave him alone? He might not be so smart, but he is so good at coming to the bottom of things. Obama is not black. Obama is not a citizen. Glenn Beck has to tell us truth and now everyone just picks on him.

Sara

'OMG, I'm learning so much TRUTH about health care reform' -- Audra Shay to Sarah Palin

2009-08-13T13:59:00.001-07:00

Sarah, Look what I just received in my email box! It's all about health care and how Young Republicans like you and I can answer questions and help people learn more. Do you know that reform ends discrimination for pre-existing conditions? Insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history.

Here are a guh-jillion things to know:

Health Insurance Reform Reality Check

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: http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/health-insurance-consumer-protections/

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: 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: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/denied_coverage/index.html

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: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/hiddencosts/index.html

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: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/women/index.html

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: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/hardtimes

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: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/helpbottomline

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: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/inaction

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: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/inaction/diminishing/index.html

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: http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/assets/documents/CEA_Health_Care_Report.pdf

Visit http://WhiteHouse.gov

Tea Party SUPPORTS Health Care

2009-08-13T05:32:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release: August 12, 2009
Contact: Nancy Rumfelt 970-691-3446

"Hands On My HealthCare" rally this Saturday in Grand Junction, CO during Presidential Visit

Tea Party activist and 9-12ers join forces with conservatives from four states

Grand Junction, Col. – Tea party activists and 9-12ers from Greeley, Fort Collins, and Loveland will join forces with the Western Slope Conservative Alliance and conservatives from across Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and New Mexico to support Barak Obama's socialized medicine proposals during the president's visit to Grand Junction this Saturday.

Activists will gather in Lincoln Park at 10:00 am this Saturday August 15th at the corner of 12th and North Avenue in Grand Junction, Colorado. Activists will then re-gather outside Central High School's Warrior Gym at 3:15 at 550 Warrior Way Grand Junction, CO 81504 the site of President Obama's health care town hall.

"We are asking everyone to wear the purple shirts worn by SEIU activists. Patriots and Conservatives are invited to bring signs that focus on Healthcare," said Nancy Rumfelt, Chairman of the Loveland 9-12 Project.

"We have been writing letters, making phone calls, and lobbying our representative Betsy Markey in person for weeks to support HR 3200, 'Americas Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009,'" said Rumfelt. "We came together with folks from all over Colorado last week during Speaker Pelosi's visit to Denver, and wanted to join forces with other conservatives throughout the Rocky Mountain region to let President Obama and Representative Markey know that this IS THE plan that Coloradoans want."

# # #

Audra Shay Fights Back!!! 'She's a Steel Magnolia,' Says GOP's Steele

2009-08-11T19:16:00.000-07:00

Oh, guys. I just got this really good health care info from Sarah Palin and the gang. They want us to spread the word, the truth, about health care. So get out there, guys and spread this info.

Thanks, xoxoxoxox
Audra

Top Five Health Care Reform Lies—and How to Fight Back

Lie #1: President Obama wants to euthanize your grandma!!!

The truth: These accusations—of "death panels" and forced euthanasia—are, of course, flatly untrue. As an article from the Associated Press puts it: "No 'death panel' in health care bill."4 What's the real deal? Reform legislation includes a provision, supported by the AARP, to offer senior citizens access to a professional medical counselor who will provide them with information on preparing a living will and other issues facing older Americans.5

Lie #2: Democrats are going to outlaw private insurance and force you into a government plan!!!

The truth: With reform, choices will increase, not decrease. Obama's reform plans will create a health insurance exchange, a one-stop shopping marketplace for affordable, high-quality insurance options.6 Included in the exchange is the public health insurance option—a nationwide plan with a broad network of providers—that will operate alongside private insurance companies, injecting competition into the market to drive quality up and costs down.7

If you're happy with your coverage and doctors, you can keep them.8 But the new public plan will expand choices to millions of businesses or individuals who choose to opt into it, including many who simply can't afford health care now.

Lie #3: President Obama wants to implement Soviet-style rationing!!!

The truth: Health care reform will expand access to high-quality health insurance, and give individuals, families, and businesses more choices for coverage. Right now, big corporations decide whether to give you coverage, what doctors you get to see, and whether a particular procedure or medicine is covered—that is rationed care. And a big part of reform is to stop that.

Health care reform will do away with some of the most nefarious aspects of this rationing: discrimination for pre-existing conditions, insurers that cancel coverage when you get sick, gender discrimination, and lifetime and yearly limits on coverage.9 And outside of that, as noted above, reform will increase insurance options, not force anyone into a rationed situation.

Lie #4: Obama is secretly plotting to cut senior citizens' Medicare benefits!!!

The truth: Health care reform plans will not reduce Medicare benefits.10 Reform includes savings from Medicare that are unrelated to patient care—in fact, the savings comes from cutting billions of dollars in overpayments to insurance companies and eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse.11

Lie #5: Obama's health care plan will bankrupt America!!!

The truth: We need health care reform now in order to prevent bankruptcy—to control spiraling costs that affect individuals, families, small businesses, and the American economy.

Right now, we spend more than $2 trillion dollars a year on health care.12 The average family premium is projected to rise to over $22,000 in the next decade13—and each year, nearly a million people face bankruptcy because of medical expenses.14 Reform, with an affordable, high-quality public option that can spur competition, is necessary to bring down skyrocketing costs. Also, President Obama's reform plans would be fully paid for over 10 years and not add a penny to the deficit.15

We're closer to real health care reform than we've ever been—and the next few weeks will decide whether it happens. We need to make sure the truth about health care reform is spread far and wide to combat right wing lies.

Can you forward this email to your friends today? And remember, also post it on Facebook by clicking here: http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51746. And on Twitter, by retweeting: @MoveOn Check out the Top 5 Health Care Lies—and How to Fight Back. http://bit.ly/Bncs5

Thanks for all you do.

–Nita, Kat, Ilya, Michael and the rest of the team

P.S. Want more? Check out this great new White House "Reality Check" website: http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/ or this excellent piece from Health Care for America Now on some of the most outrageous lies: http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51729&id=16782-17233106-tLkwpnx&t=1

Sources:

1. "More 'Town Halls Gone Wild': Angry Far Right Protesters Disrupt Events With 'Incomprehensible' Yelling," Think Progress, August 4, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51733&id=16782-17233106-tLkwpnx&t=2

2. "Fight the smears," Health Care for America NOW, accessed August 10, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51729&id=16782-17233106-tLkwpnx&t=3

3. "Palin Paints Picture of 'Obama Death Panel' Giving Thumbs Down to Trig," ABC News, August 7, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51728&id=16782-17233106-tLkwpnx&t=4

4. "No 'death panel' in health care bill," The Associated Press, August 10, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51747&id=16782-17233106-tLkwpnx&t=5

5. "Stop Distorting the Truth about End of Life Care," The Huffington Post, July 24, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51730&id=16782-17233106-tLkwpnx&t=6

6. "Reality Check FAQs," WhiteHouse.gov, accessed August 11, 2009.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/faq#i1

7. "Why We Need a Public Health-Care Plan," The Wall Street Journal, June 24, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51737&id=16782-17233106-tLkwpnx&t=7

8. "Obama: 'If You Like Your Doctor, You Can Keep Your Doctor,'" The Wall Street Journal, 15, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51736&id=16782-17233106-tLkwpnx&t=8

9. "Reality Check FAQs," WhiteHouse.gov, accessed August 10, 2009.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/faq#r1

10. "Obama: No reduced Medicare benefits in health care reform," CNN, July 28, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51748&id=16782-17233106-tLkwpnx&t=9

11. "Reality Check FAQs," WhiteHouse.gov, accessed August 10, 2009.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/faq#s1

12. "Reality Check FAQs," WhiteHouse.gov, accessed August 10, 2009.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/faq#c1

13. "Premiums Run Amok," Center for American Progress, July 24, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51667&id=16782-17233106-tLkwpnx&t=10

14. "Medical bills prompt more than 60 percent of U.S. bankruptcies," CNN, June 5, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51735&id=16782-17233106-tLkwpnx&t=11

15. "Reality Check FAQs," WhiteHouse.gov, accessed August 10, 2009.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/faq#c1

Sources for the Five Lies:

#1: "A euthanasia mandate," The Washington Times, July 29, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51732&id=16782-17233106-tLkwpnx&t=12

#2: "It's Not An Option," Investor's Business Daily, July 15, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51743&id=16782-17233106-tLkwpnx&t=13

#3: "Rationing Health Care," The Washington Times, April 21, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51742&id=16782-17233106-tLkwpnx&t=14

#4: "60 Plus Ad Is Chock Full Of Misinformation," Media Matters for America, August 8, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51734&id=16782-17233106-tLkwpnx&t=15

#5: "Obama's 'Public' Health Plan Will Bankrupt the Nation," The National Review, May 13, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51744&id=16782-17233106-tLkwpnx&t=16

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.

GIANT Switch! Sarah Palin Goes To Work For Obama Insurance

2009-07-27T09:15:00.000-07:00

To what lesser god do those people who have no health care insurance belong? What sin did they commit? I have no doubt some of them have made mistakes, made bad choices, engaged in illegal or immoral activities in some instances, didn't get themselves elected to the statehouse or Congress; but not all 47 million plus.

The time has come, if we are to continue to call ourselves a nation of God and faith and fairness, for every American to have health insurance.

Sarah

Majority in U.S. Favors Healthcare Reform This Year

2009-07-26T23:36:00.001-07:00

Majority in U.S. Favors Healthcare Reform This Year

Shared via AddThis

Next Time, CIA, FBI, Homeland Security Will Protect Sarah Palin From Mean, Snarky Remarks

2009-07-26T20:22:00.000-07:00

With grace and humility, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin left her role as Alaska's first woman governor. Barely able to speak through her tears, Palin said it had been a long, hard struggle.

"People say such bad things about me. WHAAAAA. I want my mommy."

Palin said she was happy to serve as a role model for women everything.

"Whaaaaa. I dddiiinnn''t want to quit," she quivered. "BBBuutt I jussusjjjust couldn't take any more mean remarks thrown at me. What was I supposed to do?

"Go to my office and work? When all I wanted to do was cry?"

Mean and snide remarks about her clothes and stupidity have been named as chief reasons why Palin left office. David Letterman did not help, her husband Todd told media representatives.

"But you just wait, she will come back from the ashes to be the next leader of the free world. She has the guts and gumption to look ahead. We don't expect she will receive as much flack when she is president. We'll have the CIA and homeland security to watch her back."

Todd Palin added that Katy Couric of CBS News should be blamedstormed.

Write Letters to the Editor About Health Care Reform

2009-07-26T01:20:00.000-07:00

Challenge: Write a letter to your editor about health care.

Dear Editor: As my husband and I start planning for retirement, health insurance becomes frightening. To Cobra until Medicare kicks in will cost about $900 per month. I am tired of paying for excellent health care for Congress and their entire families for the rest of their lives when we get NOTHING of the sort. Sen. Charles Grassley & all naysayers need to take care of their constituents BEFORE going on vacation.

Susan Klopfer

Truthfully, I probably won't be able to find any health insurance for the interim because of a pre-existing medical condition. One medical emergency and we could wipe out all of our retirement savings before Medicare kicks in -- if it's even still available by then.

Senators & Reps: Skip the Vacation Until You Vote on Health Care

2009-07-25T21:51:00.000-07:00

Tell Congress: Don't Go Until You Vote on Health Care

The Senate just announced they'll take a month-long vacation before voting on health care reform.

But Americans can't afford to wait: while the Senate is on vacation, over 400,000 people could lose their health coverage.

Every member of Congress needs to hear--quickly--that voters want them focused on health care now, not running off on vacation. Sign the petition today.

A compiled petition with your individual comment will be presented to your Senators and Representative.

Sign the petition and let congress know how you feel. Take action and feel good about yourself.

WWJD About Health Care Reform?

2009-07-25T05:14:00.000-07:00

One of the vocations for which Jesus is best known is being a healer. The Gospels narrate stories in which he makes the blind to see, the deaf to hear and the lame to walk. He heals some of dreaded diseases and raises others from the dead. So, WWJD about healthcare reform?

Here's an interesting answer from EthicsDaily.com.

WWJD? Reform Health Care!

2009-07-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

Matthew 19:14
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Thoughts on today's verse
Jesus' love for children in an age when they weren't those whom highly regarded is a powerful reminder of God's love for the world often abuses or abandons. We are called to love the unloved, the forgotten, the abused and neglected. Why? Because that is what Israel was in Egypt and that is what Jesus was at Calvary and that is what we were without grace (Romans 5:6-11). How can we claim to know salvation and not share it with others who need that grace!?

Prayer:
Father, I want to be more of a Father like you -- a holy and loving father to my children and a tender father to the forgotten children of today. Help me be aroused by the neglect and abuse children suffer in my world, and to be moved to act in ways that bless them. Through Jesus, the great lover of all children, I pray. Amen.

Blue Dog Coalition Fights Health Care Reform But Takes Free Insurance From Taxpayers

2009-07-25T03:43:00.000-07:00

Blue Dog Coalition Contacts:

BlueDog@mail.house.gov
Kristen Hawn, 202-226-9782

Dear members of the Blue Dog Coalition:

Blue Dog Leadership Team

Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (SD), Blue Dog Co-Chair for Administration
Rep. Baron Hill (IN-09), Blue Dog Co-Chair for Policy
Rep. Charlie Melancon (LA-03), Blue Dog Co-Chair for Communications
Rep. Heath Shuler (NC-11), Blue Dog Whip

Blue Dog Members

Altmire, Jason (PA-04)
Arcuri, Mike (NY-24)
Baca, Joe (CA-43)
Barrow, John (GA-12)
Berry, Marion (AR-01)
Bishop, Sanford (GA-02)
Boren, Dan (OK-02)
Boswell, Leonard (IA-03)
Boyd, Allen (FL-02)
Bright, Bobby (AL-02)
Cardoza, Dennis (CA-18)
Carney, Christopher (PA-10)
Chandler, Ben (KY-06)
Childers, Travis (MS-01)
Cooper, Jim (TN-05)
Costa, Jim (CA-20)
Cuellar, Henry (TX-28)
Dahlkemper, Kathy (PA-03)
Davis, Lincoln (TN-04)
Donnelly, Joe (IN-02)
Ellsworth, Brad (IN-08)
Giffords, Gabrielle (AZ-08)
Gordon, Bart (TN-06)
Griffith, Parker (AL-05)
Harman, Jane (CA-36)
Herseth Sandlin, Stephanie (SD)
Hill, Baron (IN-09)
Holden, Tim (PA-17)
Kratovil, Jr., Frank (MD-01)
McIntyre, Mike (NC-07)
Marshall, Jim (GA-03)
Matheson, Jim (UT-02)
Melancon, Charlie (LA-03)
Michaud, Mike (ME-02)
Minnick, Walt (ID-01)
Mitchell, Harry (AZ-05)
Moore, Dennis (KS-03)
Murphy, Patrick (PA-08)
Nye, Glenn (VA-02)
Peterson, Collin (MN-07)
Pomeroy, Earl (ND)
Ross, Mike (AR-04)
Salazar, John (CO-03)
Sanchez, Loretta (CA-47)
Schiff, Adam (CA-29)
Scott, David (GA-13)
Shuler, Heath (NC-11)
Space, Zack (OH-18)
Tanner, John (TN-08)
Taylor, Gene (MS-04)
Thompson, Mike (CA-01)
Wilson, Charles (OH-06)

Why, as a taxpayer, am I forced to provide you and your families free health care for life when I can't get insurance because of a pre-existing disease?

I am sick and tired of members of congress who take for granted what we as taxpayers are forced to provide for you and then watch as you give us no health care reform.

Have a wonderful August vacation. Do NOT send me a form letter response. Save the stamp!

Sincerely,

Susan Klopfer

Sarah Pallin Supports President, Issues Statement: 'Stand With Obama'

2009-07-22T08:19:00.000-07:00

Stand With Barack Obama

Last week, Republican Senator Jim DeMint made it pretty clear why the opponents of health care reform are fighting so hard. As he told a special interest attack group, "If we're able to stop Obama on this, it will be his Waterloo. It will break him." Here's how the President responded:

Think about that. This isn't about me. This isn't about politics. This is about a health care system that is breaking America's families, breaking America's businesses and breaking America's economy. And we can't afford the politics of delay and defeat when it comes to health care. Not this time, not now. There are too many lives and livelihoods at stake.

With Congress only days away from finalizing their plans for reform, it's time to stand up with the President and fight back against this disastrous brand of old-style politics. So we need as many people as possible to publicly support the President's principles for health care reform and call on Congress to act.

Before the first full votes in Congress, we'll publish the signatures in newspaper ads across the nation, to make sure your voice is heard.

Watch President Obama's full response, then add your name in support of reform. Or if you've already signed, please forward this message to every one of your friends and neighbors so they can join you.

Sign the declaration

The President is more dedicated than ever to passing health care reform that satisfies the three requirements he's been talking about for months: Health care reform must reduce costs, guarantee choice -- including the choice of a strong public insurance option -- and ensure all Americans have quality, affordable health care.

If we do not reform our broken health care system this year, we will only shackle future generations with spiraling costs and deteriorating care. The cost of inaction is simply more than this country can afford.

But the special interests who profit from the status quo won't go down without a fight. The ads, the smears, and the attacks -- targeting both President Obama and members of Congress who support reform -- will only get worse. So it's crucial that we show huge backing before Congress finalizes their plans this month.

Stand with President Obama on health care reform:

http://my.barackobama.com/hcdeclare

Thank you Bobby Jindal, Sarah Palin, Senator John Ensign For Signing Christian Healthcare Code

2009-07-21T06:53:00.000-07:00

We owe our praises for all of the fine Family Values, Christian senators and representative and governors who've graciously signed the Sojournors Christian Creed For Health Care Reform.

Hypocrisy no more!!

Here's what these fine leaders of American Democracy have signed:

As one of God's children, I believe that protecting the health of each human being is a profoundly important personal and communal responsibility for people of faith.

I believe God created each person in the divine image to be spiritually and physically healthy. I feel the pain of sickness and disease in our broken world (Genesis 1:27, Romans 8:22).

I believe life and healing are core tenets of the Christian life. Christ's ministry included physical healing, and we are called to participate in God's new creation as instruments of healing and redemption (Matthew 4:23, Luke 9:1-6; Mark 7:32-35, Acts 10:38). Our nation should strive to ensure all people have access to life-giving treatments and care.

I believe, as taught by the Hebrew prophets and Jesus, that the measure of a society is seen in how it treats the most vulnerable. The current discussion about health-care reform is important for the United States to move toward a more just system of providing care to all people (Isaiah 1:16-17, Jeremiah 7:5-7, Matthew 25:31-45).

I believe that all people have a moral obligation to tell the truth. To serve the common good of our entire nation, all parties debating reform should tell the truth and refrain from distorting facts or using fear-based messaging (Leviticus 19:11; Ephesians 4:14-15, 25; Proverbs 6:16-19).

I believe that Christians should seek to bring health and well-being (shalom) to the society into which God has placed us, for a healthy society benefits all members (Jeremiah 29:7).

I believe in a time when all will live long and healthy lives, from infancy to old age (Isaiah 65:20), and "mourning and crying and pain will be no more" (Revelation 21:4). My heart breaks for my brothers and sisters who watch their loved ones suffer, or who suffer themselves, because they cannot afford a trip to the doctor. I stand with them in their suffering.

I believe health-care reform must rest on a foundation of values that affirm each and every life as a sacred gift from the Creator (Genesis 2:7).

Amen.

http://go.sojo.net/campaign/health_care

Republicans Explode Health Care Tax Myth; Paul Ryan, R-Wis.; Squawk, CNBC, Dems Don't Need Republican Votes

2009-07-20T05:30:00.000-07:00

From Huffington Post:

"Republicans and right wing commentators who oppose health care reform hope to turn our effort at lowering costs and expanding access into a debate about whether or not to tax small businesses. In opposing our reform they would instead continue the hidden health care tax on all Americans that exceeds the surcharge on the highest income taxpayers that is included in the House bill.

Before you adopt their rhetoric, remember that nearly half of the cost of the House Democrats' health plan would be paid by tight cost controls and forcing down the expense of the health care system. That's a top priority. And as for who will pay higher taxes and who won't under our plan, here are the cold facts.

Only the highest earning 1.2 percent of American households will pay a surcharge for health care reform. That leaves 98.8 percent of American households who will not pay any surcharge at all."
Continued --

Breaking News: Young Republicans Switch to Support Democrat's Healthcare Insurance Plan

2009-07-17T19:30:00.000-07:00

More and more Young Republicans and other members of the GOP are starting to support health care reform. Here are several myths with answers that point to why this shift has come about.

Myth: Health reform won't benefit people who already have health insurance.

You might have health insurance today but that doesn't mean you will have it in the future. Nearly 266,000 companies dropped their employees' health care coverage from 2000 to 2008. Your insurance is at risk. In recent years, the average employee health insurance premium rose nearly eight times faster than income. This is unsustainable, says Stephanie Cathcart of the National Federation of Independent Business.

Myth: Boomers will bankrupt Medicare.

Growing ranks of the elderly are project to account for only 0.4 percent of the future growth in health care cost according to the Center for Studying Health System Change. What drives up costs are the new medical technologies we now rely on -- MRIs and CT scans, for example.

Myth: Reforming health care will cost more.

Yes, it will cost more because an old system is being replaced. Over time the savings will be substantial. The Commonwealth Fund of New York estimates that health care reform will cost roughly $600 billion to implement but by 2020 could save us approximately $3 trillion.

Myth: You can't visit your favorite doctor.

AARP, NFIB Consumers Union, and Families USA support Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER) that studies which treatments work and which don't. These organizations and 15 others have come together stating reform will prevent errors and given physicians the information they need to practice better medicine.Concern about losing your favorite doctor comes from the research, not from reality.

Myth: People who have no insurance get good care in emergency rooms.

ERs in the United States have an open-door policy for emergency care, but this does not help people get the right information to prevent illness or to manage it. Forty-one percent of the uninsured have no access to preventive care, so when they go to the ER, they are going at a time when their illness has already progressed significantly and costs more to treat.

Myth: We can't afford to change health care now.

America's Health Insurance Plans spokesman Robert Zirkelbach says the most expensive thing we can do is nothing. The Congressional Budge Office projects that our annual health costs will soar to about $13,000 per person by 2017 adn the number of uninsured will climb to 54 million.

Myth: We will end up with socialized medicine if we change our current health care.

All proposals build on our current system. This means that private insurers and the government are both going to play roles. Right now, the federal government employees are part of a single payer system. Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa and his cohorts have and will keep their socialized medical care.