errantember

Right now!

The Democrats are currently working on reconciling the House and Senate health care bills. This is our last chance to make our voices heard. I've never called before, and despite the fact that the legislator I'm calling generally shares my politics, I'm feeling *very* nervous. But I've been one of those people who only send out e-mail for too long, and this is one critical way to participate in democracy.

If your sitting on the fence about taking action, realize that in the vast majority of polls being taken across the political spectrum, those *opposed* to the legislation are between 1 to 15% points ahead! Public opinion is really turning against the bill, and speaking out to make your voice heard is more important than ever.

Unless you oppose it, in which case you can go back to watching Seinfeld. :)

Here are the issues sent out by MoveOn:

* Give Americans the choice of a public option. Congress should model the final bill after the House version, which contains a national public option—the key to real competition, greater choice, and lower costs.3

* Make insurance affordable. Both bills require most Americans to have insurance. But even with subsidies, some people could pay up to 20% of their income on health care. The final bill must ensure families aren't required to spend more than they can afford.4

* Protect women's health care. Both bills impose dangerous new restrictions on women's reproductive health care. While the House version is worse, neither provision can be in the final bill.5

* Finance health care fairly. The Senate would pay for part of reform by taxing the benefits packages of some working Americans. The House, on the other hand, pays for reform with a small surcharge on the wealthiest Americans—a far better approach.6

* Hold insurance companies to the same anti-trust laws as other companies. Right now, insurance companies are exempt from laws designed to prevent monopolies and price-gouging. The House bill would fix this, and so should the final bill.7

Sources and Representative Doggett's phone number behind the cut! ( Read more... )

...to figure out exactly which causes and charities are worth contributing to. One I've decided to get behind is the Public Campaign Action Fund, which works to promote the availability of public funding for elections. This provides a far more level playing field for elections by giving the same amount of money to everyone who participates. This allows candidates more time to campaign and make their case to their electorate, and keeps them out of the pockets of special interests. It breaks the link between the powerful lobbies that hamstring our democracy, and it's already been successful in 7 states and 2 municipalities. There is a bill pending in the Senate and another schedule for introduction in the House to affect change at a federal level. If you're sick of seeing America hijacked by Big Money, and want to do something to ensure your voice is heard, this is one of the best causes to support.