D.C. Democrats the clock is ticking on you.

I am calling out the D.C. Democrats because they are the MAJORITY PARTY. This is the party that can make the difference in your life, your family's life, your parents life, your neighbor's life, our lives, that is if they have the courage to renounce lobby interests for their campaign and personal coffers.

Another poll is out. Either side can show a poll touting their position, but one thing that has REMAINED the same is that the public wants health care reform, period. Another thing that is constant is that the public TRUSTS President Obama to get the job done in regards to health care reform, OVER the Republicans. Emphasis below mine's.

Americans are showing more confidence in their ability to get and afford the health care they need, according to a poll released Tuesday.

Whites, though, are likelier to feel that way than minorities. And large numbers of people are worried about whether they will have future health coverage, with nearly one in four concerned that family medical bills will drive them into bankruptcy.

The survey, conducted by the nonpartisan Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, showed the public overwhelmingly considers President Barack Obama's drive to overhaul health care a crucial weapon in the battle to end the country's economic problems - one of the rationales he has used in his health care campaign. Eighty-five percent said it is important that Obama make reshaping health care part of his efforts to restore the economy.

You won't hear morning joke or joe tout or quote this poll. Why? Simply because he has his own agenda and it is one of framing for the Republicans. You won't hear too many news media types, if there are any, recite this poll. Why? Well, that is not their agenda.

The public don't care for these politicians in Washington, DC. Many believe and feel they are out of touch, don't know what is really happening out here or what is going on. When you live in your own bubble, fueled by swanky cocktail parties, lobbyists patting you on the back, loving to look at yourself on television with your favorite quote, feeling you have some power, why should you listen to whiny constituents back home?

That is one of the main problems here. We need to be heard.

President Obama's agenda for health care won't pass unless these politicians are forced to hear us, acknowledge us. They forget that we put them in the position of prestige and the occasional sound byte. They forget that we put them in the position of perks, opportunity to have some of the best and cheapest health care affordable in this country. They forget that we matter.

It is time that they know who we are.

We are the voters. We are the ones who put them in office. We are the ones who have pounded pavements, wrote checks, worked their campaigns because we believed in them, these politicians.

This AP article says it all. If heath care is not passed in this country, there is going to be hell to pay. Republicans can forget it and those Democrats running for office in 2010, who did not have the courage or conviction for the public on health care reform and more importantly, the public option, they can forget it too.

See, hard core Democrats are going to vote the line, but the ones that made the difference are those that CROSSED THE LINE to stand with us in 2008. The independents, the moderate Republicans, the first time voters, the disenchanted voter, the ones who did not believe in change, the minority voter, the gay voter, the women who have had it, the ones who believed that the Democratic Party would stand for something and bring the very needed change we need in our lives.

Democrats in D.C., if you don't do the right thing, if you destroy your own bill, if you shoot yourselves in the foot, you will have no one to blame but yourselves.

The time to be heard and for change is now, not later. We have been arguing about health care for over 25 years. The debate don't need to be slowed down. The argument don't need a time out. We need a plan, we need action and the American public needed this yesterday, not tomorrow.

Lastly, President Obama is calling on bloggers to keep the pressure on congress, that is something that must continue to happen or we can FORGET about any health care legislation being passed in this country. The money is NOT ON OUR SIDE and the health care industry and insurance companies are spending 1.4M a day to silence your voices. You know what to do. Call these D.C. Democrats in congress and let your voices be heard.

House of Representatives
United States Senate

Cross-posted @ Daily Kos

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Obama calls on the bloggers to "KEEP THE PRESSURE ON CONGRESS INVOLVING HEALTH CARE"

AMEN!!

This includes calling these senators, Blue Dogs in the House, and let them KNOW that if they don't pass this health care legislation, that their days will be NUMBERED in Washington, DC with their "cushy jobs".

In a reflection of a legislative strategy that has left no stone unturned, President Barack Obama on Monday called on like-minded bloggers to help his administration keep the heat on lawmakers to pass health care reform.

"It is important just to keep the pressure on members of Congress because what happens is there is a default position of inertia here in Washington," the president said during an invitation-only conference call. "And pushing against that, making sure that people feel that the desperation that ordinary families are feeling all across the country, every single day, when they are worrying about whether they can pay their premiums or not... People have to feel that in a visceral way. And you guys can help deliver that better than just about anybody."

In a roughly 25-minute session with a handful of prominent progressive bloggers, the president also asked for help combating disinformation about his health care plan.

"I know the blogs are best at debunking myths that can slip through a lot of the traditional media outlets," he said. "And that is why you are going to play such an important role in our success in the weeks to come." read more here.....

Contact information for the Senate

Contact information for the House of Representatives

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Rachel Maddow picks apart Pat Buchanan's argument, point by point (Video)

One thing about Rachel Maddow, that can not be disputed is that she is one of the smartest and intelligent journalists on television right now. She allowed Pat Buchanan to literally hang himself with his racist diatribe when he appeared on her show last week. Tonight she picked him apart point-by-point with FACT. And MSNBC, yes, you do have a resident racist on your network, next what are you going to do about "Uncle Pat"?

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President Obama meets Apollo 11 Astronauts (Video)

President Barack Obama stands alongside the first man on the moon Neil Armstrong (2nd R), and fellow Apollo 11 crewmembers Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin (L) and Michael Collins (2nd L) during a meeting on the 40th anniversary of NASA's first human landing on the moon in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, July 20, 2009.



Apollo 11 Tribute @ WH

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Chuck Todd is right the media, "created this drama that Obama's struggling to get health care reform done" (video)

The media has created this, full KNOWING that the public wants health care reform. Again, the Obama Administration can not be asleep at the wheel on this and I expect more calling out and toughness from President Obama moving forward, as we heard from him today. Along with a more populist theme coming from this White House.



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GOP trying to reverse the tide (Video)

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Free Health Clinics Getting Hit Hard

With the unemployment rate rising at a rapid pace, with Americans losing their health care through employment, as COBRA payments are not only unaffordable but a joke, more Americans are going to free health clinics and the funding for these facilities is at an all time low.

As more Americans lose their jobs — and the health insurance that their employers had provided — they are turning to free health clinics, which are also seeing a drop in financial support.

In all, about 4 million Americans are expected to visit the country's 1,200 free health clinics this year. The United States is the only developed nation that does not have a comprehensive national health care plan; most people receive insurance through their jobs. The U.S. unemployment rate stands at 9.5 percent, the highest in 26 years.

"Over the last year, free clinics have seen patient load increase by 40 to 50 percent," said Nicole D. Lamoureux, executive director of the National Association of Free Clinics. "People who just last year had health coverage are now out of work and need to have their health care needs met."

[snip]

For people like George Anderson, who was laid off nearly a year ago when his book distribution company filed for bankruptcy, health insurance and doctors were unthinkable luxuries. Anderson, 48, who had high blood pressure, and his wife, who contracted pneumonia, the free clinic was a necessity.

"We felt like we were teetering on the edge of a cliff with all the other bills we had to pay for and if we had to pay those hospital bills too, that would have tipped us over," said Anderson, who has since found another job. read more here...

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In case you missed it: Obama blasts critics about his health care plan (Video and Transcript)

He will have to do this on the DAILY....until the bill is passed....from the Children's Hospital in Washington, DC



Transcript

Obama answers GOP critics

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RNC launches television ad against health care (Video)

Starting today in Arkansas, Nevada and North Dakota targeting the senators in those states.



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RNC Chairman, Michael Steele's speech at the National Press Club (Video)

Think Progress, Michael Steele's Quotes

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McDonald's giving its customers "Hepatitis A", for real

I just finished watching an ad for "sodas and juice drinks", the ad was against any taxes on these SUGAR DRINKS. The ad's main message was that taxing these items will do nothing for health care reform, but the thing is why are they on television already with this statement? I can go on and on about these items and how it contributes to obesity in children. We know this, just pop open a Mountain Dew and it is like pouring sugar in your mouth.

Part of health care reform is PEOPLE REFORM.

People reform is the responsibility of adults to pick and choose the right things to eat, drink for yourselves and your children. McDonald's and sodas, juice drinks are not picking the right things for your health. Eventually, eating and drinking this junk does catch up to you. Being fat or obese is only part of the puzzle, along with this comes high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, etc. Being fat and obese triggers all the above. This is why PEOPLE REFORM is the second part of health care reform. If people in this country don't change their behavior and poor habits, we will continue to pay for diseases that should not be a factor, but became a factor because of the poor choice by the individual.

McDonald's is a delight. When I was growing up, Mickey D's was a treat not an everyday norm, as it is NOW for million of Americans. So, is anyone surprised that Hepatitis A is floating around any McDonald's? I am not.

Food safety lawyer and blogger Bill Marler has been reporting about hepatitis A at McDonald's on his blog. 20 cases are linked to a Milan, IL McDonald's (including 11 hospitalizations). In fact, this isn't the first time McDonald's has given its customers McHepatitis A. I suppose that's part of the value meals? Marler says (of McDonald's): "How Many Times Does Lightening Need to Strike Before You Wake the Hell Up?" and points out they could vaccinate all employees for about $50 apiece.

A worker at the McDonald's in question was diagnosed with Hep A on June 9 (and would have been contagious long before that) but the disease was not reported to the health department until July 10. This was the first of two workers at the McDonald's who tested positive for the disease.

The timing of the diagnosis and reporting is critical because the spread of the disease can be halted most effectively if those who were exposed get vaccinations within 14 days after they were exposed. In other words, the month lag time in reporting this case was not a good thing. The Rock Island County Health Department is offering vaccinations to people who ate at the McDonald's during certain dates.

McDonald's as any public restaurant has a responsibility to inform its customers, community of any health issue, failing to do so just compounds things. It appears that McDonald's is more concerned with its image versus its leadership in doing the right thing for the public.

This alone should give many pause in visiting any McDonald's or any fast food junket, period. Along with taxing sugar drinks, the likes of McDonald's surely should be taxed too. If we can tax cigarettes and alcohol which is known for unhealthy results, the likes of McDonald's should be taxed for the unhealthy food it offers the public.

Is it choice by the public? Yes, but throwing a tax on fast food, like we tax all the rest of the unsavory things that are bad for us, will make a person pause before ordering that Big Mac.

Source

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Obama ready to fight for health care

He will have to fight.

One thing pet peeve I had about the Obama Campaign and now the Administration is the malaise for responding to attacks.

The Michael Jackson death and coverage sucked the oxygen out of the room, while Obama was traveling to Russia, Italy and Ghana. But also, during that time much mischief arose from the Republicans and some Democrats in regards to health care reform.

Being President is a constant battle. The other side will always have something negative to say, expected, but the chatter from his own party makes one pause. It was nice that Obama wanted to show and actually work for bi-partisanship, but when only one half is willing it is not worth it. He finally got that message.

Health care reform will be passed by Democrats, we have the votes, 60 in fact. If Democrats torpedo this bill or water it down or remove any form of public option, it won't be Republicans in trouble going forward, it will be Democrats. Democrats in D.C. you need to go home and listen to your constituents who are struggling with NO INSURANCE, under INSURED, scared to go to a doctor because they can not afford it. Democrats in D.C., you need to wake up and start to listen. This debate does not need to be slowed down, you know the spiraling costs are outrageous and unaffordable, remember Democrats in D.C., do the right thing. Remember that.

Six months into his presidency, Barack Obama may have no greater test of his ability to translate personal popularity into a successful legislative agenda than the upcoming two weeks.

With skepticism about the president's health-care reform effort mounting on Capitol Hill -- even within his own party -- the White House has launched a new phase of its strategy designed to dramatically increase public pressure on Congress: all Obama, all the time.

Senior White House aides promise "an aggressive public and private schedule" for Obama as he presses his case for reform, including a prime-time news conference on Wednesday, a trip to Cleveland, and heavy use of Internet video to broadcast his message beyond the reach of the traditional media.

"Our strategy has been to allow this process to advance to the point where it made sense for the president to take the baton. Now's that time," said senior adviser David Axelrod. "I don't know whether he will Twitter or tweet. But he's going to be very, very visible."

Another senior White House aide added: "It's time to raise the stakes on this." read more here....

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Governor Mark Sanford's Op-Ed

You decide. Personally, the man needs to leave GOD out of it. For purely, hypocritical sentiments...

I have struggled with how best to convey my regret in letting so many down, and in that regard I realize this op-ed does not do justice to the process of saying “I am sorry.” A handwritten note or phone call would ultimately be more appropriate, but given the number of people I need to apologize to I write this to begin the journey of trying to get things more right with you and others.

It is true that I did wrong and failed at the largest of levels, but equally true is the fact that God can make good of our respective wrongs in life. In this vein, while none of us has the chance to attend our own funeral, in many ways I feel like I was at my own in the past weeks, and surprisingly I am thankful for the perspective it has afforded.

If you ever have the misfortune of being at this point, whether self-induced as in my case or not, it will give you an indeed amazing perspective on life and on what really matters. I read notes from someone who worked in a sandwich shop I ate at ten years ago, from 7th grade classmates, from state employees and more. While there have been lifetimes of lessons learned over the past weeks, three things most immediately come to mind.

One, forgiveness and grace really do matter. I used to believe that at an intellectual level, now it is at the level of heart. Over my life I have not given enough of either, and yet given all the ways in which my failings have come to light, I write to apologize for, in the most profound of ways, letting you and so many others down. In life it’s always the people closest to us that we hurt the most, and given my standing of public trust, I know I’ve hurt many across our state. I apologize for this, and more than anything would ask for your forgiveness going forward. read more here....

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CBS, Face the Nation, July 19, 2009 (Video)

Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Rep Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) spoke with Harry Smith on the progress of the health care reform bill. Plus, Bob Schieffer, John Glenn, and Douglas Brinkley discuss the life and legacy of Walter Cronkite.



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As we miss the most trusted voice in journalism....

one voice we don't miss or wish was not even on television is David Gregory.

Walter Cronkite's passing was a revelation of things, a reminder of what a real journalist was, a reminder of what we don't have on television today.

There is no real news on television now, since everything is about opinion and framing opinion for the public. Maybe this is the demise of news. Many of these organizations are not run by real news personnel, but the entertainment segment of its flagship. That is why the public don't trust news organizations any longer. These organizations are not straight shooters anymore, not like Walter Cronkite, one who gave you the story straight, honest and factually correct.

NBC has totally lost its luster. Here is David Gregory, moderator of Meet the Press, regarding the Mark Sanford fiasco:

Look, you guys have a lot of pitches.. I get it and I know this is a tough situation... Let me say just this is a place to have a wider conversation with some context about not just the personal but also the future for him and the party... This situation only exacerbates the issue of how the GOP recovers when another national leader suffers a setback like this. So coming on Meet the Press allows you to frame the conversation how you really want to... and then move on. You can see you have done your interview and then move on. Consider it.

What happened to asking hard questions, Mr. Gregory? But instead, inviting a Governor or staff member on his show to frame the conversation the way THEY WANT? David Gregory, Mark Sanford not only had an affair, but the man went AWOL from a state where NO ONE KNEW WHERE THE HELL HE WAS!!! He was totally irresponsible, totally neglected his duties and totally was wrong, but he is invited on Meet the Press in an attempt to CLEAN UP what he did by framing it his way?

This is why the public don't trust the media and this is why the media is a joke.

Read it all here.

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Republicans attempting to kill health care reform by delaying it

And there are some Democrats doing, it TOO!!

Remember, by not getting a health care reform passed, this is a major talking point for the Republicans. And don't think people won't listen, they will.

President Obama's Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Peter Orszag, accused Senate Republicans on Sunday of trying to kill health care reform by dragging out the legislative process.

Appearing on CNN's State of the Union, Orszag labeled the attempts to push back the health care reform timeline as a "typical Washington bureaucratic game of if you don't have a better alternative just delay in hopes that that kills something."

"We want to get this done by August and we think we can," he added. "There are those that are advocating delay just as a desperation move to try and kill this."

Orszag stressed that not everyone calling for delay had sinister motives. The moderate Democrats in the Senate and Blue Dog Democrats in the House, he said, were "actively participating in the debate and that is great." This past week, Sens. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) Mary Landrieu (La.) and Ron Wyden (Ore.), along with Independent Sen. Joe Lieberman (Conn.) and Maine Republican Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins signed a letter asking to slow down the health care reform debate. read more here....

Ben Nelson and Mary Landrieu takes big money from health care insurance lobbyists, period. We don't need to slow down a debate that we have been having for over 25 years, we need strong legislation favoring the American public. That is what we need, not slowing this debate down, for what? So, it is a red herring to be used against anyone in favor for health care reform or the public option in 2010 or 2012? I sure as hell don't see the Republicans offering ANYTHING in regards to health care, unless they are allowing their lobbyists buddies to write the legislation.

Health care reform is needed and must go through. I believe it will, but what kind of bill will it be? That is the argument right now.

SenateHealthcareLetter

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