Obama’s Call to Action: Will You Answer?

What lends itself to demagoguery and political gamesmanship, misrepresentation and misunderstanding?

Health care reform is the obvious answer. “But,” said President Obama, “that’s not an excuse for those of us who were sent here to lead to just walk away. We can’t just give up because the politics are hard.”

The president’s latest proposal would change three basic things about the current health care system.

First, it will protect Americans from the worst practices of insurance companies — revoking coverage, arbitrarily raising premiums, and barring coverage due to pre-existing conditions.

Second, it gives individuals and small businesses the same choice of private health insurance that members of Congress receive, with tax credits for those who still cannot afford it, amounting to the largest middle class tax cut for health care in history.

“The reason federal employees get a good deal on health insurance is that we all participate in an insurance market where insurance companies give better coverage and better rates, because they get more customers. It’s an idea that many Republicans have embraced in the past, before politics intruded.”

Third, it will bring down the deficit, creating cost savings for businesses, freeing them up to increase wages and create jobs.

This week the President asked Congress to “finish their work.” We never heard the word reconciliation, but he gave very clear marching orders, saying that it “deserves the same kind of up-or-down vote that was cast on welfare reform, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, Cobra health coverage for the unemployed, and both Bush tax cuts.” He called on congress to schedule a vote within the next few weeks.

When speaking of reconciliation, Republicans are fond of using the phrase “ramming it through,” saying it was never meant for this type of program. But the fact is, reconciliation has been used 22 times since 1980, with 16 of those approved by a Republican-controlled Senate, and as the President pointed out, health care reform bills have already passed the House with a majority and the Senate with a supermajority of 60 votes. Ramming it through or simple majority — what’s in a name?

The call to action didn’t stop with Congress. The President also urged “every American who wants this reform to make their voice heard as well — every family, every business, every patient, every doctor, every nurse, every physician’s assistant. Make your voice heard.”

With 14,000 Americans losing their health insurance coverage every day, an up or down vote on reform is the very least we should expect from our elected officials.

“I don’t know how this plays politically, but I know it’s right… and I look forward to signing this reform into law.”

Read the full text of the President’s March 3 remarks HERE.

Related Reading on Care2:

Photo: whitehouse.gov

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Richard R.

12:31PM PDT on Apr 25, 2010

At the least your President is trying to implement something he is willing to take accountabillity for.
In Canada my government insures that none of it"s employees will be held accountable for any wrongdoing.
If Mr. Obama gets some time off I am hoping he will come to Canada and straighten out this prissy bitch we call a prime minister.

send a green star

Seth E.

6:53PM PST on Mar 11, 2010

First, the Public Option would be much better for reducing the costs of services because of the competition it would allow with private carriers.

Second, it amazes me that all the posts from people opposing reform seem to read almost identically; it's as if they're not stating original ideas or actual facts and instead reciting the words of someone else, such as Beck or Limbaugh. They're not quoting propaganda, are they?

Yes, the reform with cost money, and it may not be perfect right away, but the potential it has for bringing down the costs of healthcare, including premiums and prices for services, as well as improvement measures, such as working to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse, will end up bringing down the expenditures significantly vs. the current system where we are held hostage by a broken system. Additionally, we can make any improvements needed later, as such need is determined to be appropriate; waiting for perfection only prolongs the agony and expense with what we have (or in the cases of many Americans, DON'T have) at this time.

Georgia L.

1:16AM PST on Mar 11, 2010

I also want single payer. I don't see any reason for insurance agencies to cut their rates under this bill. And darn it Tekla, I guess Americans are just not as advanced as you Swedes. lol

Charlene F.

9:26AM PST on Mar 10, 2010

I support Pres. Obama's healthcare reform. I was just yesteraday forced to pay $397 for a perscription (30 day refill) because of my insurance Aetna devious accounting practices..

Linda N.

5:27AM PST on Mar 10, 2010

I fully support President Obama's Health Care Reform and a public option. Of course Republicans want to scrap any change to the existing programs - they are the "Do nothing but block and complain" party. Meanwhile they reep the benfits of all the big business they protect.
I hope those in both houses don't vote their own personal beliefs - I thought they were there to represent us and what we want. I guess I am naive, but I voted for change and I see a man working hard for change. On the flip side I see an organized attack to stall and attack that is putting us in jeopardy, i.e. blocking vital nominations for personal gain. This is insanity - grow up. We want to get on with life with affordable insurance.

amethystlady a.

11:49PM PST on Mar 9, 2010

I too support President Obama's health care...for now...I just wish it would go into effect NOW-not 5 years from now...that way, Rush could move to the government insurance in Costa Rica...

And I don't have a clue about women being excluded in this health care plan? Where did that idea come from?

NO! We are NOT starting over! Deal With It!

Ant m.

6:43PM PST on Mar 9, 2010

This bill stinks, it was made behind closed doors & obama bribed senators for votes ... They need to stop this madness & start over on one that will really work .....

Past Member .

8:57AM PST on Mar 9, 2010

Now WHY would a CEO of an "insurance company" want a pay cut.....never mind those in the back room AND our CONGRESS not getting their PAYOFF? After all, it's not their health policy that's being affected here!

CUT AND PASTE THIS>> http://sickforprofit.com/ceos/

Tekla D.

7:40AM PST on Mar 9, 2010

I don´t understand the fuss! In sweden we already have it and it works fine!

Mervi R.

4:21AM PST on Mar 9, 2010

Thanks for the info!