Monday, August 31, 2009

Far Rockaway: We can't afford to wait for health care

Far Rockaway can't afford to wait for health care! Join our vigil

MoveOn members have organized candlelight vigils for people suffering under our broken health care system.
Candelight vigil

Host: Janie S. and your local MoveOn Council

Where: Rockaway Beach, end of Cross-Bay Boulevard. (in Far Rockaway)

When: Wednesday at 7:30 PM


What: We'll open with moving words from Senator Ted Kennedy, who called this fight "the cause of my life." Then we'll read the names and hear the stories of people struggling with the current health care system.


Can you make it to this vigil?

Click here for more details and to RSVP:


I can come.


Sorry, I can't make it this time.

For more info and to find other vigils in your area, click here.

And don't worry, this email was sent through the MoveOn system, so your personal contact info is kept private.

 

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.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on August 31, 2009. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Health care event in Brooklyn tomorrow

This invitation is from a local MoveOn member who is organizing an important health care event to show Sen. Charles Schumer that the majority of his constituents support health care reform with a real public health insurance option.

Dear MoveOn member,

I'm a MoveOn member like you, and I'm working with the local MoveOn Council to organize an event tomorrow in Brooklyn to make our voices heard for real health care reform.

The event is on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009, at 12:45 PM in Brooklyn. The location of our event is: Borough Hall.

Here's the event description:

We're gathering at Borough Hall to go into Manhattan together for the big Unity Rally for Health Care Reform at Times Square at 2 p.m. MoveOn is co-sponsoring this rally with a bunch of other groups. Health reform is finally within grasp. Opponents are spending millions every day to destroy it. We cannot let this happen. We voted for change in '08 and we must see it through. On Saturday, August 29, 2009, New Yorkers will walk from all parts of the city for the first ever United We Walk for Reform Rally in support of the historic health reform legislation before Congress. It's our health care. It's our time. Save the date to make your voice heard.

We'll meet near the entrance to the Joralemon and Court Street subway station, and then take the R train to Times Square. Bring your own homemade signs (but no sticks -- the police department is very strict about this!)

I hope you can join me and other local MoveOn members. Click here for more details and to RSVP:

Yes, I'll be there on Saturday at 12:45 p.m.

Sorry, I can't make it.

Thanks for all you do.

–David G., MoveOn member

P.S. Don't worry, this email was sent through the MoveOn system, so your personal contact info is kept private.


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.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on August 28, 2009. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Jersey City: We can't afford to wait for health care

This Wednesday, MoveOn members are planning hundreds of candlight vigils for all those who can't afford to wait for health care reform.

There's a vigil in Jersey City on Wednesday at 7:30 PM. Can you make it?


RSVP for your local vigil



Dear MoveOn member,

Senator Ted Kennedy started fighting for health care for all Americans more than forty years ago.

Now it's up to each and every one of us to pick up the torch carried by Senator Kennedy for so long. We can't wait any longer to pass health care reform for everyone.

With just days until Congress returns to D.C., MoveOn members are organizing hundreds of candlelight vigils across the country for all the people suffering under our broken health care system.

Next Wednesday, there's a vigil in Jersey City. Can you make it?

Click here for more details and to RSVP:

Yes, I'll be there on Wednesday at 7:30 PM.

Sorry, I can't make it.

Every day, 14,000 people lose health care coverage, and thousands face bankruptcy each month because of medical bills.1 We hear from lots of MoveOn members who are struggling because of the high cost of coverage or denial of care.

At the vigils, from coast to coast, we'll read the names and hear the stories of hundreds of these people—folks who are suffering under our broken health care system. It'll be a powerful reminder to Congress and the media why health care reform is so urgent.

We're calling these "We Can't Afford to Wait" vigils. Click here for more details and to RSVP for the vigil in Jersey City:

Yes, I'll be there: http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=97804&id=17012-10220574-43QeSSx&t=5

Sorry, I can't make it: http://pol.moveon.org/vv/virtual.html?id=17012-10220574-43QeSSx&t=6

Hope you can join us, and thanks again for all you do.

–Nita, Carrie, Kat, Ilyse and the rest of the team

P.S. Are you, or is someone you care about, suffering under this broken health care system? Denied needed treatments, buried in medical debt, or going without coverage? If so, please take a moment to submit your/their name to be read at our vigils:

http://pol.moveon.org/healthcare/vigil_story_survey/?id=17012-10220574-43QeSSx&t=7

P.P.S. Can't make this vigil? Here are a few other vigils near you:

We Can't Afford to Wait Vigil
Babylon Town Hall, Lindenhurst at 6:00 PM—RSVP

We Can't Afford to Wait Vigil
Across the street from State St. Diner, Bloomfield at 7:30 PM—RSVP

Sources:
1. "Health Care in Crisis: 14,000 Losing Coverage Each Day," Center for American Progress Action Fund, February 19, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51653&id=17012-10220574-43QeSSx&t=9

"Three Weeks in America Without Health Reform," The NOW! Blog, July 17, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51645&id=17012-10220574-43QeSSx&t=10

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.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on August 27, 2009. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Teddy Kennedy

Dear MoveOn member,

The Lion is at rest.

Senator Teddy Kennedy passed away last night and our movement lost a hero. His leadership, his vision, and his passion will never be forgotten.

As we grieve, we must honor his memory and re-dedicate ourselves to his fight. Right now, let's listen to his words. Below is a powerful video that lots of MoveOn members are passing around this morning:

Video of Teddy Kennedy
Click here to watch the video

Tonight, please light a candle in your window to memorialize him.

Tomorrow, as Senator Kennedy said, "...the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die."

Tomorrow, let's re-commit ourselves to achieving the thing that mattered most to him: Quality, affordable health care for every single American.

Thank you for all you do.

–Justin, Adam, Amy, Anna, Annie, Carrie, Christopher, Daniel, Danielle, Eli, Emily, Gail, Ian, Ilya, Ilyse, Joan, Jodeen, Julie, Kat, Keauna, Laura, Lenore, Marika, Matt E., Matt S., Matthew, Melanie, Michael, Nita, Noah, Peter, Sasha, Scott, Stephen, Steven, Susannah, Wes, and the entire MoveOn team


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on August 26, 2009. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

We can't afford to wait

With just 14 days left until Congress heads back to D.C. to vote on health care, we need to bring the focus back to the real stories of millions of Americans who simply can't wait for real reform. Will you join the photo petition today by submitting a picture of yourself holding up a sign showing why you or someone you love can't afford to wait?

Click Here

Dear MoveOn member,

Every day we hear new arguments that America should just put off health care reform.

But millions of Americans can't afford to wait. Like Joe B., a MoveOn member whose family is facing over $20,000 in costs for their autistic son's treatment because his insurance company won't cover what the doctor prescribed. And Nicole T.'s mother, who lost her insurance coverage after being diagnosed with cancer.

With just 14 days until Congress heads back to D.C. to vote on health care, we need to bring the health care debate back to what matters.

To do that, we're launching "We Can't Afford to Wait," a photo petition to remind Congress of the real lives at stake. Will you join the photo petition today by submitting a picture of yourself holding up a sign showing why you or someone you love can't afford to wait?

Click here to get started.

http://pol.moveon.org/cantwait?id=16982-10220574-0d42lbx&t=5

Submitting a photo is really easy, and we provide step-by-step instructions. 

We'll share the photo petition—pictures of thousands of MoveOn members holding up signs saying why they or a loved one can't afford to wait for real health care reform—with Congress and the media.

Through our "We can't afford to wait: Public Option NOW!" vigils next week, by delivering photo albums to each member of Congress, and by making sure your stories are heard in the news media, we'll help bring the debate back to what really matters.

It's too easy for Congress to get mired in the politics of health care, and forget the substance. By reminding them about the true cost of inaction in a visible and visceral way, we can make sure the needs of real Americans are front and center when our senators and representatives head back to Washington to vote on health care reform.

Can you submit a photo today and remind Congress why America can't afford to wait for real reform?

Click here to get involved:

http://pol.moveon.org/cantwait?id=16982-10220574-0d42lbx&t=6

Thanks for all you do.

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

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.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on August 25, 2009. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Will you host a vigil in Inwood?


We're organizing vigils to remind Congress and the media about the people who matter most in the health care debate: those suffering under our broken health care system. Click here to host a vigil in Inwood on September 2nd.

Host a vigil
Dear MoveOn member,

Everybody is talking about health care these days. But they're not talking about what really matters: the people we all know who live in fear, pain or debt under our current health care system.

So next week, we're organizing vigils across the country for everyone who is suffering under our broken health care system. We'll send our members of Congress back to Washington, D.C. with a somber reminder of what's at stake by reading the names and telling the stories of thousands of people who have been denied needed treatments, faced bankruptcy because of a sudden illness, and even died because they lacked coverage. 

Can you host a vigil in Inwood? It's simple, and we'll walk you through every step. Click here to get started:

http://www.moveon.org/event/events/create.html?action_id=186&id=16966-10220574-IWzN8lx&t=3

Every day, 14,000 people lose health care coverage, and thousands face bankruptcy each month because of medical bills.1 We hear from MoveOn members daily who are struggling because of the high cost of coverage or lack of care—people who have to decide who in their family gets to see the doctor. 

At these events, we'll get together to share some of these stories and remind Congress and the media why health care reform is so urgent.

Hosting a vigil is easy. All you need to do is find a good public location for people to gather, invite your friends, and tell the local media what you're planning. We'll help you recruit attendees and give you the materials and training you need to hold a great event.

We're calling these "We can't afford to wait: Public Option NOW!" vigils, and we still need someone to host one in your area. Click here to register a vigil in Inwood:

http://www.moveon.org/event/events/create.html?action_id=186&id=16966-10220574-IWzN8lx&t=5

Thank you so much for all you do.

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

Sources:

1. "Health Care in Crisis: 14,000 Losing Coverage Each Day," Center for American Progress Action Fund, February 19, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51653&id=16966-10220574-IWzN8lx&t=6

"Three Weeks in America Without Health Reform," The NOW! Blog, July 17, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51645&id=16966-10220574-IWzN8lx&t=7

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.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on August 24, 2009. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Quick question about your health care experiences

Dear MoveOn member,

As we fight for the public health insurance option, we're trying to get a sense of how MoveOn members' lives have been impacted by health insurance companies.

Are you or is someone in your family dealing with a private insurance company that is unwilling to pay for care you need—or cover you at all? Or has something like this happened in the past?


Thanks for all you do.

Nita, Marika, Kat, Daniel and the rest of the team

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.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on August 21, 2009. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

More than enough

Sixty House Democrats are standing strong for real health care reform—refusing to vote for any bill that doesn't have a robust public option. But they're under intense pressure to back down, so they need to know we're standing with them. Can you chip in to show we've got their backs?

Click Here
Dear MoveOn member,

The public health insurance option is the heart of health care reform and right now it's under serious attack.

Even some members of the administration are pushing President Obama to give in to conservatives and drop it: one senior White House adviser told The Washington Post, "I don't understand how [the public option] has become the measure of whether what we achieve is health-care reform."1

This unnamed source apparently doesn't understand that the public option is the key to lowering health care costs and expanding coverage.

But there is a group of progressives in Washington who DO understand. Sixty House Democrats have signed a written pledge to not vote for health care reform unless it includes a robust public option.2 That's more than enough to block a bill without the public option.

These representatives are already facing pressure to back down, but if we stand strong with them, we'll send a clear signal that the heart of reform can't be compromised away. Can you make a contribution to the progressives in Congress who are standing tall for the public option? Clicking the link below will take you to ActBlue, where you can donate.

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51789&id=16918-10220574-kO3ZOhx&t=3

Progressive bloggers just launched a campaign to raise money for these progressive heroes and they've already raised $175,000. Let's see if we can double or triple that! It'll send a clear message to Washington that those fighting for the public option have millions of Americans standing with them.

And even though some White House advisers seem to have forgotten, the reason the public option has become central to reform is simple: we're fed up with the insurance companies and we need real accountability for them. They've had decades to fix the problems with our health care system, but they haven't done it. Health care costs are spiraling out of control, millions of people can't get insurance, and even those of us with insurance can face bankruptcy or worse if we get really sick.

A public option will give Americans a real choice when it comes to our health care. It'll end the insurance companies' stranglehold on our health care system. And that's exactly why those companies, and their allies on Capitol Hill, are fighting so hard to kill it.

Right now, the 60 Democrats who've pledged to vote against a bill without a public option are the strongest bloc fighting to win real health care reform, and they need our support. Clicking the link below will take you to ActBlue, where you can make a contribution to help them keep fighting.

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51789&id=16918-10220574-kO3ZOhx&t=4

Thanks for all you do.

–Justin, Daniel, Kat, Nita and the rest of the team
  

Sources:

1. "Debate's Path Caught Obama by Surprise," The Washington Post, August 19, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51791&id=16918-10220574-kO3ZOhx&t=5

2. "Sixty House Progressives: We'll Kill Any Health Care Bill Unless It Has A Public Option," Talking Points Memo, August 18, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51792&id=16918-10220574-kO3ZOhx&t=6

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.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on August 20, 2009. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

The president needs to hear from you

President Obama just announced a virtual health care forum tomorrow. This is a huge opportunity for us to remind him that the public option isn't optional—it's the heart of real reform. Can you sign up right now for the event and submit a question about the public option?

Click Here
Dear MoveOn member,

Two important things:

1) The public health insurance option is under heavy fire right now.

2) President Obama just announced a virtual health care forum for tomorrow.

We always knew we'd have to fight to win real reform with a public health insurance option—and now's the time to really step it up.

Tomorrow, we've got to remind the president that the public option isn't optional—it's the heart of real reform. Can you sign up right now for the event and submit a question about the public option?

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51779&id=16894-10220574-r.C98Gx&t=3

There's tremendous support for the public health insurance option—from Americans nationwide,  from a bloc of members in the House, and from progressive leaders in the Senate.1

But the public option is the number one target of the Right and big insurance, and they and their industry-funded mobs are putting serious resources into killing real reform.

We know President Obama wants a public health insurance option—as he's said many times, it's the best way to lower costs, expand coverage, and keep the insurance companies honest.

But in order to make sure it happens, he's got to know the American people have his back—that we're fired up and ready to go to the mat for this critical piece of reform. We have to show him that if he keeps fighting for it, we'll be right there with him. 

Can you sign up today to join President Obama's virtual health care forum on Thursday?

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51779&id=16894-10220574-r.C98Gx&t=4

Thanks for all that you do.

–Nita, Kat, Stephen, Steven and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "Joint health care reform debate remains peaceful in Dallas," Dallas Morning News, August 18, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51772&id=16894-10220574-r.C98Gx&t=5

"Hundreds urge Polis to keep fighting for 'public option,'" KDVR, August 17, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51771&id=16894-10220574-r.C98Gx&t=6

"60 Members of Congress Say 'No Public Plan, No Conference,'" Firedoglake, August 17, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51764&id=16894-10220574-r.C98Gx&t=7

"Public Option Called Essential," The Washington Post, August 18, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51780&id=16894-10220574-r.C98Gx&t=8

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.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on August 19, 2009. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

The public option is NOT dead

Dear MoveOn member,

Have you read the stories this week declaring the public health insurance option dead? Well, it's not.

The public option has the support of 83% of the American people,1 and enough progressives in the House to block any bill without it.2,3 And contrary to what you may have read, the White House has said repeatedly their position hasn't changed.4,5

But there is real danger in the Senate, where conservatives have stepped up efforts to kill the public option.

Can you call Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand right away? They have spoken out in support of the public health insurance option. Can you call and thank them for their support and make sure they know voters are counting on them to go to the mat for the public option right now?

Here's where to call:

Senator Charles Schumer
District Offices:
    Albany: 518-431-4070
    Binghamton: 607-772-6792
    Buffalo: 716-846-4111
    Melville: 631-753-0978
    New York: 212-486-4430
    Peekskill: 914-734-1532
    Rochester: 585-263-5866
    Syracuse: 315-423-5471

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
District Offices:
    Albany: 518-431-0120
    Buffalo: 716-854-9725
    Melville: 631-249-2825
    New York: 212-688-6262
    Rochester: 585-263-6250
    Syracuse: 315-448-0470

Then, please report your call by clicking here:

http://pol.moveon.org/call?tg=FSNY_1.FSNY_2&cp_id=1078&dofcs=1&id=16868-10220574-rvNryxx&t=1

After several weeks of protests by angry right-wing extremists, the media is itching to write the story of the administration backing down. The truth is, President Obama has said all along that he wants a public option—it's the key to keeping insurance companies honest. And just yesterday the White House reiterated that a public option is the best way to increase competition, expand coverage, and bring down costs.6 

Now, more than ever, the Senate needs to hear that the public health insurance option is non-negotiable, and that the American public is counting on the lowered costs and increased access the public option will bring.

Our demand for real reform is getting through in communities nationwide, thanks in big part to MoveOn volunteers organizing events across the country. Check out the latest:

  • At a debate in Dallas, Texas, the MoveOn Council brought over 120 people—far outnumbering right-wing protesters.7 Photos of MoveOn members at the event ran in the New York Times.8
  • MoveOn members around the country have been tenacious in getting through to key senators. In the last two weeks, members have had face-to-face conversations with senators in Indiana, North Dakota, Maine, and Nebraska.
  • In Boulder, Colorado, pro-reform constituents packed a town hall with Rep. Jared Polis. The message they sent was positive, respectful, and crystal clear. As the local television station put it, "Hundreds urge Polis to keep fighting for 'public option.'"9
But we also need to make sure the word is getting heard in every single Senate office—and with the media frenzy, calling now is more important than ever. Can you call Sens. Schumer and Gillibrand today and make sure they hear from you right away that you're counting on them to amp up the fight for a real public health insurance option?

Thanks for all you do.

–Nita, Kat, Stephen, Daniel and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "New Poll Shows Tremendous Support for Public Health Care Option," Blog for Our Future, June 15, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51510&id=16868-10220574-rvNryxx&t=2

2. "60 Members of Congress Say 'No Public Plan, No Conference,'" Firedoglake, August 17, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51764&id=16868-10220574-rvNryxx&t=3

3. "Weiner says health plan without public option won't fly," The Examiner, August 17, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51765&id=16868-10220574-rvNryxx&t=4

4. "White House Issues Q&A on Health Plan," The Wall Street Journal, August 17, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51770&id=16868-10220574-rvNryxx&t=5

5. "White House Insists 'Nothing Has Changed' on Public Health Insurance Option," ABC News, August 17, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51768&id=16868-10220574-rvNryxx&t=6

6. "White House Issues Q&A on Health Plan," The Wall Street Journal, August 17, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51770&id=16868-10220574-rvNryxx&t=7

7. "Joint health care reform debate remains peaceful in Dallas," Dallas Morning News, August 18, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51772&id=16868-10220574-rvNryxx&t=8

8. "Alternate Plan as Health Option Muddies Debate," The New York Times, August 17, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51773&id=16868-10220574-rvNryxx&t=9

9. "Hundreds urge Polis to keep fighting for 'public option,'" KDVR, August 17, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51771&id=16868-10220574-rvNryxx&t=10

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.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on August 18, 2009. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Friday, August 14, 2009

What's really happening at town halls



Dear MoveOn member,

Did you see the news? A former health insurance executive just went on record saying that right-wing mobs at town halls are the result of "stealth efforts by health insurance companies."1 And The Huffington Post reports that dirty energy companies are helping bankroll the mobs.2

It's infuriating—but the good news is that everyday folks are fighting back. And the great news is that we're making strides. In city after city, MoveOn Councils—local groups of active MoveOn members organizing in their communities—are proving to the media that the vast majority of Americans support the change agenda that President Obama ran on.

As we ramp up our "Real Voices for Change" campaign, here are some recent inspiring stories from MoveOn Councils around the country:

  • We're keeping it positive. At a town hall in Charlottesville, Virginia, national media were expecting a hostile and extremist crowd—but Rep. Tom Perriello was met by a large and very friendly group. NBC reported, "for the most part the crowd was subdued and in support of reforming the system."3 An event with Rep. Joe Sestak in Philadelphia, where the local MoveOn Council helped to turn people out, was "overwhelmingly civil."4 In Denver, at a high-profile event with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a few right-wing protesters compared President Obama to Hitler—but progressive protesters vastly outnumbered them.5
  • We're making direct contact with decision-makers. At a Jobs Fair in northwest Indiana, Council Coordinator David Lambeth handed a flyer supporting a REAL public option directly to Senator Evan Bayh—a key vote on health care reform—and had a quick conversation with him. The Council had organized a flyering event at that Jobs Fair precisely to create such a face-to-face opportunity.
  • The media is taking notice. Our signs and footage from MoveOn events are all over the news, including several national spots on MSNBC and NBC Nightly News (one of the most-watched shows on TV). And in one wild moment, conservative Tom Tancredo—a former Colorado congressman—actually waved a MoveOn health care sign on MSNBC!
  • We're getting good responses from members of Congress—even in "red" states. In Johnson County, KS, the Council organized a "honk and wave" outside of Rep. Dennis Moore's office. (Rep. Moore is a "blue dog" who supports the public option.) As Organizer Ian Rogers reported:
Despite some right-wing protesters who showed up and tried to disrupt the event, the members stayed strong and their efforts paid off. About twenty minutes after the right-wing protesters showed, Rep. Moore himself drove by the honk and wave.  He honked, the tea-baggers booed, and Moore gave the thumbs up to our people and honked again.

Thank you so much for all you're doing to push back against the misconception that right-wing extremists speak for all of us. And there's much more to do in the weeks ahead—keep it up.

–Nita, Lenore, Anna, Ilya, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "Former exec: Insurers fomenting town hall chaos," The Hill, August 12, 2009 
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51752&id=16822-10220574-iRB5XRx&t=1

2. "Townhall Mobs—Brought to you by Big Oil and Dirty Coal," The Huffington Post, August 7, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51762&id=16822-10220574-iRB5XRx&t=2

3. "Tom in Your Town Hits Charlottesville," NBC, August 11, 2009
http://www.nbc29.com/Global/story.asp?S=10885372

4. "Sestak health-care meeting a spoonful of sugar," Philadelphia Enquirer, August 13, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51754&id=16822-10220574-iRB5XRx&t=4

5. "Pelosi Protesters, Including Kid In Stroller, Compare Obama to Hitler," The Huffington Post, August 8, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51755&id=16822-10220574-iRB5XRx&t=5

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.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on August 14, 2009. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

How are we doing?

Dear MoveOn member,

People have lots of different ideas about what MoveOn.org is, but the answer is actually quite simple: MoveOn is an organization designed to help regular people have a powerful voice in politics.

MoveOn's power and direction come entirely from members like you. The type of work we do together and the issues that we focus on aren't decided by MoveOn's (small) staff, they're decided by MoveOn members.

One of the main ways that happens is using surveys like this one.

Can you take a moment to tell us how you think MoveOn is doing and help set our course together?

http://moveon.org/tracking/index2.html?id=16816-10220574-g7w1t7x&t=1

This particular survey is sent out to a few thousand randomly selected members each week and every MoveOn member receives this survey at least once a year. Your feedback helps the staff understand what members want to work on this week, and how you're feeling about politics and progressive issues.

Your answers will help determine MoveOn's future course of action, so please give the unvarnished truth.  If the staff need to be doing better work in a certain area, say so! 

Please fill out the survey here:

http://moveon.org/tracking/index2.html?id=16816-10220574-g7w1t7x&t=2

Thanks for all you do. 

–Justin, Patrick S., Lenore, Ilyse and the rest of the team
  

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.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on August 14, 2009. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

What's really happening at town halls



Dear MoveOn member,

Did you see today's breaking news? A former health insurance executive just went on record saying that right-wing mobs at town halls are the result of "stealth efforts by health insurance companies."1 And The Huffington Post reports that dirty energy companies are helping bankroll the mobs.2

It's infuriating—but the good news is that everyday folks are fighting back. And the great news is that we're making strides. In city after city, MoveOn Councils are proving to the media that the vast majority of Americans support the change agenda that President Obama ran on.

As we ramp up our "Real Voices for Change" campaign, here are some recent inspiring stories from MoveOn Councils around the country:

  • We're keeping it positive. At a town hall in Charlottesville, Virginia, national media were expecting a hostile and extremist crowd—but Rep. Tom Perriello was met by a large and very friendly group. NBC reported, "for the most part the crowd was subdued and in support of reforming the system."3 An event with Rep. Joe Sestak in Philadelphia, where the local MoveOn Council helped to turn people out, was "overwhelmingly civil."4 In Denver, at a high-profile event with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a few right-wing protesters compared President Obama to Hitler—but progressive protesters vastly outnumbered them.5
  • We're making direct contact with decision-makers. At a Jobs Fair in northwest Indiana, Council Coordinator David Lambeth handed a flyer supporting a REAL public option directly to Senator Evan Bayh—a key vote on health care reform—and had a quick conversation with him. The Council had organized a flyering event at that Jobs Fair precisely to create such a face-to-face opportunity.
  • The media is taking notice. Our signs and footage from MoveOn events are all over the news, including several national spots on MSNBC and NBC Nightly News (one of the most-watched shows on TV). And in one wild moment, conservative Tom Tancredo—a former Colorado congressman—actually waved a MoveOn health care sign on MSNBC!
  • We're getting good responses from members of Congress—even in "red" states. In Johnson County, KS, the Council organized a "honk and wave" outside of Rep. Dennis Moore's office. (Rep. Moore is a "blue dog" who supports the public option.) As Organizer Ian Rogers reported:
Despite some right-wing protesters who showed up and tried to disrupt the event, the members stayed strong and their efforts paid off. About twenty minutes after the right-wing protesters showed, Rep. Moore himself drove by the honk and wave.  He honked, the tea-baggers booed, and Moore gave the thumbs up to our people and honked again.

Thank you so much for all you're doing to push back against the misconception that right-wing extremists speak for all of us. And there's much more to do in the weeks ahead—keep it up.

–Anna, Lenore, Nita, Ilya, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "Former exec: Insurers fomenting town hall chaos," The Hill, August 12, 2009 
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51752&id=16809-10220574-hvaAFJx&t=2

2. "Townhall Mobs—Brought to you by Big Oil and Dirty Coal," The Huffington Post, August 7, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51753&id=16809-10220574-hvaAFJx&t=3

3. "Tom in Your Town Hits Charlottesville," NBC, August 11, 2009
http://www.nbc29.com/Global/story.asp?S=10885372

4. "Sestak health-care meeting a spoonful of sugar," Philadelphia Enquirer, August 13, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51754&id=16809-10220574-hvaAFJx&t=4

5. Pelosi Protesters, Including Kid In Stroller, Compare Obama to Hitler, The Huffington Post, August 8, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51755&id=16809-10220574-hvaAFJx&t=5

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.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on August 13, 2009. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Top five lies

Dear MoveOn member,

The health care fight has turned ugly, fast. Right-wing mobs are crashing congressional town halls,1 lies are spreading via anonymous email chains,2 and Sarah Palin bizarrely said that President Obama was going to set up a "death panel," whatever that is.3 

Many of these claims are just incredible—but if we don't fight back with the truth, the right will continue to poison the health care debate. So as part of our Real Voices for Change campaign this August, we're working to set the record straight.

Check out the list below: "Top Five Health Care Lies—and How to Fight Back." Can you spread the word by passing this email along to 10 of your friends today?

Also, if you're on Facebook, please post the list today by clicking here: http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51746. If you're on Twitter, retweet: @MoveOn Check out the Top 5 Health Care Lies—and How to Fight Back. http://bit.ly/Bncs5

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=16782-10220574-2YkPX1x&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=16782-10220574-2YkPX1x&t=2

2. "Fight the smears," Health Care for America NOW, accessed August 10, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51729&id=16782-10220574-2YkPX1x&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=16782-10220574-2YkPX1x&t=4

4. "No 'death panel' in health care bill," The Associated Press, August 10, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51747&id=16782-10220574-2YkPX1x&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=16782-10220574-2YkPX1x&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=16782-10220574-2YkPX1x&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=16782-10220574-2YkPX1x&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=16782-10220574-2YkPX1x&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=16782-10220574-2YkPX1x&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=16782-10220574-2YkPX1x&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=16782-10220574-2YkPX1x&t=12

#2: "It's Not An Option," Investor's Business Daily, July 15, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51743&id=16782-10220574-2YkPX1x&t=13

#3: "Rationing Health Care," The Washington Times, April 21, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51742&id=16782-10220574-2YkPX1x&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=16782-10220574-2YkPX1x&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=16782-10220574-2YkPX1x&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.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on August 11, 2009. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Monday, August 10, 2009

No regrets

Right-wing mobs are threatening health care reform. We're ready to double down on our big plan to pass it: more ads, more members at town halls, more everything. But this means we need to raise an additional $210,000 immediately. Can you chip in $25 today?
Click Here
Dear MoveOn member,

This month, we're either going to win or lose the fight for real health care reform.

Do you want to look back and wish you'd done more? I sure don't.

That's why we're planning to double our efforts on health care this month. Over the weekend, we blew through our initial fundraising goal. If we can raise an additional $210,000 immediately, we'll be able to dramatically expand our campaign to pass real health care reform. Can you chip in $25?

https://pol.moveon.org/donate/aug_healthcare.html?id=16765-10220574-Fo5VnGx&t=3

With Congress home this month, right-wing extremists are crashing town hall meetings, shouting down members of Congress, making death threats—they even hung one congressman in effigy.

In order to win on health care—and the rest of President Obama's agenda—we've got to double our efforts with a bold, ambitious plan of action to show that the overwhelming majority of Americans continue to support Obama's plans for change. We're calling it "Real Voices for Change."

The response was overwhelming: we blew past our last fundraising goal. And today we're deciding what more we can to do expand our campaign over the August recess—everything from additional on-the-ground turnout to town halls to hard-hitting new ads.

If we can raise an additional $210,000 immediately, we'll double our efforts. That means we need donations from 3 people in Inwood. Can you chip in $25?

https://pol.moveon.org/donate/aug_healthcare.html?id=16765-10220574-Fo5VnGx&t=4

For more details on what's been happening at town halls across the country, see our message from last week below.

Thanks for all you do.

–Justin, Matt, Nita, Kat and the rest of the team


Dear MoveOn member,

It's getting ugly out there.

All across the country, right-wing extremists are disrupting congressional town-hall meetings with venomous attacks on President Obama's plans for health care.

  • Last night in Tampa, Florida, a town hall meeting erupted into violence, with the police being called to break up fist fights and shoving matches.1
  • A Texas Democrat was shouted down by right-wing hecklers, many of whom admitted they didn't even live in his district.2
  • One North Carolina representative announced he wouldn't be holding any town-hall meetings after his office began receiving death threats.3
  • And in Maryland, protesters hung a Democratic congressman in effigy to oppose health-care reform.4
We've got a plan to fight back against these radical right-wingers. We've hired skilled grassroots organizers who are working with thousands of local volunteers to show Congress that ordinary Americans continue to support President Obama's agenda for change. And we're building new online tools to track events across the country and make sure MoveOn members turn out at each one.

But we need to scale up our efforts quickly to make sure this plan works. Can you chip in $25 to support our work?

https://pol.moveon.org/donate/aug_healthcare.html?id=16765-10220574-Fo5VnGx&t=5

If the shouts of the right-wing mobs are the only voices our senators and representatives hear over the recess, we'll have a hard time passing health care reform.

That's why we're launching our Heat Up Congress campaign so quickly to fight back, using new technology to implement rapid response town hall turnout, organizing personal phone calls from small business leaders and donors to their representatives, running new ads, and activating an energized network of on-the-ground organizers and volunteers.

This month could decide the future of health care in America—and we're already one week in. If you've been sitting on the sidelines, now's the time to get involved. Talk to your neighbors, go to a town hall meeting—and today, please chip in $25 to support our work:

https://pol.moveon.org/donate/aug_healthcare.html?id=16765-10220574-Fo5VnGx&t=7

Thanks for all you do.

–Justin, Matt, Nita, Kat and the rest of the team

Sources: 

1. "Tampa Town Hall On Health Care Reform Disrupted By Violence," The Huffington Post, August 6, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51727&id=16765-10220574-Fo5VnGx&t=9

2. "Local Fox Reporter Attends Town Hall And Finds 'Some Attendees Admit They Don't Live In The District,'" Think Progress, August 4, 2009
http://thinkprogress.org/2009/08/04/gene-green-townhall/

3. "Dem Congressman's Office: His Life Has Been Threatened Over Health Care Bill," Talking Points Memo, August 5, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51724&id=16765-10220574-Fo5VnGx&t=10

4. "The Danger Over the Right's Anger," Politico, August 3, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51726&id=16765-10220574-Fo5VnGx&t=11

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.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on August 10, 2009. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.