Democracy For The Southern Adirondack/Tricounty Area: March 2010

Democracy For The Southern Adirondack/Tricounty Area

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Tricounty DFA Update: Final Healthcare Vote Action Alert

Hello Everyone;

According to all accounts, at long last, it appears a decisive vote on Healthcare Reform really is coming this week.

However, it is still unclear whether or not the final bill will contain a Public Option, or if it will pass at all.

Governor Dean said it best in the Huffington Post about a week ago: the bill contains some really good things, but it also contains some toxic things. However, Democrats need to pass the bill because we simply cannot allow the Republicans to push us around any more.

That, I think, is the last word.

As it stands tonight, there are apparently 51 votes in the Senate for a Healthcare Bill with a Public Option.

That means it's up to the House to include a Public Option in their bill. The Senate is waiting for that. There are a series of actions we all can take:

1. DFA Petition.

DFA National has a petition calling on Speaker Pelosi to include the Public Option in the House Bill. You can sign it at: http://www.democracyforamerica.com/activities/311

You can also call the Speaker's Office at (202) 225-0100.

2. Medicare Buy-In

However, which Public Option? Rep. Grayson is calling on Speaker Pelosi to include HR 4789, which would allow anyone to buy into Medicare. You can sign at : http://salsa.mydccc.org/o/30019/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=17

(Thanks to Lisa!)

3. Rep. Murphy??? Time To Call!

Rep. Murphy voted against the Healthcare Reform bill the last time it came up. The vote in the House is going to be extremely close, possibly with only a couple of votes to spare, so every vote is needed.

Everyone should call his office personally.

Brucie Rosch in Saratoga offers some great language to use: "...we are ready to ABSTAIN in November if he doesn't mend his ways. He is COUNTING on Dems and progressives having no choice but to vote for him in November, and that gives him cover to run to the conservative middle."

The word abstain is important for its ethical implications-- it does not mean we are sinking into apathy, that we don't give a damn, or support the Republicans, but are acting on conscience.

Murphy's phone numbers are:

Washington, DC (202) 225-5614

Hudson (518) 828-3109

Glens Falls (518) 743-0964

Saratoga Springs (518) 581-8247

Clifton Park (518) 280-1791

Delaware/Otsego (607) 746-8449

You may have to call multiple times to get through-- if one doesn't answer, try another. Remember, this will be an astonishingly close vote.

4. Finally, there will be a rally from 4pm - 5:30pm Wed. March 17th outside Rep. Scott Murphy's Clifton Park office - it's in a strip mall "Shops at Village Plaza" near Border's Books. From Route 146, go south on Clifton Country Rd, and take a quick right by Wendy's and Arizona Pizza, Murphy's office is in the rear. (Thanks to Joe!)

Thanks everyone! WIsh us all luck, I guess!

Larry

P.S. We've all heard too many sad stories about some NY Democrats lately-- here's something from Drew to put that all in perspective: