Health Care Reform Update: People Powered Iowa!

Alta Price is a
physician practicing Pathology in Davenport, Iowa. One of the original Deaniacs,
she stays involved with Democracy for America, Iowa, and the Quad Cities.

I had planned to write about an NPR interview with health economist Uwe Reinhardt, until I read the message from Howard Dean. I am delighted that Dean is back in the game, and that Democracy for America will be so engaged in the fight for health care reform. I think DFA is one of the best organizations around for progressive activists, and I know my monthly contribution is wisely spent by the folks back at national DFA headquarters in Vermont. But I had to kick in another $100 – I (almost) always do whatever Howard asks me to! I urge you to consider contributing whatever you can afford to this great organization.

You should still listen to Professor Reinhardt’s interview. He gives great speeches, simplifying the issues in ways that are memorable and often amusing. This interview is unusually serious for him. He has a lot of insight into what is happening in Washington, including the very grave threat to the survival of the “public plan option” – the very heart of health care reform emphasized by Dr. Dean. Given the poor prognosis Professor Reinhardt gives for the public option’s survival in the hostile Washington environment, I think the good Doctor is right – only people power can save it!  ~

Next, a word from Dr. Dean…  Ye-e-e-a-a-r-r-r-g-h!

Pharmaceutical companies, the insurance industry, and HMOs will stop at nothing to kill real reform. They've got lobbyists. We've got you. When 1,000 people contribute $100 each by the end of April, we'll have the resources to launch our largest grassroots field effort ever!

CONTRIBUTE TODAY TO FUEL OUR BIGGEST MOBILIZATION EVER!

You're proving that people-powered campaigns work – again.

Since I launched our Healthcare for All campaign at StandwithDrDean.com, the response has been incredible.

Already more than 270,000 Americans stand with us to say that a public option is the only way to guarantee healthcare for all Americans.

We've written over 34,000 letters to the editor at newspapers around the country to get the message out.

Members of MoveOn and TrueMajority as well as the entire Congressional Progressive Caucus have joined the campaign too. Together, we draw a line in the sand that inclusion of a public option is non-negotiable for any healthcare reform passed this year.

The bad news is that HMO's and Insurance Companies are already working to stop us.

But they don't have the American people on their side - and with your help, we're going to prove it.

CONTRIBUTE TODAY TO FUEL OUR BIGGEST MOBILIZATION EVER!

This is a big campaign. Neighborhood canvasses, congressional meetings, calls, rallies, and targeted ads - we'll need your help to pull it all off.

I will personally deliver all our signatures and comments to Congress on the steps of the Capitol and I'll ask you to join me by delivering signatures to your member's local office.

I'm already traveling the country talking about this campaign and our call for real healthcare reform. Next week, I'll hit events in Florida and New York. But, we need to be everywhere, talking to everyone. That's why I need your help.

YOUR SUPPORT WILL DELIVER THE RESOURCES TO WIN!

Thank you for everything you do.

-Howard

Governor Howard Dean, M.D.
Founder, Democracy for America