Democracyforamerica.comHoward Dean is back with Democracy for America and in typical Dean fashion, is already working hard to pass the Obama health care plan. Speaking on a conference call last night to over 1,400 DFA activists (that was the number when I signed onto the call a few minutes late) Dr. Dean said the most important message to get out about Obama's health care plan is (memorize this) - if you like what you have you can keep it.
On the call, Dr. Dean stated that if we do not pass a health care reform bill with a public option, we should not pass anything because it will not be worth the money.
"We are losing jobs because we have a health care system that doesn't make sense....We're losing jobs to Canada because of our health care system.... We want full consumer choice. We don't want that choice limited by ideology.... [Opponents of Obama's plan] will try and kill the public option because they know if you don't have that it's not real reform."
Dr. Dean took questions from people on the call. One question: Do we need a single payer system to achieve universal coverage?
Answer: "The nice thing about the president's plan is you don't have to make that choice.... Let the American people choose. If you can't get insurance in the private sector, you can choose the public option. Leave it up to the American consumer to decide how much private health insurance there is."
Another question: How can we get more progressives in congress?
Dean: "DFA is doing a great job, keep finding great candidates in districts where you might not think they can win but it's worth a try - keep doing what you're doing - don't ever believe that you can't win because you can if you knock on enough doors."
Dean closed with these words:
"Thanks for all of your support, you really have changed the country and the way things are done.
You really do have the power!
DFA has launched a new website, standwithdrdean.com where you will find this statement by Dr. Dean:
"If Barack Obama's healthcare plan gets changed to exclude a public option like Medicare, then it is not healthcare reform. Legislation rises and falls on whether the American public is allowed to choose a universally available public option or not."
Please head over there now and sign the petition to pass Obama's health care plan. They would like 10,000 petitioners by Friday.
DFA is also launching local action teams to write letters, make phone calls, canvass, and host house parties in support of Obama's plan. While you're there signing the petition, you can also sign up to volunteer.
To the man who should have been President, thank you, Dr. Dean, for standing up for what you believe in. We will do our part and hope that our fellow/sister Democrats in Congress show the same resolve.
