History is calling.
In less than 48 hours, the House will be voting on the President's health insurance reform legislative package - a bill that will cover 32 million of the uninsured (giving 95% of all Americans health care coverage), and reduce the deficit by over $1.3 trillion in the next two decades. If reform passes, it will set our nation on a long term path to better healthcare and begin to rein in spiraling costs. If it fails, we know the moral and economic costs of inaction we are guaranteed to face: more Americans without healthcare, more preventable deaths, more out of control costs and more insurance company abuses.
The vote will be extraordinarily close, so OFA and many Democratic allies are pulling out all the stops to bring this across the line. OFA is calling -- and so is a huge coalition working nonstop to bring reform across the finish line. The endorsements are rolling out almost too fast to keep up. But there's still a role for every one of us to play. Today through Sunday, across the country, you can join Final March phonebanks and other events, you can call Congress, and you can help spread the word.
I've recently posted three diaries with reasons this legislation needs to pass. If you are still on the fence, I invite you to click through and read them.
It has the potential to be Waterloo for 3 decades of conservative governing philosophy.
It has the support of a broad coalition, from policy wonks to progressives to political activists, from economists to elected officials, and the unified GOP opposition should tell you everything you need to know. And if you read the many linked statements in that diary, you will see strong policy and political arguments laid out in great detail.
It's a Chance to Stand on the Right Side of History -- it's simply the right thing to do.
For everyone else, who just wants to know how you can help, it's pretty simple:
Go to an OFA Phonebank or Final March Event Near You.
Across the country, today, tonight, tomorrow and Sunday OFA volunteers will be hosting large and small phonebanks to get as many calls in to the Hill as possible at this critical juncture.
You can search for nearby events here: OFA Final March Events.
If you can't find one near you, and you know your OFA staff or Community Organizers for your area, contact them and ask how you can help.
There's been great turnout and tons of enthusiasm at these events in the last week, and as OFA and many Democratic allies crank up the calling campaigns, the switchboards are feeling the heat.
Call Your Member of Congress, even if you think they are on board to vote Yes.
Thank them and make sure they hear you will have their back in September. Remember that the other side is calling - and that they need to hear from supporters too.
You can get contact information and talking points about how reform affects your district here: OFA Call Congress Tool
Reach out to friends and family in key districts and spread the word.
If you know people who live in key districts, where the Representatives need to hear from more supporters, email them the link to the calling tool and encourage them to make their voices heard.
Here's a cool scorecard from the NYT to help identify who might need a few extra phonecalls to keep up the forward momentum we are seeing.
Tell Congress Why YOU Are Fighting For Reform
Personal stories are the MOST effective persuasive tools we have. When you are calling, tell your Member of Congress what reform means to you and to people you care about. For me, I have a shockingly long list of friends and family with pre-existing conditions who need this bill's guarantee that everyone gets covered whether you are sick or healthy, lucky or unlucky -- and that everyone gets the same price regardless of your health status.
In fact, today OFA is running an ad in USA Today highlighting photos submitted by volunteers from across the country highlighting who they are fighting for.
You can see the photos and submit your own right here:
OFA Why We Are Fighting For Reform
So that's it - we've got less than 48 hours before Congress votes. Rarely do we have a chance to stand on the right side of history, and say "yes, I was there and I helped make this happen." For a lot of us, November 2008 was such a moment. But we only did that so we could be here, right now, ready to take another step on the path of transformative change.
History is calling. Can you?
Update: Line busy? There's an email tool here:
OFA Letter Writing Tool - Email Your Member of Congress Here
And mention that you've tried to get through on the phone.
Also h/t to Cedwyn who reminds us about calling district offices.
I am a volunteer for Organizing for America in California. When I write here I speak for myself and not for the organization in any way. My diaries, and all the words in them, are my own.