A Daily Kos Diary posted on July 11 suggested modifying and strengthening President Obama’s Health Care Declaration presented by Organizing For America to include language supporting a public option that is offered and administered nationwide and available on day one.
This suggestion has resulted in a petition crafted by members of Durham For Obama here in the Triangle of North Carolina that can be replicated by individuals and other local groups. If we are going to canvass on behalf of health care reform (and we are), let’s make sure it says what we all support. There are numerous petitions demanding health care reform, but they don't all state that reform must include a public option offered and administered nationwide and available on day one.
You can read a copy of the petition here. You can request a copy of the pdf file by correspondence to Hagan.ActBlue@gmail.com and edit to suit your needs.
Our local petitions will first be presented to our Durham County Commissioners along with a formal request to pass a resolution that mirrors the petition. Next, the petitions and resolution will travel to D.C. for members of Congress including a meeting scheduled on August 5th in Senator Hagan’s office.
Our very own Rhonda Robinson will personally deliver the petitions to Senator Hagan. Rhonda is featured in Bob Geary’s recent article "A face of the uninsured, a state of denial" in the NC Independent Weekly. This is a "must read" article if you reside in North Carolina or in need of a little inspiration.
Rhonda’s emotional remarks at the NC Health Care Townhall as part of the National HCAN Rally in D.C. was captured on this 2 minute You Tube Video and was referenced by your diarist in DKOS on June 26th. Pictured above is a picture of Senator Hagan meeting Rhonda by chance in D.C.
There has been a lot of discussion about actions needed to pass meaningful health care reform legislation including here, here, and here. (And everybody should watch this episode of Bill Moyer’s interview with Wendell Potter.)
Our experience with the petition drive by canvassing and tabling at events (like our local farmer’s market, library, health care centers, and more) has been very positive. People are passionate about health care reform and want to learn more about where things stand and want to help.
So this is to share what we are doing locally. The petition drive is helping to inform and engage more citizens, making our voices heard to our local elected officials, and will support our message and efforts with our members of Congress. This is what democracy looks like! Are you using a petition? If so, please leave a comment and share your experience.
Thanks for reading and sharing this diary with others.
Again, you can read a copy of the petition here. You can request a copy of the pdf file by correspondence to Hagan.ActBlue@gmail.com