Not long ago I watched Michael Moore's "Sicko." In it, there was a scene where they showed the citizens of France taking their issues into the street - protesters demonstrated their will in a very public manner. That is what we need here in the U.S.
One phrase from the film that really struck me was where it was said (excuse me if I don't quote it perfectly), "In France, the government fears the people. In the United States, the people fear the government."
I moved to Italy in the mid 1970's at a time when the left was flexing its muscle. One of the tactics that the workers there used to gain support for the reforms they demanded was the use of a national strike. It was very effective. They got a lot of their demands met.
What do you suppose would happen if everyone that supported public option plan for national health care would just go on strike for a week or so? Do you think that would get the government's attention?
I say it is time for our government to fear the power of the people. My own Senator, Ben Nelson, evidently has fear of those of us left-wing Democrats that have raked him over the coals in our state recently. Ben has been running expensive quasi-campaign TV ads (funded by big pharmaceutical and health care concerns)even though he doesn't face re-election for three more years!
Is it time for a national strike? I say, "Yes!"