This story may have been posted here, and if so, I want to repost again. I have seen and heard some horror stories with regards to folks losing their healthcare and others dying because of it. I have heard the stories from mothers, fathers who have lost everything because of skyrocketing healthcare costs and them going bankrupt and losing what they worked so hard of building, all wiped out because they got sick and they couldn't afford to pay the hospital bill either by not having insurance or not having enough insurance. I have seen story after story after story but this one, just about put me over the edge and how this crystalizes why we need to pass healthcare reform.
The story of Marcelas Owens
http://blog.seattlepi.com/...
Marcelas goes to Washington
Marcelas Owens will turn 11 Wed. March 10 and on that day he will also be testifying before Congress for Health care reform.
Marcelas and his two younger sisters who live here in Seattle lost their 27-year-old mother to pulmonary hypertension who also campaigned for health care in Olympia. He is carrying on her work by telling his story.
Tues morning Marcelas and his Grandmother Gina were interviewed by MSNBC and I heard Marcelas's words brought the interviewer to tears. They barely held themselves together and when the cameras were off, had to collect themselves a bit.
Say what you want, but the kid speaks from the heart and I'm not surprised he effects seasoned journalists.
I also heard when Marcelas sat in Patty Murray's chair she asked him if he wanted to make a proclamation. He said "Health care for all!". Everyone cheered. Kids got it.
http://www.cnn.com/...
Fifth-grader spends birthday lobbying for health care reform
While most 11-year-olds would probably celebrate their birthdays with a party, Marcelas Owens was on the steps of Capitol Hill rallying for health care reform.
He knows firsthand what's its like when a family loses health insurance.
"I came out here for health care, I got involved because my mom was a health care activist, she testified and participated in rallies. She wanted people to have health care and not wait till management level to be offered health care," said Marcelas.
The fifth-grader is continuing the battle his mother can no longer fight. "She was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, she started missing work, and when she was there she was sent home early," he said.
"She lost her job and her health care with it" said Marcelas
.
Now, I don't know what else it is going to take for congress/senate to act on passing this legislation. This one story can be multiplied by millions and its only going to get worse if we DO NOT act NOW!! I just read that 35 congressman is in the "NO" or Leaning "NO" on passing this because either they don't want to lose their seat, want the bill modified, or it isn't strong enough. If Nancy Pelosi gets 37 firm "NO" this healthcare bill will be history as well as President Obama. I just read the whip count and I think it is time for all progressive/democrat who live in these congressmen districts to start calling tomorrow. We need to spread the word to Keith Olbermann, Rachel Maddow and all the other blogs to start calling OUT THESE BACKSTABBING ASSHOLES who refuses to vote yes.
I know I am breaking the rules by posting this list as a whole, but folks needs to see in BLACK AND WHITE the congressman who's vote could bring down this whole bill. The odds are stacked against us with lobbyist doing everything they can to stop this bill, republicans continuing the fearmongering mind games, and the spinless democrats who are hell bent on killing this bill. We have to stay mobilized until this bill passes into law. I will be calling all day tomorrow
Here is the Whip Count
http://thehill.com/...
WHIP COUNT: House Democrats' positions on the healthcare reform bill
By The Hill staff - 03/13/10 01:45 AM ET
The Hill's survey/tracking of House Democrats' positions on healthcare reform legislation.
UPDATED: 3/14/10 at 12:16 p.m.
House Democrats not on this list are expected to vote yes. However, some members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus who are not mentioned below have threatened to vote no unless the Senate's immigration-related provisions are changed.
All House Republicans are expected to vote no.
If every member votes and all GOP lawmakers vote no, the maximum amount of Democratic defections to pass a bill is 37, which would lead to a 216-215 tally.
* -- Voted for Stupak amendment in November
(Y) -- Voted yes in November
(N) -- Voted no in November
Firm No, Leaning No, Likely No (35)
John Adler (N.J.) (N) Waiting to see bill. Sounded like a no on Fox News, saying House and Senate bills fail to address cost containment
Michael Arcuri (N.Y.) (Y) Some reports have him as firm no, but Rules Committee member hasn't closed the door yet
John Barrow (Ga.) * (N) Voted no last year in committee and on floor. Likely no
Marion Berry (Ark.) * (Y) Has been critical of the president since announcing his retirement. Strong backer of Stupak language
Dan Boren (Okla.) * (N) Won't be changing his mind — firm no
Rick Boucher (Va.) (N) GOP target who has told local press outlets in Virginia he has major problems with Medicare cuts and "unsavory deal making" that benefited Nebraska, Louisiana and Florida. Leaning no
Bobby Bright (Ala.) * (N) Voted against House health bill, stimulus and climate change. Firm no
Ben Chandler (Ky.) * (N) His office told The Plum Line his position hasn't changed since November
Travis Childers (Miss.) * (N) In toss-up reelection race
Henry Cuellar (Texas) * (Y) Cuellar told Investor's Business Daily that without changes to abortion language, he's a no
Artur Davis (Ala.) * (N) Running for governor, but will make sure to return to D.C. to vote no
Lincoln Davis (Tenn.) * (N) Voted no first time, and most expect him to vote no again
Joe Donnelly (Ind.) * (Y) Among the Stupak dozen — will vote no unless abortion language in Senate bill is changed, according to The Rochester Sentinel
Steve Driehaus (Ohio) * (Y) In toss-up race in November. Member of Stupak's group
Chet Edwards (Texas) (N) Perennial GOP target. Edwards spokesman told CNN he will vote no
Luis Gutierrez (Ill.) (Y) Citing immigration language, Gutierrez said on MSNBC that "I can't support this bill." Lawmaker has lambasted the president on not moving immigration reform yet. Warned that other Hispanic lawmakers will also vote no
Larry Kissell (N.C.) (N) GOP target, but reelection chances on the rise. Firm no
Frank Kratovil (Md.) (N) Voted for climate change; says he will vote no
Dennis Kucinich (Ohio) (N) Progressive was on the fence before House vote last fall — not this time. He's a firm no
Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (S.D.) (N) Congresswoman told the Rapid City Journal she's a no, noting she is not a fan of reconciliation. She also voted no on education reform bill expected to move in reconciliation with healthcare reform
Tim Holden (Pa.) * (N) Voted against healthcare and climate change in 2009. Told The Republican Herald that he is a no, citing abortion and "significant" cuts to Medicare and Medicaid
Daniel Lipinski (Ill.) * (Y) Will not vote for abortion language in Senate bill, but has other concerns as well. Democratic leaders cannot count on Lipinski
Jim Marshall (Ga.) * (N) Perennial GOP target, but favored to win reelection. Told The Hill he's a no
Jim Matheson (Utah) * (N) President Obama this year tapped brother for post, but Matheson still a likely no
Mike McIntyre (N.C.) * (N) Seven-term lawmaker rejected House health bill and climate change. Spokesman tells The Hill McIntyre is a no. Expected to win reelection easily even though Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) won district
Mike McMahon (N.Y.) (N) Suggested last month he was a no to the Staten Island Advance. McMahon told The Hill on March 12 he is leaning no. Voted no on education reform bill that is expected to move with healthcare reform in reconciliation
Charlie Melancon (La.) * (N) Senate hopeful voted no in November and no in committee. Likely no
Walt Minnick (Idaho) (N) One of the House's most conservative members. Firm no
Collin Peterson (Minn.) * (N) Ag chairman not shy in bucking leadership. Firm no
Mike Ross (Ark.) * (N) Voted for bill in committee, but not since. Firm no
Heath Shuler (N.C.) * (N) CNN reporting Shuler is a no. Doesn't hold his tongue when he opposes Democratic leaders. Critic of reconciliation
Ike Skelton (Mo.) * (N) GOP targeting his seat. Armed Services Committee chairman is a firm no
Bart Stupak (Mich.) * (Y) No deal with leadership on abortion = no vote on final bill for Stupak and other Democratic opponents of abortion rights
Gene Taylor (Miss.) * (N) Has been a firm no all Congress. Constituents last summer urged him to get others to vote no
Harry Teague (N.M.) * (N) Told The Hill that he will review bill to see if final bill brings costs down. If "we are in the same place — a no"
Firm Yes (2)
Dale Kildee (Mich.) * (Y) Not one of Stupak's dozen
Silvestre Reyes (Texas) * (Y) Intelligence panel chairman on board
Leaning Yes (4)
Joe Baca (Calif.) * (Y) Must-have for leadership. Said recently country can't wait any longer for reform. Voted for Stupak language
Russ Carnahan (Mo.) (Y) In competitive race this fall, but should win
Gerry Connolly (Va.) (Y) If he votes no, bill will not pass. Likely yes
Vic Snyder (Ark.) * (Y) Not seeking reelection. Snyder said on Fox News he is leaning yes
Undecided (72)
Jason Altmire (Pa.) * (N) Many view Altmire as key to passage. He said on Fox News he has "open mind." Voted no in committee and on floor, but bottom line is his yes vote is gettable
Brian Baird (Wash.) (N) Retiring member who bucked party on Iraq war surge
Melissa Bean (Ill.) (Y) Conservative Democrat well-positioned for midterm election
Shelley Berkley (Nev.) (Y) Told Politico she does not like the Senaet bill
Sanford Bishop Jr. (Ga.) * (Y) Favors Stupak provision
Tim Bishop (N.Y.) (Y) Must-have vote for leadership. Bishop's office told CNN that the New York lawmaker wants major changes to Senate bill
John Boccieri (Ohio) * (N) GOP target. Told Foxnews.com, "I'm not afraid to cast a tough vote..."
Allen Boyd (Fla.) (N) Facing primary challenge. Voted no on education reform bill expected to move with healthcare reform as part of reconciliation
Michael Capuano (Y) Wanted to be a senator, but doesn't trust the Senate. TPM reported that Capuano is leaning no. In an e-mail to supporters, Capuano said he has many problems with Senate measure
Dennis Cardoza (Calif.) * (Y) Secured language for district before last year's vote
Chris Carney (Pa.) * (Y) A "no" vote here would be a setback for leadership
Jim Cooper (Tenn) * (Y) Has had up-and-down relationship with Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.)
Jim Costa (Calif.) * (Y) Secured project for his district before November vote
Jerry Costello (Ill.) * (Y) Was a late yes in the fall. Proponent of Stupak language
Joe Courtney (Conn.) (Y) Wary of excise tax, but likely yes
Kathy Dahlkemper (Pa.) * (Y) GOP target. Her yes vote could be key to passage. Strong backer of Stupak language
Mike Doyle (Pa.) * (Y) Must-have vote for leadership; not politically vulnerable
Bob Etheridge (N.C.) * (Y) Passed up Senate run
Brad Ellsworth (Ind.) * (Y) Senate hopeful who is big supporter of Stupak language
Bill Foster (Ill.) (Y) GOP target
Marcia Fudge (Ohio) (Y) Fudge is undecided, according to wkyc.com
Gabrielle Giffords (Ariz.) (Y) GOP target
Bart Gordon (Tenn.) * (N) Retiring committee chairman
Raul Grijalva (Ariz.) (Y) Despite many threats, Arizona liberal expected to vote yes
John Hall (N.Y.) (Y) Democratic leaders may lose other Dems from N.Y., but need to keep Hall on board
Debbie Halvorson (Ill.) (Y) Politically vulnerable, but favored to win her reelection race
Baron Hill (Ind.) * (Y) Passed up Senate run
Jim Himes (Conn.) (Y) Must-have vote for leadership. Likely yes
Steve Kagen (Wis.) (Y) Told Fox 11 in Wisconsin that he prefers more incremental approach; doesn't trust Senate
Paul Kanjorski (Pa.) * (Y) GOP target. Also voted with education reform bill that will move with healthcare reform in reconciliation
Marcy Kaptur (Ohio) * (Y) Voted with leadership first time around, but doesn't toe the party line. Wants Stupak language but that's not a deal breaker
Mary Jo Kilroy (Ohio) (Y) In toss-up race this November
Ron Kind (Wis.) (Y) Represents competitive district. Voted against bill in committee
Ann Kirkpatrick (Ariz.) (Y) GOP target
Ron Klein (Fla.) (Y) GOP target
Suzanne Kosmas (Fla.) (N) Easily won her race in 2008; her 2010 race will be tighter
Jim Langevin (R.I.) * (Y) Langevin's seat not in danger this fall. He has previously fended off primary challenges
Dan Maffei (N.Y.) (Y) Former Ways and Means aide is seen as gettable
Betsy Markey (Colo.) (N) Was a late no last time. In early March, Markey declined to be interviewed by Denver Post on her position on bill. Likely target for Democratic leaders
Jerry McNerney (Calif.) (Y) Waiting for final language. There are false reports of him being a firm no
Mike Michaud (Maine) * (Y) Likely yes
Harry Mitchell (Ariz.) (Y) GOP target
Alan Mollohan (W.Va.) * (Y) In November, seat was considered safe. Now, he's in a tight race
Dennis Moore (Kan.) (Y) Retiring this year
Chris Murphy (Conn.) (Y) GOP target
Scott Murphy (N.Y.) (N) Reelection race looks good, for now
Richard Neal (Mass.) * (Y) Better vote yes if he wants to take Ways and Means gavel; fan of Stupak language
Glenn Nye (Va.) (N) In toss-up race
Jim Oberstar (Minn.) * (Y) Wants to vote yes, but also wants Stupak language
David Obey (Wis.) * (Y) Waiting to review bill language; likely yes
Solomon Ortiz (Texas) * (Y) Was a late yes last time around
Bill Owens (N.Y.) (Y) One of first votes in Congress was yes on House health bill; media reports have him as undecided
Tom Perriello (Va.) * (Y) In toss-up race this fall; Pelosi had long talk with the Virginia Democrat on March 10 on the House floor
Earl Pomeroy (N.D.) * (Y) Voted against bill in committee, and for it on the House floor
Nick Rahall (W.Va.) * (Y) Another panel chairman on the fence
Ciro Rodriguez (Texas) * (Y) Considered by Cook Political Report to "likely" retain seat
Tim Ryan (Ohio) * (Y) Opposes abortion rights; voted for Stupak language
John Salazar (Colo.) * (Y) GOP target
Loretta Sanchez (Calif.) (Y) Was a late yes in November
Mark Schauer (Mich.) (Y) In tossup race this fall
Carol Shea-Porter (N.H.) (Y) In toss-up race, according to Cook Political Report
Zack Space (Ohio) * (Y) Voted yes in committee and yes on the floor last year
Adam Smith (Wash.) (Y) Was a late yes in November
John Spratt (S.C.) * (Y) Budget Committee chairman is in competitive reelection race. Spratt will soon be trying to collect votes for his budget resolution
Betty Sutton (Ohio) (Y) GOP target
John Tanner (Tenn.) * (N) House deputy whip not running for reelection, but he still will need to be convinced to get to yes. Voted no in committee and on floor
Dina Titus (Nev.) (Y) Her office told The Hill the congresswoman is undecided. Voted no in committee and yes on the floor last year
Paul Tonko (N.Y.) (Y) Waiting for Congressional Budget Office numbers
Anthony Weiner (N.Y.) (Y) On March 12, Weiner noted that 290 times this Congress, the Senate has failed to act on bills passed by the House, adding, "Fool us once, shame on you, fool me 290 times, shame on us." Regardless, Weiner is a very likely yes
Charlie Wilson (Ohio) * (Y) Considered less vulnerable this fall than other Ohio Democrats. Big proponent of Stupak language
David Wu (Ore.) (Y) Was undecided for three hours during 2003 Medicare drug vote, then voted with the GOP
John Yarmuth (Ky.) (Y) Considered a team player. Likely yes
THANKS FOR THE REC LIST!!!! This week will determine our fate with this healthcare bill passing into law. We are in the fight of our lives and if you haven't before, we need to move with a sense or urgency because this fight is about to get nasty. This is it. We either support President Obama in getting this bill passed our it will be the end of passing sweeping healthcare legislation, his presidency and the democratic party. Even though I switched to Independent, my heart still belongs to the democratic party and I am willing to fight with everything I got to get this healthcare passed into law.