Rise Up!
Healthcare activists flexed a little muscle last week, and witnessed some progress.
When single-payer advocates realized they were not being represented at the White House “Health Summit,” they protested in strong enough numbers to gain a couple last-minute invitations for Representative John Conyers (lead sponsor of HR 676) and Dr. Oliver Fein (president of Physicians for a National Health Program). Thus, after being told by the powers that be in Washington that single-payer was completely “off the table,” activists ignored that ridiculous edict and managed to get a couple feet in the door. By insisting on it. In large numbers.
Recent breakthroughs also occurred last week on the justice front. After repeatedly ignoring congressional subpoenas over the past few years, ex-Bushists Karl Rove and Harriet Miers finally agreed to testify before the House Judiciary Committee. This investigation will focus on the politically-motivated firings of U.S. attorneys and prosecution of Alabama Governor Don Siegelman. Additionally, the Obama Administration released some of the secret Justice Department memos that provided spurious legal cover for the Bush Administration to disregard Constitutional and international law. This was followed by a spirited debate in the Senate on a proposed Bush Truth Commission (over 40,000 signatures were quickly gathered online, demonstrating strong public support for such an investigation — a week later that number has grown to 75,000).
And so it begins. The great uprising of the people in this country. Frederick Douglass once observed, “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.” This, of course, is still true today; therefore, I encourage everyone to become involved in your government. Don’t let them trash this planet in your name. This is a time of great opportunity, but we must step into it together. Humans need to evolve quickly, else we shall all perish. Notice how quickly the outmoded ideas are falling away. It is time to awaken to our higher destiny.
If you have access to the Internet, it is easy to become involved. There are many websites to help keep you informed and that make it easy to communicate your thoughts and wishes to Congress and the White House. If you have a phone, use it. Call or write often. Get into the habit of doing it whenever the impulse strikes. If you can get to the library, there are good books on whatever subjects interest you. The important thing is to become involved. Educate yourself, then make yourself heard. Speak up. Let them know you’re watching!
Healthcare Watch: HR 676 (single-payer for all Americans) now has 64 cosponsors. Mike Thompson (CA First District) is still missing from that list.