Health Care
A busy spring awaits!
Posted April 23rd, 2010 by gmcluckie
April 23, 2010
It ain’t over ‘til it’s over
The opposition to health care reform is organized and looking for support to repeal the bill. RevereAmerica is typical of the national scene. http://www.revereamerica.org/
The Central Ohio 9-12 group is turning out to be ground zero for the effort to amend the Ohio Constitution with the "Health Care Freedom Amendment, which aims to nullify the Obama-care mandate."
Its members have a goal of collecting 600,000 valid signatures statewide before June, which would allow the proposed amendment to be on the November 2010 ballot.
Could this kind of amendment bring more Republicans/Tea Partiers to the polls, like the gay marriage amendment in 2004?
Call for a Goldman Sachs investigation
Support Rep. Marcy Kaptur and others who are urging the Justice Department to launch a criminal investigation of Goldman Sachs and other financial institutions. Let’s see if they broke the law while they destroyed our economy.
Sign a Progressive Change Campaign Committee petition that will be delivered to the U.S. State Department.
Now is the moment to make clear: Nobody on Wall Street is "too big for jail."
ODP shares facts about John Kasich
Check out "The Truth About John Kasich" from the Ohio Democratic Party. The ODP gives voters the whole story about this man who would be our governor.
Islamic dimension of Afghan, Pakistan insurgencies
Marvin Weinbaum, Middle East Institute, Washington, D.C., will discuss "The Islamic Dimension on the Insurgencies in Afghanistan and Pakistan," noon, Thursday, April 29, at the Mershon Center for International Security Studies, 1501 Neil Ave. RSVP by April 27: Beth Russell, russell.16@osu.edu. Read more >
Coming: UAPA survey
Watch for a survey of Upper Arlington Progressive Action supporters. You’ll soon have an opportunity to tell us what you think about a variety of issues.
Rally for Autism April 14
Posted April 9th, 2010 by gmcluckieRally for Autism
Wednesday, April 14
11 a.m., Ohio Statehouse
Join Rep. Ted Celeste and other advocates in urging Ohio senators to approve House Bill 8, Ted's call for improved insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorder. Please bring signs (without poles!). Kids' activities provided.
Contact: askASO@autismohio.org
Health Care Reform with Tom Daschle SOLD OUT
Posted April 3rd, 2010 by gmcluckieSOLD OUT
Senator Thomas Daschle
Perspectives on Health Care Reform
Tuesday, April 27
4 p.m.
Fawcett Center Assembly Hall Auditorium, 2400 Olentangy River Road
Limited seating still available; RSVP required: please send your reservation request to apr27@jgippm.ohio-state.edu or call 614-688-3206, ext. 1. We expect this event to sell out quickly so RSVP soon for your chance at a seat.
Where is the U.S. now with regard to health care reform? What does the new Federal health care law mean for you? Join former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Thomas Daschle for an insider’s look at one of the largest changes in national health policy in recent history. Thomas Daschle, a Representative and a Senator from South Dakota, served in Congress from 1978 to 2005. An outspoken advocate for health care reform, Daschle authored Critical: What We Can Do About the Health-Care Crisis.
Co-sponsored by The Ohio State University Medical Center, and presented as the Glenn School’s 2010 Stanley C. Muroff Civil Liberties Forum
Health Care Reform Celebration Rally
Posted March 29th, 2010 by sdybiecIt's time to celebrate the historic passage of health care reform!
Join us this Thursday, April 1, for a rally with two of our greatest champions of health care reform: Senator Sherrod Brown and Congresswoman Mary Jo Kilroy!
WHAT: Health Care Reform Celebration Rally
WHEN: Thursday, April 1 at 7:00 PM
WHERE: Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 189 - 1250 Kinnear Rd, Columbus, OH 43212
RSVP: Click here to let us know you're coming and to share your thoughts about health care reform
Looking forward to seeing you this Thursday!
Can't make it to the rally in Columbus?
You can still participate - share your thoughts with us about health care reform by clicking here.
Calculate health care's impact on you
Posted March 23rd, 2010 by gmcluckieIf you're like us, the first thing you want to know is how the new healthcare legislation affects you.
- From the Washington Post, what it means for you (quick calculator based on income, family size and current insurance)
- From the New York Times, an interactive guide.
- From the Los Angeles Times, a chart.
Health Care Demonstration Gets Ugly in Columbus
Posted March 18th, 2010 by PathadlerLearn what occurred in Columbus just on Tuesday, and read the rapid response from Rep. Kilroy
At a health-care rally outside of Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy's (OH-15) Columbus office on March 16, 2010, about a total of 250 people showed up. According to an attendee, roughly 150 were pro health-care reform, and the remaining 100 were Tea Baggers looking for confrontation. "They’re energized, emboldened, angry and in your face," says Melissa Hedden. "They believe that they are in the majority and have the momentum."
"They were very negative and engaged in name calling," she says, "and insult hurling (such as pay for your own insurance, get a job, freeloaders, communists, dumb, uninformed, stop drinking the Kool-Aid)." Another attendee characterized the anti-reform crowd as seeming a little “cult-like.”
The anti-reform group came bearing professional looking, pre-printed signs such as "Don't Tread on Me." A woman in the crowd was trying to have a conversation with one of the opponents to reform – sharing that she has MS and how health care reform would help her. His response to her was "I don’t give a damn. Your MS isn’t my problem. " Another example of this little regard for others is the video of the man with Parkinson's, something that Chris Mathews of Hardball calls "a sickening display." (see Columbus Dispatch link bleow.)
In short, it was an ugly scene.
And even though Rep. Kilroy represents a swing district, she has been steadfast in her support of reform. We owe her. She spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives this morning (March 18) in regard to the health care reform debate and the Columbus Dispatch video showing a protester in front of her Columbus office throwing what appeared to be money at a sitting man who said he had Parkinson’s disease. The video of Kilroy’s remarks begins at 10:22 on C-SPAN. The disturbing Columbus Dispatch video, something that Chris Mathews of Hardball calls "a sickening display" has been played widely on television.
Rep. Kilroy's comments on the floor:
“I believe that a great strength of our democracy is our first amendment. It allows for the robust exchange of ideas and opinions. I welcome that. I want to hear what my constituents are thinking, what concerns they have—concerns about how health care will work for them. I want to listen to them about their lack of health care and how that affects their lives or the high cost of health care and how they’re coping with that.
“I have held town halls, round tables, small groups—over twenty meetings in my district over health care. And this week demonstrations for and against health care reform were held in front of my district office.
“Unfortunately, some of those opposing health care reform went too far. Instead of making their arguments against the bill they engaged in abusive language directed at one of my constituents who suffers the terrible ravages of Parkinson’s disease. They treated him like a beggar. They threw dollar bills at him. They did not respect his humanity. They did not respect his right to give his opinion on the health care bill.
“This type of protest goes too far. It has crossed the line. The health care reform debate is about respecting each other’s rights as human beings and, when it comes to needed medical care respecting our rights as citizens to express our opinions.”
Single Payer Action Network (SPAN) Meeting
Posted March 18th, 2010 by PathadlerRegardless of what kind of health care legislation passes, there are still many unresolved issues. The future of health benefits will be discussed at the next SPAN meeting.
Monday, March 22nd, 2010, 7:00 PM.
The speaker will be Rhonda Johnson, President, Columbus Education Association.
The meeting is open to all, and located at the Northwood Building, 2231 North High St. (at the corner of Northwood and High) in Room 100 on the first floor. There is visitor parking behind the building and you can take an elevator to first floor. Room 100 is in the front of the building across from the clinic entrance.
For more information, visit SPAN online.
Help Pass Health Care This Weekend!
Posted March 18th, 2010 by Pathadler
March 18, 2010
Will this be the week congressional Democrats reverse their fortunes?
"Will this week be the start of a political comeback for congressional Democrats?
Less than two weeks ago, the woes of the majority party evoked comparisons to the Republicans of 2006 . . . Republicans, you may recall, were voted out of power that fall.
But by Sunday, Democrats could not only have passed a health-care bill, but with it have pushed through the House of Representatives long-delayed legislation that would increase funding for Pell Grants, which help low-income students pay for college. They also could send to [the president] a $17 billion measure designed to create jobs.
The collection of measures could reverse poll numbers that have Congress at one of its lowest rates of public approval since 1994."
UAPA suggests you take a few minutes to read this encouraging article in the Washington Post, especially if you still have any doubts about supporting this legislation.
What can you do to help ensure passage of this most important piece of legislation this weekend?
1. Fax (202) 225-3529, phone (202) 225-2015 or email a letter of support to our U.S. Representative Mary Jo Kilroy (15th District) to let her know you support her efforts to provide health-care for all Americans.
2. Contact the Blue Dog Coalition via email to encourage all of their members to support this legislation. The Blue Dog Coalition includes such Ohio members as Reps. Zach Space (18th District) and Charles Wilson (6th District).
3. Financially support our elected U.S. Representative Mary Jo Kilroy, and our Democratic candidate for Congress, 12th District, Paula Brooks, so they can build their coffers for the upcoming mid-term elections in November and successfully help maintain control of Congress.
What to do if you're not sure you support this health care reform legislation
1. Consider this: If Dennis Kucinich now can support health-care reform, so can you. Hear Rep. Kucinich's moving words as he announces his support.
2. Sometimes those of us who have health insurance and good doctors may not realize what conditions are like for those of us who don't. Award-winning Los Angeles Times photographer Katie Falkenberg, daughter of UAPA member Barb Falkenberg, went to two communities whose people are suffering because of the United States' antiquated, unfeeling, non-system of health care. In these videos, Katie shows patients who are mostly working poor, and many explain why they don't fill their prescriptions by saying, "My kids come first." You'll be convinced that health-care is should be affordable and available to all.
Appalachia and Beyond: Healthcare in America and Uninsured in the Mississippi Delta
Health Care Demonstration Gets Ugly in Columbus
Learn what occurred in Columbus on Tuesday, and read the rapid response from Rep. Kilroy
At a health-care rally outside of Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy's (OH-15) Columbus office on March 16, 2010, about a total of 250 people showed up. According to an attendee, roughly 150 were pro health-care reform, and the remaining 100 were Tea Baggers looking for confrontation. "They’re energized, emboldened, angry and in your face," says Melissa Hedden. "They believe that they are in the majority and have the momentum."
"They were very negative and engaged in name calling," she says, "and insult hurling (such as pay for your own insurance, get a job, freeloaders, communists, dumb, uninformed, stop drinking the Kool-Aid)." Another attendee characterized the anti-reform crowd as seeming a little “cult-like.”
The anti-reform group came bearing professional looking, pre-printed signs such as "Don't Tread on Me." A woman in the crowd was trying to have a conversation with one of the opponents to reform – sharing that she has MS and how health care reform would help her. His response to her was "I don’t give a damn. Your MS isn’t my problem. " Another example of this little regard for others is the video of the man with Parkinson's, something that Chris Mathews of Hardball calls "a sickening display." (see Columbus Dispatch link bleow.)
In short, it was an ugly scene.
And even though Rep. Kilroy represents a swing district, she has been steadfast in her support of reform. We owe her. She spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives this morning (March 18) in regard to the health care reform debate and the Columbus Dispatch video showing a protester in front of her Columbus office throwing what appeared to be money at a sitting man who said he had Parkinson’s disease. The video of Kilroy’s remarks begins at 10:22 on C-SPAN. The disturbing Columbus Dispatch video, something that Chris Mathews of Hardball calls "a sickening display" has been played widely on television.
Rep. Kilroy's comments on the floor:
“I believe that a great strength of our democracy is our first amendment. It allows for the robust exchange of ideas and opinions. I welcome that. I want to hear what my constituents are thinking, what concerns they have—concerns about how health care will work for them. I want to listen to them about their lack of health care and how that affects their lives or the high cost of health care and how they’re coping with that.
“I have held town halls, round tables, small groups—over twenty meetings in my district over health care. And this week demonstrations for and against health care reform were held in front of my district office.
“Unfortunately, some of those opposing health care reform went too far. Instead of making their arguments against the bill they engaged in abusive language directed at one of my constituents who suffers the terrible ravages of Parkinson’s disease. They treated him like a beggar. They threw dollar bills at him. They did not respect his humanity. They did not respect his right to give his opinion on the health care bill.
“This type of protest goes too far. It has crossed the line. The health care reform debate is about respecting each other’s rights as human beings and, when it comes to needed medical care respecting our rights as citizens to express our opinions.”
Upcoming Single Payer Action Network Meeting
Regardless of what kind of health care legislation passes, there are still many unresolved issues. The future of health benefits will be discussed at the next SPAN meeting.
Monday, March 22nd, 2010, 7:00 PM.
The speaker will be Rhonda Johnson, President, Columbus Education Association.
The meeting is open to all, and located at the Northwood Building, 2231 North High St. (at the corner of Northwood and High) in Room 100 on the first floor. There is visitor parking behind the building and you can take an elevator to first floor. Room 100 is in the front of the building across from the clinic entrance.
For more information, visit SPAN online.
Obama's Campaign Back In Full Swing
Posted March 12th, 2010 by sdybiec
If you backed him in 2008, he needs you now.
Remember: we are the ones we've been waiting for. The success of his presidency - and the possibility of any change - remains in your hands.
The final march for reform has begun, and your participation is crucial. Click below to take action:
Please commit to join with us to take reform across the finish line.
Urgent health care event in Columbus
Join us to fight back against the Tea Party movement!
The Tea Party is planning a lunch-hour protest against Congresswoman Kilroy, who has been fighting tirelessly for health care reform. Now is our time to fight back against the lies, smear, and fear being spread about health care reform.
Meet next to Cap City Diner. There is parking in the back. With both sides facing off, we can probably expect a crowd and news coverage.
I hope you can join us and other UAPA members. Click below to sign up:
Get more info and RSVP for the event
Congresswoman Mary Jo Kilroy's Office, 1299 Olentangy River Rd (Map)
Columbus, OH 43212
Tuesday, March 16th, 11:00 AM
The Cost of Care
Posted January 19th, 2010 by sdybiecFrom National Geographic:
The United States spends more on medical care per person than any country, yet life expectancy is shorter than in most other developed nations and many developing ones. Lack of health insurance is a factor in life span and contributes to an estimated 45,000 deaths a year.
Why the high cost? The U.S. has a fee-for-service system—paying medical providers piecemeal for appointments, surgery, and the like. That can lead to unneeded treatment that doesn’t reliably improve a patient’s health. Says Gerard Anderson, a professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health who studies health insurance worldwide, “More care does not necessarily mean better care.”
The Hardest Call
Posted December 19th, 2009 by sdybiec
December 19, 2009
Here are three opinion pieces from liberal and conservative voices: two in favor of the health care legislation and one against -- but barely against.
The moment Ted Kennedy would not want to lose
By Victoria Reggie Kennedy
 |
My late husband, Ted Kennedy, was passionate about health-care reform. It was the cause of his life. He believed that health care for all our citizens was a fundamental right, not a privilege, and that this year the stars -- and competing interests -- were finally aligned to allow our nation to move forward with fundamental reform. He believed that health-care reform was essential to the financial stability of our nation's working families and of our economy as a whole.
Read more here.
The Hardest Call
By David Brooks
The first reason to support the Senate health care bill is that it would provide insurance to 30 million more Americans.
The second reason to support the bill is that its authors took the deficit issue seriously. Compared with, say, the prescription drug benefit from a few years ago, this bill is a model of fiscal rectitude. It spends a lot of money to cover the uninsured, but to help pay for it, it also includes serious Medicare cuts and whopping tax increases — the tax on high-cost insurance plans alone will raise $1.3 trillion in the second decade.
Read more here.
Pass the Bill
By Paul Krugman
A message to progressives: By all means, hang Senator Joe Lieberman in effigy. Declare that you’re disappointed in and/or disgusted with President Obama. Demand a change in Senate rules that, combined with the Republican strategy of total obstructionism, are in the process of making America ungovernable.
But meanwhile, pass the health care bill.
Read more here.
Maddow: Public Option Dying Because Of Dems' Political Collapse
Posted August 18th, 2009 by sdybiecThe Democrats' collapse of political will has Maddow outraged. She makes one of the strongest 8-minute cases for health care reform yet.
"Make me do it" was the advice of Franklin Delano Roosevelt to reformers when faced with legislation he desired but did not have the votes for in Congress.
Of all people, President Obama respects and understands the power of grassroots organizing. It's not enough to trust that he will follow through on his promises, we have to be in a position to insist that he does.
Rally for Comprehensive Health Care ReformThis Saturday
Posted July 23rd, 2009 by PathadlerJoin UAPA this Saturday at the State House!
Join up with AFSCME and other partners this Saturday as we call on members of the Ohio Congressional delegation to support HR 3200, America's Affordable Health Choices Act as it comes to a vote in the House of Representatives next week.
Saturday, July 25, 2009, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Ohio State House North Plaza
(Broad Street between High and Third)
Rallly Partners Include Progress Ohio, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Council 8, Ohio Civil Service Employees Association (OCSEA), Ohio Association of Public School Employees (OAPSE), and AFSCME Retirees Chapter 1184.
For more information, contact Aryeh Alex at aalex@afsmce.org, or 513.478.5928
Ohioans call on Representatives Driehaus, Space, Boccieri and Tiberi to vote yes on HR 3200, America's Affordable Health Choices Act. The bill is a uniquely American solution to the health care crisis. HR 3200 includes the choice of a public health insurance plan that will compete with private insurance companies to keep them honest and lower costs.
The Tiller Murder Wasn't a Lone Killer's Sick Plot; It Came Out of the Radical Anti-Abortion Movement
Posted June 2nd, 2009 by PathadlerBy Jill Filipovic
Alternet.org
Posted June 2, 2009
George Tiller, a Kansas physician, was shot to death in church on Sunday. He was one of only a handful of doctors in the United States providing late-term therapeutic abortions for women in need -- women whose pregnancies threatened their lives or their health, and women who learned that they were carrying fetuses with severe abnormalities. Women traveled across the country to see Tiller when their own physicians and local medical providers couldn't help them. For many women, Tiller was, as one of his patients put it, "the one shining light in the worst week of my life".
He was also a major lightening-rod in the abortion wars. Anti-choicers harassed his patients, day in and day out. They bombed his clinic. They shot him once before. They filed lawsuit after lawsuit and even convinced local prosecutors to launch criminal investigations and trials (none were successful). They published his home address and the full names of his family members on their websites. They posted information about anyone who did business with him, from where he got his coffee to where he did his dry cleaning.
They had him and his staff wearing bullet-proof vests to work every day. Tiller drove an armored car and protected his home with a state-of-the-art security system. And, to better enable stalking and harassment, they posted his daily comings and goings -- including the fact that he attended services every Sunday at Reformation Lutheran Church, the place where he was ultimately shot and killed.
Read the rest of the story here.
Celeste to discuss autism insurance bill
Posted March 4th, 2009 by gmcluckieThe Autism Speaks student chapter at The Ohio State University will host Rep. Ted Celeste and advocate Doug Krinksy for a discussion of a bill to ensure insurance coverage for autism and a review of autism advocacy in Columbus. The meeting will be held Friday, March 6, at 5 p.m. in 167 Campbell Hall, 1787 Neil Ave., on the Columbus campus. HB 8 would require private health insurance companies to cover the screening, diagnosis, testing and treatment of autism. The meeting is open and free to the public. Public parking is available after 4 p.m. at the Neil Avenue garage, accessible from Neil Avenue just north of 12th Avenue.
Contact: Jessica Beauvais,Jbeauvais@ehe.osu.edu
