This is the week!
The Weiner Amendment for Single Payer is expected to go to a floor vote in the House of Representatives on Thursday, October 15.
Please--get busy, get to the phone, and call on your Representative to support single payer. Thanks for all you've done to date... now, we are coming down to the wire!
The Weiner Amendment substitutes a single payer bill for the complicated and fiscally unsustainable legislation being considered by the House. For information on the current single payer bill, HR 676, see this page on Rep. John Conyers's website. Rep. Conyers is the primary sponsor of HR 676, which currently has 88 co-sponsors. Rep. Joe Baca (CA-43) signed up last week, so it is not too late to ask your representative to co-sponsor too!
Don't just get mad that the health [sic] care industry has spent $380 million-plus on lobbying and advertising in just the last few months.... or that the Senate Finance Committee bill was written by a former Wellpoint V.P., now Baucus' principle staffer on health care reform... or that a recent study documented that more than 44,000 Americans die each year for lack of insurance.
Get busy!
* Call your representative and ask that he or she vote to support the Weiner Amendment.
* Ask your rep to also support the Kucinich amendment so state governments can create their own single payer programs.
* On the Senate side, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) will introduce two single-payer amendments to the Senate health care bill. One to create a national single-payer plan, the other to allow states to adopt single-payer. Your senators need to hear from you as well. Call them now!
* Finally, forward this email. Tell everyone on your lists to let their voices be heard before it's too late.
As Leonard Rodberg has written, we're being presented with a false choice. Some Democrats and pundits claim we need to pass a plan--any plan--to avoid a Gingrich-style House takeover next year. But the plan, he writes, "is a DOG... Relatively few people will benefit from it, while everyone who has to use health care will continue to experience the mess that is, and will continue to be, the American health care system."
As long as money drives politics, politicians will follow the lead of donors, not voters. As long as health care is a for-profit business for investors, premiums will rise and insurers will cherry-pick the healthiest and wealthiest subscribers.
We say health care is a right and our government should respond to our call for a health care system that respects the people's right to decent, affordable care. We demand single payer, the real cure for ailing health care and a damaged democracy.
Make your call today! Thank you!
As a member or supporter of the Alliance for Democracy, you'll receive a monthly e-mail newsletter to update you on our work and alert you to ways you can act to support it. We will also send you periodic "Action Alerts" that pertain to our campaigns and those of allied groups.
The Alliance for Democracy
PO Box 540115, Waltham, MA 02454
781-894-1179 * JOIN www.thealliancefordemocracy.org
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Support Relief for Earthquakes & Tsunamis in Indonesia & Pacific
According to estimates, the most recent earthquake in Indonesia killed upward of 500, and the number is expected to rise. In addition, tens of thousands were forced to leave their homes.
Support relief efforts in Asia and the Pacific. »
Take Action!
Because of the back-to-back emergencies, there's been a significant strain on resources and humanitarian assistance groups need your support.
Their relief and recovery efforts will need to take into account the immediate needs of the children and families affected along with long-term effects of the disasters, including health risks posed by contaminated water, poor nutrition, and psychosocial trauma.
Every day 24,000 children die of preventable causes -- let's make sure these emergencies don't further compound the tragedy of these unnecessary deaths. Pledge to support the humanitarian aid agencies helping the people affected by the spate of natural disasters in Asia and the Pacific. »
Thanks for taking action!
Samer
ThePetitionSite
Support Relief Efforts in Asia and the Pacific
Back-toback emergencies have devastated several parts of the Asia-Pacific region.
Take Action!
Support relief efforts in Asia and the Pacific. »
Take Action!
Because of the back-to-back emergencies, there's been a significant strain on resources and humanitarian assistance groups need your support.
Their relief and recovery efforts will need to take into account the immediate needs of the children and families affected along with long-term effects of the disasters, including health risks posed by contaminated water, poor nutrition, and psychosocial trauma.
Every day 24,000 children die of preventable causes -- let's make sure these emergencies don't further compound the tragedy of these unnecessary deaths. Pledge to support the humanitarian aid agencies helping the people affected by the spate of natural disasters in Asia and the Pacific. »
Thanks for taking action!
Samer
ThePetitionSite
Support Relief Efforts in Asia and the Pacific
Back-toback emergencies have devastated several parts of the Asia-Pacific region.
Take Action!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Discover How You Can INSTANTLY Win 97% Of Your Sports Bets:NFL,MLB,NHL,NBA
Discover How You Can INSTANTLY Win 97% Of Your Sports Bets Using My Proven Sports Betting System!"
Finally... Cornell University PhD Graduate Spills the Beans on the Explosive System He Uses to Make Over $70,000 Every Week Betting On Sports
(No Sports Knowledge Or Betting Experience Needed!)
Real RESULTS! Check out the results from just one of my Sportsbook accounts... In just ONE month of 2009 alone I've banked in $90,710.15 from my online sportsbook. Proof below!SportBettingChamp.com
Cornell University PhD graduate John Morrison at SportBettingChamp.com has discovered a spectacular sports betting system that he has used to produce an astonishing 97% winning rate on all of his sports bets. For the first time ever, John has made his revolutionary sports betting system available to a limited number of individuals.
You can now gain access to the same betting system that has netted him over $2,745,000 over the years. Here’s a look at John’s incredible win-loss betting record since 2003:
NBA Basketball:
2003-04 season: 68 wins – 2 Losses
2004-05 season: 71 wins – 3 Losses
2005-06 season: 66 wins – 2 Losses
2007-08 season: 80 wins – 1 Loss
2008-09 season: 78 wins – 0 Losses
MLB Baseball:
2004 season: 33 wins – 0 Losses
2005 season: 45 wins – 0 Losses
2006 season: 38 wins – 1 Loss
2007 season: 35 wins – 0 Losses
2008 season: 43 wins – 0 Losses
That’s an accumulated record of 557 wins and 9 losses over the last 5 years of betting
John has now finally broken the silence on his ingenious sports betting system. Along with the red-hot system, John will also provide you with a lifetime of free picks, an unheard-of deposit bonus offer, a "No Ifs, Ands, or Buts Personal Guarantee" as well as a dose of other splendid incentives. Head on over to SportBettingChamp.com today to take a look at this limited time offer while it’s still available.
Finally... Cornell University PhD Graduate Spills the Beans on the Explosive System He Uses to Make Over $70,000 Every Week Betting On Sports
(No Sports Knowledge Or Betting Experience Needed!)
Real RESULTS! Check out the results from just one of my Sportsbook accounts... In just ONE month of 2009 alone I've banked in $90,710.15 from my online sportsbook. Proof below!SportBettingChamp.com
Cornell University PhD graduate John Morrison at SportBettingChamp.com has discovered a spectacular sports betting system that he has used to produce an astonishing 97% winning rate on all of his sports bets. For the first time ever, John has made his revolutionary sports betting system available to a limited number of individuals.
You can now gain access to the same betting system that has netted him over $2,745,000 over the years. Here’s a look at John’s incredible win-loss betting record since 2003:
NBA Basketball:
2003-04 season: 68 wins – 2 Losses
2004-05 season: 71 wins – 3 Losses
2005-06 season: 66 wins – 2 Losses
2007-08 season: 80 wins – 1 Loss
2008-09 season: 78 wins – 0 Losses
MLB Baseball:
2004 season: 33 wins – 0 Losses
2005 season: 45 wins – 0 Losses
2006 season: 38 wins – 1 Loss
2007 season: 35 wins – 0 Losses
2008 season: 43 wins – 0 Losses
That’s an accumulated record of 557 wins and 9 losses over the last 5 years of betting
John has now finally broken the silence on his ingenious sports betting system. Along with the red-hot system, John will also provide you with a lifetime of free picks, an unheard-of deposit bonus offer, a "No Ifs, Ands, or Buts Personal Guarantee" as well as a dose of other splendid incentives. Head on over to SportBettingChamp.com today to take a look at this limited time offer while it’s still available.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
North Bridge Alliance for Democracy
Please forward widely!
Date and place set for local member meeting,
but we need a time, and you!
At the last North Bridge Alliance for Democracy/BCA meeting we set a date for our regional member meeting. It will be held on Sunday, November 8, at Mary and Bob White's house, 221 Monsen Road, Concord. Mark your calendars!
Now we'd like your feedback on what time you'd like to get together. Plan on three to four hours for a meeting, pot-luck meal, and some socializing. Would your ideal start time be 3 p.m. or 5 p.m.? Later? Please email Barbara in the AfD office (afd@thealliancefordemocracy.org) with your preference, and with any questions. We'll try to accomodate as many people as possible!
As you remember, this summer, AfD national members voted to give the National Council the option of organizing decentralized local or regional member meetings as an alternative to a single, centralized national convention. Members agreed that local meetings would be more accessible and environmentally responsible, and several are planned so far. For times and places of other regional or local member meetings, see this post on the Alliance for Democracy blog: http://afd-e-news.blogspot.com/2009/09/latest-on-our-regional-meetings-october.html. Check back to see report-backs through October and November.
We hope to see you on the 8th! More information on agendas & speakers coming soon!
Upcoming Events:
Thursday, October 8, 7 p.m.
Friends of Ashland Public Library Documentary Film & Discussion Series presents "Money-Driven Medicine"
Ashland Public Library, 66 Front Street, Ashland
In Money-Driven Medicine, Dr. Donald Berwick, president of the Institute for Health Care Improvement, explains: "We get more care, but not better care." Our fee-for-service system channels resources into the high-tech, high-cost "rescue care" patients need after they become critically ill, while it skimps on the preventive primary care which could keep them out of the hospital in the first place. As a consequence, emergency rooms overflow while family practitioners are becoming an endangered species. Medical students explain that these perverse pay incentives drive them away from primary care into higher-paying specialties.
Medical ethicist Larry Churchill doesn't mince words: "The current medical care system is not designed to meet the health needs of the population. It is designed to protect the interests of insurance companies, pharmaceutical firms, and to a certain extent organized medicine. It is designed to turn a profit. It is designed to meet the needs of the people in power."
Learn more about the "medical-industrial complex" and how to take control of American medicine back from profiteers. Universal coverage is just the first step in a long and arduous battle for comprehensive reform!
Sunday, October 18, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
2009 Massachusetts Relocalization Conference
Reggie Lewis Center, 1350 Tremont Street, Roxbury, MA
A day-long conference on relocalization featuring speakers, workshops, discussion, local food, music and action. Speakers include Mel King, Frances Moore Lappe, and Bill McKibben. Alliance members are organizing and facilitating a workshop on democracy and localization. Pre-registration strongly recommended; register online at www.relocalizemassachusetts.org
Date and place set for local member meeting,
but we need a time, and you!
At the last North Bridge Alliance for Democracy/BCA meeting we set a date for our regional member meeting. It will be held on Sunday, November 8, at Mary and Bob White's house, 221 Monsen Road, Concord. Mark your calendars!
Now we'd like your feedback on what time you'd like to get together. Plan on three to four hours for a meeting, pot-luck meal, and some socializing. Would your ideal start time be 3 p.m. or 5 p.m.? Later? Please email Barbara in the AfD office (afd@thealliancefordemocracy.org) with your preference, and with any questions. We'll try to accomodate as many people as possible!
As you remember, this summer, AfD national members voted to give the National Council the option of organizing decentralized local or regional member meetings as an alternative to a single, centralized national convention. Members agreed that local meetings would be more accessible and environmentally responsible, and several are planned so far. For times and places of other regional or local member meetings, see this post on the Alliance for Democracy blog: http://afd-e-news.blogspot.com/2009/09/latest-on-our-regional-meetings-october.html. Check back to see report-backs through October and November.
We hope to see you on the 8th! More information on agendas & speakers coming soon!
Upcoming Events:
Thursday, October 8, 7 p.m.
Friends of Ashland Public Library Documentary Film & Discussion Series presents "Money-Driven Medicine"
Ashland Public Library, 66 Front Street, Ashland
In Money-Driven Medicine, Dr. Donald Berwick, president of the Institute for Health Care Improvement, explains: "We get more care, but not better care." Our fee-for-service system channels resources into the high-tech, high-cost "rescue care" patients need after they become critically ill, while it skimps on the preventive primary care which could keep them out of the hospital in the first place. As a consequence, emergency rooms overflow while family practitioners are becoming an endangered species. Medical students explain that these perverse pay incentives drive them away from primary care into higher-paying specialties.
Medical ethicist Larry Churchill doesn't mince words: "The current medical care system is not designed to meet the health needs of the population. It is designed to protect the interests of insurance companies, pharmaceutical firms, and to a certain extent organized medicine. It is designed to turn a profit. It is designed to meet the needs of the people in power."
Learn more about the "medical-industrial complex" and how to take control of American medicine back from profiteers. Universal coverage is just the first step in a long and arduous battle for comprehensive reform!
Sunday, October 18, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
2009 Massachusetts Relocalization Conference
Reggie Lewis Center, 1350 Tremont Street, Roxbury, MA
A day-long conference on relocalization featuring speakers, workshops, discussion, local food, music and action. Speakers include Mel King, Frances Moore Lappe, and Bill McKibben. Alliance members are organizing and facilitating a workshop on democracy and localization. Pre-registration strongly recommended; register online at www.relocalizemassachusetts.org
Monday, October 5, 2009
Tell the FDA to stop cattle companies from feeding chicken waste to cows.
Did you know that cattle are routinely fed the waste from the floor of commercial chicken houses? That's feces, feathers, spilled feed, straw, dirt and anything else on the floor under the cramped birds.
Tell the FDA that we don't want cows eating chicken feces! »
Tell the FDA you want this practice to stop.
Chicken farmers have more chicken waste than they know what to do with. And cattle feedlots are always on the lookout for cheap feed. In fact, an estimated one billion pounds of chicken waste are shoveled in front of cattle on feedlots each year.
The practice of feeding chicken waste to cattle is both disgusting and unsafe. It must end.
Tell the FDA to stop cattle companies from feeding chicken waste to cows. »
Tell the FDA you want this practice to stop.
Thanks for taking action!
Samer
ThePetitionSite
Stop Feeding
Chicken Waste to Cows!
Tell the FDA you want this practice to stop.
Take Action!
Forward to a friend >>
Read the petition >>
Tell the FDA you want this practice to stop.
Tell the FDA that we don't want cows eating chicken feces! »
Tell the FDA you want this practice to stop.
Chicken farmers have more chicken waste than they know what to do with. And cattle feedlots are always on the lookout for cheap feed. In fact, an estimated one billion pounds of chicken waste are shoveled in front of cattle on feedlots each year.
The practice of feeding chicken waste to cattle is both disgusting and unsafe. It must end.
Tell the FDA to stop cattle companies from feeding chicken waste to cows. »
Tell the FDA you want this practice to stop.
Thanks for taking action!
Samer
ThePetitionSite
Stop Feeding
Chicken Waste to Cows!
Tell the FDA you want this practice to stop.
Take Action!
Forward to a friend >>
Read the petition >>
Tell the FDA you want this practice to stop.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Single-Payer Now
Max Baucus. Know the name? Max Baucus is the Democratic senator from Montana, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and Public Health Enemy Number One in Congress.
How so, you ask? Well, all health care reform legislation this year will go through Max Baucus. And Max Baucus has taken single-payer - also known as Medicare-for-all - off the table.
Six people huddling under a large umbrella that represents universal, single-payer health care.Support Public Citizen today!
This is unacceptable. Single-payer is not just the best answer - it's the only answer.
That's why Public Citizen is working to pass single-payer health care reform and needs your immediate help.
Please make a generous contribution today.
Contribute Now
Every other proposal now being floated in Washington is mere piecemeal tinkering and will fail. The American people get this. According to recent polls, the majority of Americans - and the majority of doctors - want a single-payer health care system in the United States.
Over the past two election cycles, Max Baucus has received more campaign contributions from the health insurance and pharmaceutical corporations than any other current Democratic member of the House or Senate. Big Corporate Money issues the order: "Take single-payer off the table." And Max Baucus takes single-payer off the table.
So, it has come down to this: the American people versus the health insurance and drug corporations. That's why Public Citizen needs your immediate help to fight for single-payer, Medicare-for-all health care reform.
Contribute Now
There is no legitimate opposition to single-payer. That's why corporate interests can't argue the facts against single-payer. Instead, they say it's not politically feasible. Translation: The drug and health insurance companies have a stranglehold on Congress.
So, what are we going to do about it? The momentum is building for single-payer in the United States. But time is of the essence. Every day, roughly 100 Americans die from lack of health insurance. Every day, hundreds go bankrupt from medical bills.
This is a disgrace that must end. Now.
Contribute Now
Now is the time. Push has come to shove on health care. Help us muscle up to defeat the health insurance industry. To defeat the drug industry. And to deliver universal health care-single-payer, everybody in, nobody out-to the American people.
Contribute Now
Onward to single-payer!
Robert Weissman
President, Public Citizen
president@citizen.org
Stay informed and speak out when it counts.Sign up for the Public Citizen Action Network or other online announcements.
How so, you ask? Well, all health care reform legislation this year will go through Max Baucus. And Max Baucus has taken single-payer - also known as Medicare-for-all - off the table.
Six people huddling under a large umbrella that represents universal, single-payer health care.Support Public Citizen today!
This is unacceptable. Single-payer is not just the best answer - it's the only answer.
That's why Public Citizen is working to pass single-payer health care reform and needs your immediate help.
Please make a generous contribution today.
Contribute Now
Every other proposal now being floated in Washington is mere piecemeal tinkering and will fail. The American people get this. According to recent polls, the majority of Americans - and the majority of doctors - want a single-payer health care system in the United States.
Over the past two election cycles, Max Baucus has received more campaign contributions from the health insurance and pharmaceutical corporations than any other current Democratic member of the House or Senate. Big Corporate Money issues the order: "Take single-payer off the table." And Max Baucus takes single-payer off the table.
So, it has come down to this: the American people versus the health insurance and drug corporations. That's why Public Citizen needs your immediate help to fight for single-payer, Medicare-for-all health care reform.
Contribute Now
There is no legitimate opposition to single-payer. That's why corporate interests can't argue the facts against single-payer. Instead, they say it's not politically feasible. Translation: The drug and health insurance companies have a stranglehold on Congress.
So, what are we going to do about it? The momentum is building for single-payer in the United States. But time is of the essence. Every day, roughly 100 Americans die from lack of health insurance. Every day, hundreds go bankrupt from medical bills.
This is a disgrace that must end. Now.
Contribute Now
Now is the time. Push has come to shove on health care. Help us muscle up to defeat the health insurance industry. To defeat the drug industry. And to deliver universal health care-single-payer, everybody in, nobody out-to the American people.
Contribute Now
Onward to single-payer!
Robert Weissman
President, Public Citizen
president@citizen.org
Stay informed and speak out when it counts.Sign up for the Public Citizen Action Network or other online announcements.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Say no to unlimited corporate $$$ in #politics!
Staging a funeral for U.S. democracy. Picketing a member of Congress' local office. Holding a satirical "Corporations Are People Too" demonstration at state capitol. These are just a few of the inspiring protest ideas we've heard activists like you are planning for tomorrow. It's not too late to ask your friends to pledge to protest and organize a street action -- or protest in whatever way you're able!
A corporate titan driving a giant steamroller that is about to crush the U.S. Capitol building, showing corporate influence in elections.
Don't Get Rolled!www.DontGetRolled.org
Tomorrow, on 9/9/09, the Supreme Court begins hearing re-arguments in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission at 10 a.m. As you've heard from us, what is at stake is more than one hundred years of limits on corporate influence in our political system. A bad decision in this case could open the floodgates of corporate money in our elections.
Corporations already have outsized influence over our political process. Corporations are not voters and should not be allowed to roll over the public interest with their economic interests! In fact, this is settled law. But, the Supreme Court is going out of its way -- holding a special session tomorrow -- to revisit the rights of corporations to spend from their treasuries to influence our elections.
That's why we need you to protest and help us show that Americans want less corporate influence -- not more!
Please visit www.DontGetRolled.org to sign our protest petition and learn more about what others have pledged to do tomorrow.
We look forward to making a lot of noise with you! Please send us your photos, videos and stories to share at action@citizen.org.
Thank you for all you do!
Rick, Angela and Glenn
Your Advocates at Public Citizendonate
action@citizen.org
P.S.: Keep spreading the word on Twitter: RT @Public_Citizen: Say no to unlimited corporate $$$ in #politics! Sign the petition & pledge to protest Sept 9 on www.DontGetRolled.org. And visit us on Facebook.
A corporate titan driving a giant steamroller that is about to crush the U.S. Capitol building, showing corporate influence in elections.
Don't Get Rolled!www.DontGetRolled.org
Tomorrow, on 9/9/09, the Supreme Court begins hearing re-arguments in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission at 10 a.m. As you've heard from us, what is at stake is more than one hundred years of limits on corporate influence in our political system. A bad decision in this case could open the floodgates of corporate money in our elections.
Corporations already have outsized influence over our political process. Corporations are not voters and should not be allowed to roll over the public interest with their economic interests! In fact, this is settled law. But, the Supreme Court is going out of its way -- holding a special session tomorrow -- to revisit the rights of corporations to spend from their treasuries to influence our elections.
That's why we need you to protest and help us show that Americans want less corporate influence -- not more!
Please visit www.DontGetRolled.org to sign our protest petition and learn more about what others have pledged to do tomorrow.
We look forward to making a lot of noise with you! Please send us your photos, videos and stories to share at action@citizen.org.
Thank you for all you do!
Rick, Angela and Glenn
Your Advocates at Public Citizendonate
action@citizen.org
P.S.: Keep spreading the word on Twitter: RT @Public_Citizen: Say no to unlimited corporate $$$ in #politics! Sign the petition & pledge to protest Sept 9 on www.DontGetRolled.org. And visit us on Facebook.
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