As reported by Sally Swisher.

Single-payer advocate and major Healthcare reform spokesman, Rep. Anthony Weiner, along with Rep. Yvette Clarke of Brooklyn, met with and listened to their constituents this past Sunday, Jan. 24.  People had a lot to say – but the Reps also had important information about what can be done from here.  Both said that they can’t vote for the Senate Bill as it is, which caused a lot of controversy because many people were anxious that the Democrats pass something right away.  People did not want Pres. Obama and the Democrats to fail to deliver on the issue, and be seen as powerless.  Many also felt that the current bill would offer at least some improvement, which would be better than nothing.
 
Rep. Weiner offered an alternative strategy.  He felt that the House should pass an amendment to the Senate bill that would improve the deficient parts of it – one that could be passed by reconciliation in the Senate, (only requiring 51 votes:  50 Senators plus VP Joe Biden).  After the Senate passes that bill, the House could pass the original Senate bill – leaving us with healthcare reform to send to the President.  He felt that this strategy could work – but that, once again, it needs visible support from the people.
 
So we need to call, email & fax our Representatives, our Senators AND the White House.   And we need to contact our friends and relations in other states and ask them to do the same.  Echo Ed Schultz  and tell our Democratic representatives – especially the President - “We’re with you, but you’ve got to be with us!”  Tell them to pass an amendment in the House, and then in the Senate (by less than 60 votes) to give us:
 
1.     A public option – There must be competition for the private insurance industry
2.     Fair financing – Don’t pay for health care with a tax on health benefits.
3.     No new restrictions on reproductive healthcare – Expand healthcare access, don’t restrict it.
4.     A health insurance industry subject to anti-trust laws – Why should they be exempt?
5.     States that can enact single-payer for themselves – Why shouldn’t we have that right?
6.     Fair tax treatment for same-sex partners and other beneficiaries – Won’t we stand for equality?

Then, and only then, should the House pass the Senate bill.
 
Let the President know that this is what you want before the State of the Union tomorrow night, Wednesday, Jan. 27.
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