I stood on stage today behind President Obama in Strongsville Ohio while he made the case in this final week before passing health care reform. (My sister was also on stage to his right.) And I am definitely willing to stand by him for remainder of this term and the next. He deserves the support for what has been accomplished and he deserves to be given the support and the time he needs in order to accomplish more. Below the fold is local video of the event today and a reminder of the immediate benefits of the health reform bill. Also a correction to Michael Moore mistatement on Countdown.
After coming on stage with a wave and a smile President Obama was in fighting mode. Several people commented that he looked younger and skinnier. It was clear that he was making his case not just to us but to to Congressman Kucinich who was in the crowd. At one point an audience member hollered. "Vote Yes !" President Obama asked the person to repeat his statement for Kucinich. At another point when discussing wavering congressional reps, an audience member yelled, "Have Courage !" The President repeated the phrase looking directly at Kucinich and pointing. Here is great local video with a tally of the local vote count, including the fact that Kucinich is now not talking, so is possibly a maybe?? Local video in Obama Strongsville
President Obama made the case for the immediate help this bill will bring millions of Americans when it is passd. I think alot of people don't realize the immediate benefits, (including Michael Moore who said on Countdown tonight that insurance for those with pre-existing conditions won't be immediately available. He was wrong. See number one.) Immediate Health Reform Benefits
- Access to Affordable Coverage for the Uninsured with Pre-existing Conditions
- Access to Quality Care for Vulnerable Populations
- No Pre-existing Coverage Exclusions for Children
- Re-insurance for Retiree Health Benefit Plans
- Closing the Coverage Gap in the Medicare (Part D) Drug Benefit
- Small Business Tax Credits
- Ensuring Value for Premium Payments
- Patient Protections
- Extension of Dependent Coverage for Young Adults
- Free Prevention Benefits
- No Lifetime Limits on Coverage
- Protection from Rescissions of Existing Coverage
- Prohibits Discrimination Based on Salary
- Public Access to Comparable Information on Insurance Options
- Health Insurance Consumer Information
It is not logical to say that this health care reform bill is not good enough so we should pass nothing. If we do nothing the system will not stay the same it will get much worse. If on the other hand we pass this health care reform bill, we will begin providing stable, affordable health care coverage all Americans. We will save lives.