United for Health Insurance Reform

From every corner in Connecticut, organizations, unions, faith community, private citizens, community activists, leaders and elected officials are joining together to send a clear message to our Congressional leaders to take back to Washington: Affordable, Quality health care for all Americans with a strong public option.

American Assoc. for Justice Report: 10 Worst Insurance Companies for Consumers

The American Association for Justice recently released a report entitled, “10 Worst Insurance Companies for Consumers.” The report goes beyond health insurance coverage and takes an in depth look at the insurance industry as a whole. The findings show how an industry that no doubt began as a means to provide a service, centering on consumer protection, for a fee in a free market society, has run amok. The focus has drastically shifted from the consumer to profits for the industry — especially for share holders and CEOs — at all costs.

Take Back the Debate on Health Reform

Everyday, whether in our email in box, or on television, we are bombarded with negative rhetoric — some quite offensive — against health insurance reform. The attacks are relentless. If you have health insurance — the President’s plan is going to reduce your benefits, make you pay for those who do not have insurance, and you will eventually have to go to a public health assistance plan. If you are a small business, the President’s plan is going to tax you into non-existence. If you are a veteran, you are going to loose your health care benefits. If you are terminally ill or elderly, the President’s plan is going to end your life. And on and on and on.

Something Worth Forwarding – Facts About Health Insurance Reform

A message from David Axelrod, The White House, that is critical in debunking the lies and hate being spun. The goal is to get this out to as many people as possible. Cut and past this message in an email and send it out far and wide.

8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage

1. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history.

Take Action on Health Care Insurance Reform

No doubt, some of the town hall meetings that have been taking place across the country have folks quite concerned. I have heard from those who are concerned about attending large gatherings for fear of having meetings turned into shouting matches and even violence. Let’s not be deterred from our course. Let’s not be intimidated by what is taking place in other states. Here’s a recap of the most recent town hall meeting with Congressman Joe Courtney.

Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing: Truth + Value vs. Lies + Hate

Some folks may remember the incredible duo of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell that for two years (1967-1969) delighted us with their soulful tunes, especially “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”

The 1960′s are often referred to as radical, tumultuous, chaotic. It was a time of change in all aspects of life, beginning with an inner revolution to remove those things that were holding us back and lacked humanity. We cried out for “the real thing” and there was “no mountain high enough” to keep us from achieving racial and gender equality, freedom of speech and press, the right to assemble, equal pay, the right to equal and quality education (segregated schools continued in parts of the south right up to 1972), preserving our planet, and seek love not war.

Standing Up for Justice Starts at Home

While at our annual (since the 1960′s) family reunion, I took the opportunity to speak about health care. I thought to myself that this would be a great time to do so, especially since there are representatives of 105 families. I waited patiently for a chance to speak at our annual business meeting. Finally, the president said “any new business?” That was my queue. I sprang from my seat, clad in a bright red T-shirt with a large yellow circle that boldly proclaimed, “Health care for everyone,” and my Obama button, and proudly bounded up onto the stage.

Right-Wing Harassment Strategy Against Dems Detailed In Memo: ‘Yell,’ ‘Stand Up And Shout Out,’ ‘Rattle Him’

We cannot afford to sit on the side line and allow those who do not want this country to succeed deter us from our course. Now that the House/Senate is in recess, there is an effort to derail the President’s call for health care reform by delay and disruption tactics.

Normally, the recess in Washington offers lawmakers an opportunity to reach out to their constituents in their home states and discuss with them issues of importance. It is also a time that ordinary people have an opportunity to constructively interact with their elected leaders and ask questions, provide feedback and more.

Keith Olbermann to Expose Congressional Opponents of Universal Health Care Tonight 8/4/2009

First, join OFC teleconference @ 8:45PM (get details here), then watch Keith Olbermann’s show tonight @10PM. According to Michael Moore, Keith Olbermann will expose those Congressional opponents of universal health care. Here’s a message from Moore’s web site:

We’ve just received an advance transcript of tonight’s Special Comment by Keith Olbermann on his MSNBC show. It is nothing short of brilliant — and if all of America were to hear what he is going to reveal tonight, we are certain the vast

Moyer Interview with Former Cigna Exec. Wendell Potter

Bill Moyer, a journalist, interviewed Wendell Potter, a former Executive with Cigna, one of the larger health insurance companies. After a successful career, Potter resigned under amicable circumstances from Cigna. Currently, however, he and is now talking about what goes on behind the scenes in many large insurance companies that charge ever increasing high rates for insurance coverage. They can decide whether or not to cover any illnesses they want, depending on what it costs them and, as I suspect, how much money they can make.