Unions seek a new definition of liberty – health care for all

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?news_6_4098

Unions seek a new definition of liberty – health care for all
By Barb Kucera, Workday editor
3 July 2009

ST. PAUL - When the founding fathers (and mothers) declared their goals of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” did they mean to include health care? This Fourth of July holiday, many unions and citizens are saying yes.
For the first time in 15 years, Congress is considering legislation to provide health care to all. President Obama and many elected officials back a plan that includes a public option to private insurance. But opponents, including some labor-backed Democrats, are trying to block that effort.

At events in Minnesota and across the country, people are telling their elected officials that it’s time to act.

An overflow crowd of more than 200 people spilled out into the hallway at a forum Wednesday held by Congressman Keith Ellison, DFL-5th District. A town hall meeting held that same night by Congresswoman Betty McCollum also drew a large crowd.

On Thursday, SEIU activists gathered at McCollum’s district office in St. Paul to present her with a “Healthcare Independence Flag,” featuring photos and quotes from members sick and tired of enduring abuse when they try to get health care.

“Today we declare independence from a health care system that isn’t working for too many workers. This year—2009—is the year we fix health care and make sure all Americans gain the freedom of knowing we have affordable, guaranteed health care,” said Maristella Chimbo, SEIU Local 26 member.

Nationally, the United Food & Commercial Workers is inviting people to emulate their counterparts in the American Revolution by “declaring independence from the tyrannical insurance industry and demanding the choice of a public health insurance option.” See the campaign website, http://ufcwaction.org/campaign/independenceday


SEIU members present the "Healthcare Independence Flag."

Photo by Rose Friedman

FULL story and more photos at link.

[Loge23]

1. We should be clear - the WH will sacrifice public option.

From the 07/07/09 WSJ: "White House Open to Deal on Public Health Plan"

First off, the SEIU is to be commended for their work!

But we should all know that a public option for health care is not a primary goal at this point. Instead, we will probably end up with a new shell game from the insurance cartel. Maybe rates will come down a bit in the short term. I predict a similar game as the oil industry has given us. Prices will come down - thereby releasing the opposition pressure - only to steadily rise again. This is a gold mine for insurers and they will not give it up. I'm not sure the link will work, but check out the article as you can.
It should be noted at the end of article that Rep. Charles Schumer (D-NY) is quoted "If it's not there on day one, those of us who support a public option have a real problem with it."


http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124692407982802911.html

WASHINGTON -- It is more important that health-care legislation inject stiff competition among insurance plans than it is for Congress to create a pure government-run option, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel said.

"The goal is to have a means and a mechanism to keep the private insurers honest," he said in an interview. "The goal is non-negotiable; the path is" negotiable.

President Barack Obama has campaigned vigorously for a full public option. But he's also said that he won't draw a "line in the sand" over this point. On Tuesday, the White House issued a statement reiterating his support for a public plan.

"I am pleased by the progress we're making on health care reform and still believe, as I've said before, that one of the best ways to bring down costs, provide more choices, and assure quality is a public option that will force the insurance companies to compete and keep them honest," the president said in the statement. "I look forward to a final product that achieves these very important goals."