Part 2 of "Contact Reid/Baucus day". July 22, 2009

[PretzelWarrior]

Yesterday I said I was trying to gain support for a "Contact Reid/Baucus" day on July 22, 2009 which is right at a week from now. I am hoping to post at least once a day about it to build up support for this and hopefully get others calling these two gentlemen on that day.

Here is "Organizing for America" web page devoted to the many ways you can call your friends and neighbors about supporting a legitimate health care reform bill. It includes ways to write letters to editor of newspapers, contact congress, etc.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/health-care-action-center/?source=feature

Here is contact information for Max Baucus:

Max Baucus Phone [phone]

Max Baucus Fax [phone]

Here is contact information for Harry Reid:

Harry Reid Phone [phone]

Harry Reid Fax [phone]

Important points about calling these senators' offices that I reworked from the information on the "Organizing for America" website:

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Be polite, respectful and clear.
Introduce yourself to whoever answers the phone and let them know you are aware of their leadership roles in the health care debate.

Tell them you are calling to say that you strongly support President Obama’s three principles for health care reform in 2009. Congress must pass a plan that reduces costs, guarantees choice – including the choice of a robust public insurance option – and ensures quality care for every American.

Ask if Reid/Baucus also supports these three principles. And ask that they take the lead in fighting entrenched and wealthy interests who wish to see meaningful health care watered down or doomed.

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Please let me know your thoughts on this, and any suggestions you have.

My original post from yesterday is here:

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/PretzelWarrior/14

[PretzelWarrior]

1. it's amazing how NON INTERESTING real activism is to a lot here

if it's about linking some sensational article, people are all for it. But if it has to do with taking action....people just let it go. I find that interesting.

Since I wrote this update I've been emailing and otherwise contacting media about this effort.

If you feel this effort is flawed in some way or could be improved, I'd really like to know.

[Atticus]

2. Thank you.

I will call and e-mail (again). I share your amazement at the lack of enthusiasm here for actually DOING SOMETHING. I am half a continent away and (fortunately) working full time, but would gladly drive all night to help clog up the Mall some Saturday. Mid-September sounds about right that leaves enough time for MoveOn or DU or SOMEONE with an existing organization to get the permits (or not) and put out the call.

Let's do it.

[PretzelWarrior]

3. I am thinking of going to D.C. to take my daughter there

and possibly meet my parents up there. We'd do the nation's history tour and such, but if we can pull off a major demonstration, that would be awesome. I will keep my eyes open and ear to the ground for what is happening in the near future.

I just did my first round of emailing a bunch of media. I need to go see if Frenchie Cat or some spot on DU has a current list of media activism emails, etc.