Next week the fate of the public option will essentially be determined. The leadership of the Progressive Caucus intends to do a "whip count" to find out which members intend to stand firm in opposition to any bill that doesn't include a public option. Democrats hold 256 seats in Congress and need 218 to pass a bill. Assuming all Republicans vote nay, if 39 of the progressives below take a stand and vote together, they will block legislation that is nothing more than a gift to private insurance companies. After all, shares of U.S. health insurers rose this past Thursday after President Obama gave his speech. In addition to this, a UnitedHealth lobbyist recently announced a fundraiser for Nancy Pelosi after she appeared open to compromise on the public option. The level of corporate welfare is sickening, and it's up to the Progressive Caucus to take a stand once and for all.
None of these members are in danger of losing their seats. They are very popular in their home districts. Moreover, a strong majority of their constituents want them to demand the public option.
Please call or write to as many of these members as you can. Ask them to take a stand and continue to oppose any legislation that doesn't include a public option. Tell them we can't sacrifice real reform to appease a few conservative Democrats. Tell them their adamant defense of the public option will answer a broader question: will progressives continue to give into Blue Dogs and allow them to compromise ideals of the Democratic Party? Oh, and make sure to indicate a trigger is unacceptable.
If we can't save the public option, it will be a permanent victory for our immoral health insurance industry. Ask these Progressives to continue the fight. It will make all the difference.