but, my response became so longgg, I decided to post it, instead.
Yesterday — in a late posting in buhdy’s thread, I stated some afterthoughts — see here, as well as having expressed some thoughts earlier here.
I called nine Congressional reps, basically, to see where they were at on single-payer [deliberately] and a “what if” there is no public option — and I stated how I felt about the WHOLE thing and what, I assumed, were the sentiments of not just me, but many, many Americans. The true, true, “progressives” were unabashed at stating their positions, i.e., would not vote for any bill without a strong public option and, in addition, are strongly in support of H.R. 676 (Conyers & Kucinich single-payer plan). Then, there were those that simply wanted to wait until they heard what Obama had to say, some even saying they’d go “his way,” and, then, there were those who stated they wanted a “strong public option” but would not commit to a “what if.” One or two were not “progressives,” as I was trying to get a kind of “sampling,” so to speak. (FYI, calls I made were to Congresspersons, Jackson (IL), Rush (IL), Markey, Matsui, Thompson, Davis (IL), Wexler (FL), Schakowsky (IL) and I kept notes.)
Please note: That in my approach to these “critters,” I simply stated that I wanted to know the view of the Congressman on this and that — after I heard whatever I heard is when I laid out my sentiments and facts.
Please note, too: I think there may be some in the Progressive Caucus who merely want to “appear” as being progressive, but not much stronger than a regular Dem.
So, thanks, budhy, for bringing this up — I REALLY THINK IT IS ENTIRELY UP TO US. And I think the “Mad as Hell Doctors” are leading US into a good thing, as well — they have launched and are now reporting. They are receiving around 500 or more visitors at each place they’ve stopped at so far — and that’s only about three right now, and they’re receiving very good newspaper coverage.
I think we all know that the healthcare reform is a “pivotal” point in our society and it’s history. So far, I would imagine we are a laughing stock among those Western industrialized nations who have had government healthcare for many, many years — but, I would imagine that they cry for us at the same time. I’m sure it’s very hard for them to imagine a society so calloused as to let people DIE, literally, for want of no healthcare coverage, or being cut off for being VERY ill.
Reflecting! I think it’s this kind of social lack of morality in our society that is the core reason for the basic unhappiness (and illness) in Americans, despite all their material goods that they may have — feeling never satisfied. And, of course, now most of us are down to the basics of life. But it’s that “lack” socially that also creates numerous illnesses, not just physical: rampant crime from the top on down, an indescribable “aching” in our hearts, which, in turn, creates “illness” and a kind of “senselessness” created thereby, IOW, if you run out of money, you’re the same as dead. Having to be watchful of what our government does with our monies and our wishes also contributes to varying types of illnesses. These are the kinds of things that “gnaw” at us as human beings/Americans. All of these sub-conscience “workings” play havoc with us. We do not have happy lives, despite our “trappings.” Americans have even reached the point that they’re afraid to take “real” vacations, and most only taking a few days here or there. Why? Fear of losing their jobs! Fear of depleting what little money they may have garnered and so on. Sad, sad, sad. So, I think each of us try to find little “tiny” ways to carve out a measure of “happiness” — that which no one can take away from us.
Where is the LOVE?