The Official President Barack Obama Fansite

President Obama On the Passage of Health Reform

Parakalo — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 11:45:00 GMT

March 21, 2010 — President Obama speaks moments after the historic passage by the House of Representatives of the Senate's health reform legislation.

Will you add your name?

Parakalo — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 11:37:00 GMT

Obama Fan Club --

President Barack Obama will soon sign comprehensive health care reform into law. A century-long fight will finally be won.

As the President wrote last night, it was you who made this improbable victory possible. It was volunteers knocking on doors, talking to neighbors, and proving once again that Americans, standing together, can change the course of a nation.

Supporters like us now have a chance to add our names as "Co-signers" of this historic legislation -- adding our names next to President Obama's to show our pride in helping to bring about this great achievement.

Organizing for America will establish a permanent archive with all the signatures, so that generations to come will have a record of those who stood together in this moment and won this fight for our future. And I will personally present all the names we collect to the President. Will you add your name?

This is the most significant domestic achievement in decades. And this movement of Americans, committed to improving their country, made it possible.

We turned out for that first cold morning in Springfield, for the canvasses in New Hampshire, for the phone banks in Iowa. We kept fighting when no one gave us a chance and the cynics told us we were clinging to a false hope.

We organized for health reform. We spread the facts on doorsteps, in town halls, and through millions of conversations. Your voice rang through the halls of Congress and filled the pages of local newspapers.

It took many months and tremendous resolve, but we built a national network of support so strong that when the deceptive attack ads choked the airwaves and the pundits declared our effort defeated -- we had what it took to fight our way back.

And we won: the toughest insurance regulations in history, affordable coverage for 32 million without it, relief from skyrocketing costs for small business owners and from rising deficits for our children.

That's the story of how change really happens. And now, hundreds of millions will have better lives because of it.

It's rare to be part of something so meaningful that will help change the course of history. But you are.

Please consider adding your name as co-signer today to commemorate your efforts:

http://my.barackobama.com/Cosign

Thank you,

David Plouffe

Thank you, Obama Fan Club

Parakalo — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:29:00 GMT

Obama Fan Club --

For the first time in our nation's history, Congress has passed comprehensive health care reform. America waited a hundred years and fought for decades to reach this moment. Tonight, thanks to you, we are finally here.

Consider the staggering scope of what you have just accomplished:

Because of you, every American will finally be guaranteed high quality, affordable health care coverage.

Every American will be covered under the toughest patient protections in history. Arbitrary premium hikes, insurance cancellations, and discrimination against pre-existing conditions will now be gone forever.

And we'll finally start reducing the cost of care -- creating millions of jobs, preventing families and businesses from plunging into bankruptcy, and removing over a trillion dollars of debt from the backs of our children.

But the victory that matters most tonight goes beyond the laws and far past the numbers.

It is the peace of mind enjoyed by every American, no longer one injury or illness away from catastrophe.

It is the workers and entrepreneurs who are now freed to pursue their slice of the American dream without fear of losing coverage or facing a crippling bill.

And it is the immeasurable joy of families in every part of this great nation, living happier, healthier lives together because they can finally receive the vital care they need.

This is what change looks like.

My gratitude tonight is profound. I am thankful for those in past generations whose heroic efforts brought this great goal within reach for our times. I am thankful for the members of Congress whose months of effort and brave votes made it possible to take this final step. But most of all, I am thankful for you.

This day is not the end of this journey. Much hard work remains, and we have a solemn responsibility to do it right. But we can face that work together with the confidence of those who have moved mountains.

Our journey began three years ago, driven by a shared belief that fundamental change is indeed still possible. We have worked hard together every day since to deliver on that belief.

We have shared moments of tremendous hope, and we've faced setbacks and doubt. We have all been forced to ask if our politics had simply become too polarized and too short-sighted to meet the pressing challenges of our time. This struggle became a test of whether the American people could still rally together when the cause was right -- and actually create the change we believe in.

Tonight, thanks to your mighty efforts, the answer is indisputable: Yes we can.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

Today: Chicago calling for reform

Parakalo — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 12:52:00 GMT

Obama Fan Club -

Today, we can extend coverage to millions. We can end insurance-company abuses forever. We can finally give Americans control over their own health care.

But we can't take anything for granted. The vote in the House is just hours from now and could still go either way. It's up to every American who believes in reform to call our representatives and speak up -- right now.

So, if you haven't yet, please pick up the phone and call Rep. Davis's office at (202) 225-5006. And afterward, or if you've called already, make it your mission today to get 5 friends or neighbors to call, too.

Forward this email widely. Save the Congressional switchboard number -- (202) 224-3121 -- in your cell phone, and then hand your phone to a friend, a co-worker, a family member.Capitol Hill offices are open and accepting calls.

Call the folks you know who share our vision for change, and let them know that today is their chance -- our chance -- to not just witness history, but to make it.

Thanks for being there for every step of this final march for reform. And thanks for making it possible.

Mitch

Tomorrow: Health reform rally in Schaumburg

Parakalo — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 12:50:00 GMT

Obama Fan Club --

Tomorrow morning, Saturday, March 20th, OFA supporters will be rallying in support of health insurance reform outside of Congresswoman Melissa Bean's office in Schaumburg.

Opponents of reform will be out in force. And with a vote in the House of Representatives expected on Sunday, we need to show that Illinoisans support the President's proposal and will fight for members of Congress who support reform.

Can you join us? Please RSVP now. Here are the details:

What: Rally for Health Reform

Where: Congresswoman Melissa Bean's District Office
1701 East Woodfield Rd.
Schaumburg, IL 60173

When: Saturday, March 20th
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Please RSVP here:

http://il.barackobama.com/SchaumburgHIR

Thanks,

Dave

Dave Seman
Illinois State Director
Organizing for America

P.S. -- There are several Final March for Health Reform phone banks in the Chicago area over the next couple of days. Please find and RSVP for one here:

http://il.barackobama.com/ChicagoHIR

Urgent: Need 3,382 calls from Chicago

Parakalo — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 12:42:00 GMT

Obama Fan Club --

This is it: After months of hard work, the final vote on health reform in the House of Representatives is expected Sunday. It's a chance to make history and finally give Americans control over their own health care -- but it's shaping up to be incredibly close, and every member of Congress will play a critical role.

So we're aiming for 3,382 calls to Rep. Davis from Chicago before offices close this evening. Whether you've called your representative before or haven't yet spoken out on health reform, it's now time to raise your voice.

Your representative, Rep. Danny Davis, has stood with the President and fought for reform since last year. But with special interests attacking anyone who pushes for change, it's important for voters in your district to call and say "thank you for fighting for reform."

As an active constituent, your voice has particular weight with your representative -- so all those who share our commitment to reform are depending on you to speak up. According to our records, you live in Illinois's 7th congressional district.

Please call Rep. Davis's office at (202) 225-5006 right now -- and then click here to let us know so we can track our progress.

After a century of false starts and a year of grueling negotiations, we may be just hours away from real health insurance reform in America.

But if we fail, our next chance may not come for a generation.

You make the call.

Dial Rep. Davis's office at (202) 225-5006 right away. Folks across the country will be calling, so if you get a busy signal, please try again.

http://my.barackobama.com/FinalMarchCalls

Let's win this thing,

David Plouffe

Tell Rep. Davis who you're fighting for

Parakalo — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 12:37:00 GMT

Obama Fan Club --

"I'm here for Natoma."

That's what President Obama wrote us yesterday about Natoma Canfield, an Ohio woman whose story helped inspire the President and the nation to keep fighting for reform.

As we speak, each member of Congress is preparing to cast their last vote on health reform, while insurance-company lobbyists bombard D.C. with a million-dollar-a-day campaign of distortions and threats. To break through in these final moments, we must show Congress why we'll never forget the choice they make: Because we're fighting for the people who matter most in our lives.

So today, we've launched a new tool to help OFA supporters show Congress the names of the people who drive us to support reform. It might be a sick father. Maybe it's a friend who lost her job. Or maybe it's a daughter who simply deserves to grow up knowing that affordable care is always within reach. Whoever you know that's inspired you to fight for reform, the time to act is now.

Our voice is strongest when we speak out together, so we're aiming to send 1691 messages from Chicago to Representative Davis today. Submitting your letter takes just a moment -- please click here to join in.

Representative Davis has stood with the President and fought for reform since the very beginning. And as the insurance companies launch their desperate attacks, a message about why you're fighting too -- combined with your thanks and knowing that you stand with them -- will offer extra inspiration to carry this fight to the finish.

As the President reminded us, reform is not just about helping those who struggle today -- it's about making sure that no American is ever just one job loss, accident, or illness away from going without the care they require. That's why we're committed to reform that ends insurance-company abuses, guarantees affordable choices, and brings down costs.

But it all depends on the upcoming vote in the House of Representatives -- and with just a day or two left, it's still too close to call.

Our new online tool makes it easy to tell Rep. Davis who you're fighting for, and you can even submit a quick photo to drive the message home. Your words and images will be sent straight to your representative, and they'll be visible to every member of Congress before the final vote is cast.

Together, we can send a unique message, powerful enough to break through when it matters the most.

http://my.barackobama.com/DayNine

Thanks for making it possible,

Natalie

Natalie Foster
New Media Director

Tell Rep. Johnson who you're fighting for

Parakalo — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 12:28:00 GMT

Obama Fan Club --

"I'm here for Natoma."

That's what President Obama wrote us yesterday about Natoma Canfield, an Ohio woman whose story helped inspire the President and the nation to keep fighting for reform.

As we speak, each member of Congress is preparing to cast their last vote on health reform, while insurance-company lobbyists bombard D.C. with a million-dollar-a-day campaign of distortions and threats. To break through in these final moments, we must show Congress why we'll never forget the choice they make: Because we're fighting for the people who matter most in our lives.

So today, we've launched a new tool to help OFA supporters show Congress the names of the people who drive us to support reform. It might be a sick father. Maybe it's a friend who lost her job. Or maybe it's a daughter who simply deserves to grow up knowing that affordable care is always within reach. Whoever you know that's inspired you to fight for reform, the time to act is now.

Our voice is strongest when we speak out together, and submitting your letter takes just a moment -- please click here to join in.

Representative Johnson has not supported health reform efforts so far, but a message about why you're fighting could help provide the resolve to rise above partisan divides and do what's right for your district and the country.

As the President reminded us, reform is not just about helping those who struggle today -- it's about making sure that no American is ever just one job loss, accident, or illness away from going without the care they require. That's why we're committed to reform that ends insurance-company abuses, guarantees affordable choices, and brings down costs.

But it all depends on the upcoming vote in the House of Representatives -- and with just a day or two left, it's still too close to call.

Our new online tool makes it easy to tell Rep. Johnson who you're fighting for, and you can even submit a quick photo to drive the message home. Your words and images will be sent straight to your representative, and they'll be visible to every member of Congress before the final vote is cast.

Together, we can send a unique message, powerful enough to break through when it matters the most.

http://my.barackobama.com/DayNine

Thanks for making it possible,

Natalie

Natalie Foster
New Media Director

What you're doing is working

Parakalo — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 12:21:00 GMT

Obama Fan Club --

I wanted to take a moment to thank you directly for the outstanding work you've been doing as part of Organizing for America's Final March for Reform. I can tell you that your voice is heard in Washington every day. I see how your efforts are moving us toward victory.

But I also know that with just days remaining, the final vote is shaping up to be extremely close. Everything we've worked for is on the line, and your voice is needed now more than ever before.

Raise your voice today: We must all speak out together to finish the job.

In these final, crucial days, much more will be asked of us. Our resolve will be tested.

During moments like this, I believe it's important to remember why we have worked so hard for so long. That's why I spoke to the country Monday at a gathering in Ohio and said it plainly: I'm here for Natoma.

Natoma Canfield is like most of us: She works hard, and tries to do what's right. Years ago, she had battled back from cancer, so she always maintained health insurance in case she ever really needed it again. But because of her medical history, the insurance company kept raising her deductible and her premiums.

Last year alone, Natoma paid over $10,000 in monthly premiums and co-pays, while her insurance company chipped in just $900. And then they hiked up her rates another 40%. She simply couldn't afford it -- she had to cancel her policy. That's when she wrote to me. I read her letter, and shared her story with insurance company CEOs as another reason why the system has to change.

That was two weeks ago. Then, just last week, the unthinkable happened: Natoma collapsed, and was rushed to a hospital. It's leukemia -- the cancer has returned. Now she's in the hospital, worried sick not just about her condition, but how she'll financially survive.

So why am I still in this fight? Simple. I'm here for Natoma.

I'm here because of the countless others who have been denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions. I'm here for the small business owners forced to chose between health care and hiring. I'm here for the folks who are forced to watch helplessly as their premiums skyrocket with no reason or recourse.

And I'm here for my mother. She died of cancer, and in the last six months of her life, I saw her on the phone in her hospital room arguing with insurance companies instead of focusing on getting well and spending time with her family.

As I was finishing my remarks Monday, a woman in the crowd called out, "we need courage." She's right.

The politicians in Washington need courage to face down the powerful interests who have held back progress for far too long. And all of us who share this cause need courage to speak up with persistence and clarity in these final days.

I've always found that courage comes from remembering that we fight for something and someone beyond ourselves. It comes from our faith. And it comes from our commitment to those we love.

So please take a moment to remember those who inspire you -- those who give you the strength to march on.

There's very little time left, and still much to do. But I believe to my core in the power of Americans to change history when we put our mind to it. And if you'll stay with us in these final days, I know we can do it again:

http://my.barackobama.com/speakout

Thank you for making it possible,

President Barack Obama

Day 7: Call into swing districts

Parakalo — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 12:17:00 GMT

Obama Fan Club --

In 2008, voters in Illinois's 10th congressional district voted to send President Obama to Washington to fight for change -- including for desperately needed health insurance reform. They expected Republican Representative Mark Kirk to reach across the aisle to be a partner for change.

Unfortunately, last fall Rep. Kirk opposed reform and voted to let insurance companies continue jacking up premiums and denying care to sick people. But it's not too late for him to do the right thing.

The next make-or-break vote on reform is just a few days away, it's expected to be extremely close, and Rep. Kirk could be critical. So for Day 7 of the Final March for Reform, our plan is to reach out to voters in his district and ask them to call their representative to speak out for reform.

Using our easy online tool, we'll give you a list of friendly voters and tips on what to say. If we can help even a few of these folks call Rep. Kirk's office it could make a huge difference -- so please take a few minutes and get started now.

Our online Neighbor-to-Neighbor tool makes calling quick and easy. Once you log in (it only takes a few seconds) you'll get a list of like-minded voters in Rep. Kirk's district.

Our message is simple: Rep. Kirk can stand with Illinois families and businesses by casting a key "yes" vote or continue on the path of bitter partisanship and suffer at the polls in November.

Today, OFA supporters across the country are calling voters in similar districts as part of our Final March for Reform. It's not too late for Republican representatives to do the right thing for their districts and the nation -- we only hope they're willing to listen to their constituents.

After so many months of work, a final vote could come any day, and every vote in the House could tip the balance. Please don't wait -- call a few of these critical voters now:

http://my.barackobama.com/Day7

Thanks,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

P.S. -- Would you rather make these calls with other volunteers? This week, OFA supporters nationwide are hosting Final March for Reform events to reach out to voters in critical districts. You can find one in your area here:

http://my.barackobama.com/Day7RSVP

Day 6: Send letters to Congress

Parakalo — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 12:10:00 GMT

Obama Fan Club --

Great news: This weekend's events were a huge success. OFA volunteers all over the country helped tens of thousands of voters in key districts speak out for reform.

Phones have been ringing off the hook in Capitol Hill offices for days, but with everything on the line and so little time left, we have to bring our voice to Congress through every possible channel.

So today, OFA supporters are taking the next step in the Final March for Reform: Writing to Congress.Using our online tool, it just takes a few minutes to write and send your own letter directly to Rep. Timothy Johnson.

Right now, Congress is under attack from insurance lobbyists who are trying to drown us out, so can you help? Get started here.

In the days ahead, we'll keep you up-to-date on the latest news on health reform as it breaks -- so keep checking your email. But right now, please make sure supporters of reform in Congress continue to hear our thanks for their efforts -- and that everyone hears their constituents' overwhelming support for reform. Click here to write your letter:

http://my.barackobama.com/DaySix

Thanks for making it possible,

Addisu

Addisu Demissie
Political Director
Organizing for America

Tuesday: Support reform in Schaumburg

Parakalo — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 12:05:00 GMT

Obama Fan Club --

This Tuesday, March 16th, OFA supporters will be gathering to show their support for reform outside of Congresswoman Melissa Bean's Schaumburg office.

Opponents of reform will be out in force. So we need to show that Illinoisians support the President's proposal and will fight for members of Congress who support reform.

Can you join us? Please RSVP now. Here are the details:

What: Final March for Reform Office Visit

Where: Congresswoman Melissa Bean's Schaumburg Office
1701 East Woodfield Rd.
Suite 200
Schaumburg, IL 60173

When: Tuesday, March 16th
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Please RSVP here:

http://il.barackobama.com/SchaumburgHIR

Thanks,

Dave

Dave Seman
Illinois State Director
Organizing for America

Days 3-5: The voice of the people

Parakalo — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 12:01:00 GMT

Obama Fan Club --

The Final March for Reform is going strong -- yesterday, OFA supporters made the phones ring off the hook in Congressional offices on Capitol Hill and across the country. But for every member of Congress, there are eight anti-reform lobbyists swarming Capitol Hill -- and the upcoming vote is still too close to call.

So in these crucial, final days, we must make sure the voices of constituents break through the lobbyist attacks. And here's the plan to make it happen:

As the next step in the Final March for Reform, OFA supporters like you will be gathering at volunteer phone banks across the country. We'll be calling supportive voters in critical districts nationwide, asking them to reach out to their representatives and express their strong support for reform. A local OFA organizer will be on hand at every event, and no experience is required.

Here's how to join in: First, RSVP for an event near you -- there's one in Chicago, on March 17th. Before you go, make sure to invite friends to come with you, or help them find an event in their area on our website. Then join with local supporters at your event and reach out to as many voters as you can -- each call makes a vital difference.

RSVP here to get started. Here are the details for the event nearest you:

What: Final March for Reform Phone Bank

Where: 29 S LaSalle Suite 936
Chicago, IL 60603

When: Wednesday, March 17th
1:30 PM

Can't make it to that event in Chicago? Click here to search for other events near you.

As we speak, insurance-industry lobbyists are deploying from their emergency base at the D.C. Ritz-Carlton, banging down the door of every Congressional office on Capitol Hill to derail reform and preserve their ability to jack up premiums and deny care to those in need.

In the old Washington, that would have been an unstoppable barrage.

But thanks to your unprecedented organizing, the lobbyists have finally met their match: the American people.

So let's get out there, and make sure the people's voice is heard.

Please sign up to join the Final March for Reform event in Chicago, on March 17th:

http://my.barackobama.com/FinalMarch-RSVP

Let's finish this,

Jeremy

Jeremy Bird
Deputy Director
Organizing for America

Day 2: Call Rep. Johnson

Parakalo — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 11:57:00 GMT

Obama Fan Club --

President Obama has called for the House to vote to move health reform forward as soon as early as next week. Your representative, Rep. Timothy Johnson, voted last fall to allow insurance companies to continue to jack up rates, drop coverage when folks need it the most, and discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions.

Now, we're in the final march for reform and there's one last chance to do the right thing. Please call Rep. Johnson today and let them know there is a political price to favoring big insurance companies over the American people -- OFA supporters in Illinois have pledged 400,168 volunteer hours to fight for candidates who support reform.

According to our records, you live in Illinois's 15th congressional district. You can reach Rep. Johnson's Champaign office at (217) 403-4690. Please call now -- then click here to let us know you made a call.

(Not your representative? Click here to look yours up.)

We know the stakes: Coverage for millions of uninsured Americans. Ending insurance company abuses, like denying coverage to those with pre-existing conditions and drastically raising premiums. Reining in costs that are bankrupting families and crushing businesses. Putting life-and-death decisions in the hands of patients and doctors, not insurance company bureaucrats.

Everything we've worked for depends on winning this upcoming vote in the House of Representatives -- and it's going to be very, very close. If there was ever a time to pick up the phone and make a difference, that time has come.

Please call today:

http://my.barackobama.com/FinalMarchCall

Thanks for joining together for this Final March for Reform. Because of you, we're going to win this.

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

Day 2: Call Rep. Davis

Parakalo — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 11:53:00 GMT

Obama Fan Club --

President Obama has called for the House to vote to move health reform forward as early as next week. Your representative, Rep. Danny Davis, voted for reform last fall, and is a critical ally in our fight. But with insurance company lobbyists pulling out all the stops to block reform and smear its champions, we must speak up right away.

Please call Rep. Davis today to say "thank you" -- and to report that OFA supporters in Illinois have pledged 400,168 volunteer hours to back up members of Congress like yours who stand up for health reform.

According to our records, you live in Illinois's 7th congressional district. You can reach Rep. Davis's office at (202) 225-5006. Please call now -- then click here to let us know you made a call.

Day 1: Get the facts out

Parakalo — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 11:50:00 GMT

Obama Fan Club --

As the President has made clear, Americans deserve a final up-or-down vote on health reform. And the House is now expected to hold its final vote as soon as one week from today.

As we speak, insurance-industry lobbyists are gathering at the D.C. Ritz-Carlton to stage a last-minute blitz to block reform -- even as they jack up premiums by as much as 60% for small businesses and families across the country.

So starting today, we're launching an unprecedented week-long campaign sprint -- our "Final March for Reform." Each day until the vote, we'll feature a powerful new way for OFA supporters to speak out in our communities and weigh in directly with Congress.

Today, we'll start by spreading the facts about reform in our communities. Smears and falsehoods have clouded this debate -- Congress must understand that if they pass reform, their constituents will know the truth about what we've finally achieved. Click here to begin.

We've put together a simple summary of the President's proposal, a fact sheet to show friends and co-workers how the plan will specifically help them, posters to display, Facebook notes to post, and much more.

We're on the verge of solving a crisis that has vexed our nation for generations -- and eluded the best efforts of seven previous Presidents.

But our opponents will stop at nothing to distort the President's proposal and derail our progress. It may all come down to what we do together this week.

Today, it's time to show the insurance lobbyists that no smear campaign cooked up at a posh hotel can match the power of millions of regular citizens who are ready for change and committed to the truth.

Please join our truth squad -- and start spreading the facts today:

http://my.barackobama.com/DayOne

Thanks for making it possible,

David Plouffe

Creating New Jobs in a Clean Energy Economy

Parakalo — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 10:55:00 GMT

President Obama speaks on how encouraging a clean energy economy can create new jobs as he visits OPower, an Arlington, VA company that developers energy efficiency software. March 5, 2010.

Video: President Obama's message for OFA

Parakalo — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 10:27:00 GMT

Obama Fan Club --

After Wednesday's bold announcement on the path forward on health reform, President Obama recorded a message specifically for Organizing for America supporters.

I hope you'll watch it.

And once you watch, please add your name to the growing list of volunteers committing to working with the President during the final march for reform. Watch the video here:

http://my.barackobama.com/PresidentsMessage

Thanks,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

Fear, socialism, and Blackwater

Parakalo — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 10:24:00 GMT


	Obama Fan Club -- Yesterday, reporters exposed a confidential Republican National Committee fundraising proposal, uncovering their plan to run "an aggressive campaign capitalizing on 'fear' of President Barack Obama and a promise to 'save the country from trending toward socialism.'" The memo even included grotesque caricatures of Democratic leaders -- including Speaker Nancy Pelosi as Cruella De Vil and President Obama as the Joker from Batman. This is the GOP we're now up against: Desperate, shameless, and willing to deceptively play on the worst emotions of people to tear down the President. We're ready to go toe-to-toe with the GOP. We'll prove that this kind of politics is no match for real grassroots strength and a commitment to making America better -- but we need your help. Please donate $5 or more today to help us fight back. This past week has brought a barrage of outrageous news about Republican tactics. Politico is reporting that the same memo outlining their "fear" strategy indicated that the RNC is cynically seeking to further weaken campaign finance reform to up their cash intake. And National Journal, a Capitol Hill newspaper, found that Republicans are launching robocalls around the country calling health reform "dangerous." These calls are designed to poison the debate around health care at a critical moment -- and are happening right as they hit up insurance company executives for huge contributions. And to top it off, they're holding an upcoming fundraiser at a compound run by the controversial military contractor formerly known as Blackwater. Enough is enough. We are ready to fight back with rapid-response teams, truth-telling ads, and the best grassroots organizing anywhere. But we need your help to make it happen. Can you donate $5 or more to help out? https://my.democrats.org/HelpFightBack Thanks, Jen Jen O'Malley Dillon Executive Director Democratic National Committee

A final vote on health reform

Parakalo — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 10:20:00 GMT

Obama Fan Club --

Last Thursday's first-of-its-kind summit capped off a debate that has lasted nearly a year. Every idea has now been put on the table. Every argument has been made. Both parties agree that the status quo is unacceptable and gets more dire each day. Today, I want to state as clearly and forcefully as I know how: Now is the time to make a decision about the future of health care in America.

The final proposal I've put forward draws on the best ideas from all sides, including several put forward by Republicans at last week's summit. It will put Americans in charge of their own health care, ensuring that neither government nor insurance company bureaucrats can ration, deny, or put out of financial reach the care our families need and deserve.

I strongly believe that Congress now owes the American people a final vote on health care reform. Reform has already passed the House with bipartisan support and the Senate with a super-majority of sixty votes. Now it deserves the same kind of up-or-down vote that has been routinely used and has passed such landmark measures as welfare reform and both Bush tax cuts.

Earlier today, I asked leaders in both houses of Congress to finish their work and schedule a vote in the next few weeks. From now until then, I will do everything in my power to make the case for reform. And now, I'm asking you, the members of the Organizing for America community, to raise your voice and do the same.

The final march for reform has begun, and your participation is crucial. Please commit to join with me to take reform across the finish line.

Essentially, my proposal would change three things about the current health care system:

First, it would protect all Americans from the worst practices of insurance companies. Never again will the mother with breast cancer have her coverage revoked, see her premiums arbitrarily raised, or be forced to live in fear that a pre-existing condition will bar her from future coverage.

Second, my proposal would give individuals and small businesses the same choice of private health insurance that members of Congress get for themselves. And my proposal says that if you still can't afford the insurance in this new marketplace, we will offer you tax credits based on your income -- tax credits that add up to the largest middle class tax cut for health care in history.

Finally, my proposal would bring down the cost of health care for everyone -- families, businesses, and the federal government -- and bring down our deficit by as much as $1 trillion over the next two decades. These savings mean businesses small and large will finally be freed up to create jobs and increase wages. With costs currently skyrocketing, reform is vital to remaining economically strong in the years and decades to come.

In the few crucial weeks ahead, you can help make sure this proposal becomes law. Please sign up to join the Organizing for America campaign in the final march for reform:

http://my.barackobama.com/commit

When I talked about change on the campaign, this is what I was talking about: coming together to solve a huge problem that has been troubling America for 100 years and standing up to the special interests to deliver a brighter, smarter future for generations to come.

I look forward to signing this historic reform into law. And when I do, it will be because your organizing played an essential role in making change possible.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama