Would you be willing to participate in mass demonstrations for national healthcare?

[boobooday]

I was just reading a thread posted by a member of DU who is in dire medical straits and like so many of our fellow citizens has no health insurance.

Our healthcare system sucks, and we all know why: the profit motive.

Michael Moore is coming out with a new movie about this national nightmare. The timing is opportune, and action on this issue is long overdue.

I'm just wondering what people think about a mass movement -- the American people tell pollsters over and over again that this issue is a priority and our legislators do nothing because of the power of profits.

Pharmaceutical companies and insurance companies profit from the suffering of poor Americans, all Americans, and gouge them for necessary medications and treatments. Then they act like WE are the ones who are irresponsible, and they act like we would ABUSE a national health care system by getting extra mammograms or colonoscopys or something, as if it is some sort of luxury treat we could overindulge in.

I would be willing to try to organize a demonstration in my community for better health care. Would others be willing to hit the streets on this issue? Do you think the American people could be motivated to demonstrate in large numbers for this? Could we stage sick-ins at the offices of our senators and congresspersons?

I participate(d) in many anti-war demonstrations, and here is an issue that is most likely costing as many American lives per day as Bush's heinous war, not to mention that so many of our soldiers come back in desperate need of health care, and are treated to the same boot in the face as the rest of us.

Now is the time, I think! What do you think? What if we organized something to coincide with the opening of Moore's film?

[boobooday]

1. Hmmmm . . . chirp . . . chirp

I guess not.

:shrug:

[spoony]

2. Yes, k and r

It's terrible that a country with as much money as we have lets people literally die in the streets.

[boobooday]

3. Thanks! I think we really could get people in the streets over this one

We should be able to raise a public ruckus about more than war, as important as that is!

I think it is all related. They aren't listening.

It's a national shame.

[antigop]

4. I have tried to get people in my neck of the woods to do this. I think it's time. n/t

[Bigmack]

5. Those antiwar demonstrations...

we participated in really changed some minds and policies, huh? :sarcasm: Oh, well... count me in again.

[sandnsea]

6. Yes

I will try and organize Oregon, if we get a national date. Maybe we could have sick people tell their stories in front of local hospitals and clinics. Maybe some sort of symbolism that would portray how people can't get into health facilities.

[boobooday]

10. The premiere of MM's movie is probably coming up too fast

June, yes?

I like your idea of holding 'citizen press conferences' in front of the facilities!

Maybe we could get MM to help publicize it!

[sandnsea]

16. Citizen Press Conferences

I put it up there so others can see it and maybe get inspired. Yes, that's the idea. The day of the premiere is perfect. Definitely should do it.

[boobooday]

18. Citizen Press Conferences!

We need to start calling these all the time!!!!

I am a media geek, and my motto is SEIZE THE TOOLS. I think this should be a series on YouTube. Just statements from ordinary people, but edited and polished to give them the same 'technical' credibility as anyone.

I am getting ready to move to Florida, and I am so excited because I've hooked up with this awesome disabled/lesbian/gay theater company. They are amazing, and do delightful things with very little in the way of resources. I could start with them!

[sandnsea]

19. That would be good

I've been thinking we need a coordinated effort to "invade" red areas. These press conferences would be a good way to start. I think we need something to the point. Part of how we lose people is being theatrical when we shouldn't, which offends people. They did a casket protest here a few years ago. I didn't know it was considered disrespectful to protest on Memorial Day. So while it was good theatre, we probably alienated the people we were trying to attract. I think we need to consider that sort of thing, where possible. I also think there are some internet tv type websites. I've got to go out, but I'll see what I can find later. Also, MadFloridian is good for activism in Florida. She annoys me sometimes, but you can't say she isn't relentless!

[bobbolink]

21. Could be a very good idea. I'd like to see some stratergerizing.

We tend to rely on things we've always done, and don't often stop to reconsider what would be most effective.

Sounds like you're very exciting about this prospect, and that is usually one good clue that it's worth working on!

However, there are probably lots of other workable and exciting ideas, if we could all take some time to brain storm.

Thanks for bringing this up! :bounce:

[sandnsea]

38. Sicko Opens June 29

So we need to move this forward if we're going to do it. A DUer who will be followed, needs to lead. That's not me. You might have better luck. If you want to be that person, I'll PM a few people and see if we can't get organizing support going.

[StarryNite]

41. I love the YouTube idea!

Get it going and the sooner the better. :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[uppityperson]

7. Yes. The system is broken and will get worse unless we fix it.

[Doremus]

8. Count me in. SiCKO is going to do a LOT to bring this to center stage. nt

[boobooday]

11. Yes! Now is the time

I'm going to write to MM and see if he wants to help publicize. If he were to show up at one of these demonstrations, perhaps we could get some coverage in the MSM (Mostly Sicko Media)

[EFerrari]

9. I'm in.

[Vinca]

12. Yes, I would be willing, although my lack of health insurance

has prevented me from getting a muscular injury treated and I might show up hobbling. I'm very grateful Michael Moore's focus was on the insured rather than the uninsured. So many people live in a fool's paradise thinking they're covered . . . until something happens. That's when they wake up and appreciate the plight of the uninsured.

[boobooday]

13. Yes, and many people have insurance that isn't nearly enough

And the people who need it most are the least likely to get it.

I hope you are feeling better soon!

[SoCalDem]

14. Sure...BUT nothing will ever happen until

$50K & uppers LOSE their coverage, or it becomes too expensive for THEM..

Poor people/sick people have no political clout, and have little energy tpo fight for this..and the politicians have primo care..and the super rich have more than enough to cover all bases..

The mushy middle is paying through the nose or going without, because they are an isolated group..

Until employers say..NO MORE health care at all, nothing will be done to get us national healthcare..and even when that happens, the fact that we are not able to identify citizens will preclude it too.

Once the boomers ahev all died, things should ease up..so y'a;; might just have to wait for us to die:(

[boobooday]

15. I have a friend who is a multi-millionaire

He can't get health insurance, and he has been very ill. Even with his income (he gets as much per month as I get for about three or four months) his health care bills are putting the pinch on him, as he is bedridden and requires home health care. And of course, insurance companies won't sell health insurance to sick people.

I think you are on to something with the employers too. We really have to point out how good national health care would be for small businesses and all businesses.

[bobbolink]

23. Sadly, I think you're right. Our will to affect change has suffered greatly.

I worked hard for months with an organization working on Universal Health Care. People wanted to gripe and have someone listen to their sad stories, but they didn't want to actually DO anything about it.

:shrug:

One person can't make it happen, so unless/until CROWDS of people decide it's important enough, and not just for them, but for OTHERS, it won't happen.

I understand that Moore wanted to get away from the sob stories, and stir up action. I sure hope he has more luck with it than I've had!

I wish you weren't right. :(

[porphyrian]

17. I'm not convinced it would matter one damn bit.

Unless, that is, you are happy doing it just for yourself, or to meet like-minded people. I think every single American could show up outside of the White House and the news wouldn't cover it and no one in government would do anything differently.

[nadinbrzezinski]

20. Yes been clamoring to the sky that we need single

heatlh payer system

[BlooInBloo]

22. Sure. It might be most effective after a bit of momentum has been built via Sicko.

[bobbolink]

24. Can't we get more recommends for this important topic????!!!

Pleeeeeez?

[BlooInBloo]

30. Done.

[sandnsea]

40. We need a new thread

Community Press Conferences to Coincide with Sicko Opening

Or something with some zzziing, hehe,

Can't recommend this thread anymore.

[proud2BlibKansan]

25. As soon as the war is over

[LWolf]

26. Yes, and more:

I'd not only participate in mass demonstrations,

I will continue to fully support the Democrat who actually put universal, single-payer, not-for-profit health CARE into his platform.

[etherealtruth]

27. Yes!

Make that an emphatic Y-E-S

[FloridaJudy]

28. Absolutely!

This is my own pet political issue. I'm a nurse, and I've been screaming my head off over it for years.

If anyone has any ideas on how to get single-payer comprehensive coverage to this country - so that we join the civilized world - please count me in.

[The Backlash Cometh]

29. Should that take precedence over marches to end the war?

[motocicleta]

31. Absolutely

Frankly, I am damn well ready for mass demonstrations on a variety of topics: Iraq, 9/11 truth, climate change, colony collapse disorder, you name it, I'll protest. This shit is getting ridiculous.

[Jim Lane]

32. It really needs a national, UFPJ-type organization

K&R, but, realistically, a few people on a DU thread can't organize something that would have a national impact.

UFPJ includes a diversity of groups (religious, labor, etc.), and brings together antiwar activists who often disagree on other issues. A similar umbrella organization could do a lot to push universal health care.

[sandnsea]

39. You underestimate exactly who is at DU

And how much of the UFPJ type organizing has taken place here.

[DU GrovelBot]

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[Zoigal]

34. Absolutely

with bells on

[shenmue]

35. Yes

I would.

[brer cat]

36. YES!

Sadly the poor are ignored by politicians and media, but lack of affordable health care is no longer just an issue for the poor. As more and more middle class Americans find themselves shut out or with only minimal care, the tide will have to turn. Maybe the timing is right now with Moore's film coming out.

Thank you for this important post!

[bobbolink]

37. We poor folk aren't just ignored by politicians and media... we are ignored by our "fellow liberals"

IF there was a hue and cry about health care, about poverty, it *wouldn't* be ignored!!

If only liberals could understand what it feels like to be shoved under a rug like this!!

Yes, it's TIME for the muddleclass to experience the same sad shit. You are right... we've lost our humanity to the point where only when people experience it themselves, are they able to empathize.

INhuman.

[saras]

42. Absolutely NOT! I've BEEN in mass demonstrations, and...

that's why I NEED health care.

There's a lot of things I will do, and have done, to get a better health care system but mass demonstrations (i.e. large public gatherings) have

A. effectively been demonized by the media - they no longer get effective publicity
B. been used as experimental situations for weapons and toxins - do YOU want to test the military's new microwave pain beam?
C. been used to target people for harassment in jobs, credit, etc.
D. resulting in mass beatings, gassings, etc. of innocents in the neighborhoods AS WELL as actual demonstrators and reporters.

now if the demonstration was a MASS CORPORATE STRIKE, I might have a different opinion.

What if one day, or once a week, or every day, no one supported any American institutions that supported corporate profiteering in health care. They can't fire that many people without replacements, and our systems can't handle that many people missing. Ther is, after all, a reason much of the world uses this technique, and a reason the media pretty much blacks it out.

If the DEMOCRATIC PARTY would organize it, maybe we'd get somewhere real.