Single Payer

Are we just plain stupid, or what?

My 94-year-old father-in-law nearly died last night.

To put things in perspective, Pop has generally enjoyed good health and is one of those people who loves living life. He sleeps a lot, of course, and between naps he eats and takes walks down his farmhouse lane in Rising Sun, Maryland. His farm, 200 years old, is a Nottingham Lot of some historical interest.

Two days ago, Pop came down with a fever. After much deliberation and the visit of a doctor who makes house calls, he was taken by ambulance to the local hospital where he was diagnosed with pneumonia and severe dehydration. He is still there, in a private room because he is contagious.

We almost said "no" to the doctor's hospital recommendation. At 94, Pop has lived life to its fullest and loves being at home. But he was in pain, and not quite ready for hospice. So off the hospital he went.

Reading the grounds on which the attorneys general of states with Tea Party and fringe GOP right-wing leanings intend to sue heartens me. If they were to prevail on the grounds that people should not be forced to buy private insurance, then clearly the only alternative would be an expansion of Medicare and Medicaid and the public option. So let them have at it!

please see my following response to President Barack Obama. I'd love to hear what you think. Imagine having a governor who fights to put in single-payer healthcare! Imagine the example that Minnesota could provide for the other 49 states? In my 23 years in the state senate, I've fought for healthcare for all. As the prime sponsor of the Minnesota Health Plan, I've helped organize over 1/3rd of the legislature to co-sponsor the bill.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Thanks,

John Marty
Candidate for Governor

p.s. Please visit our brand new website at http://www.johnmarty.org

Single Payer Solution for Obama
by Senator John Marty
January 29, 2010

"If anyone...has a better approach that will bring down premiums, bring down the deficit, cover the uninsured, strengthen Medicare for seniors, and stop insurance company abuses, let me know."

-- State of the Union
January 27, 2010

Late late notice, but for all NC health care reform advocates, this alert was posted in a comment on Daily Kos regarding a Anti-Health Care rally today (August 3) in Winston-Salem. Below is information about a counter-rally organized by supporters of health care reform.

Details and link:

"Anti-health care Congresswoman Virginia Foxx is scheduled to appear at an anti-health care reform rally TODAY at the Golden Corral at Hanes Mall in Winston-Salem. This event has been announced by the local Republican Party and Patients First.

Supporters of health care reform are invited to meet at 11 a.m. TODAY in the parking area across from Olive Garden at Hanes Mall (near the Golden Corral). From there, it will be a five-minute walk to three good legal picket location options.

Participants are encouraged to bring signs with slogans like the following:
Health Care Reform Now!
We Support President Obama!
Foxx Does NOT Speak for Me!

Crossposted from Left Toon Lane & My Left Wing


click to enlarge

Another reason to ditch the For Profit Medical System that we have now....