I wanted to shared with you the comments I added to the Change.org letter to my senators that I just sent. It's a nice tool, and you can see who has been contacted and what's been said. After you sign the petition, they give you the direct phone numbers for your senators, and it's easy to just call right then and there. So those of you with senators who aren't likely to vote your way, do take the time to let them hear from you.
Sent letter to Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss, with my comment framed from a business standpoint...below the fold.
"Making denial of pre-existing conditions against the law will make preventive care and early detection a smart business decision for insurance companies. It will also alleviate healthcare providers of the burden of having to fight insurance companies for appropriate patient care. A strong basic-coverage public option choice will lead to an improved array of insurance products for citizens and businesses to choose from and ensure healthy competition and innovation. Most importantly, our businesses won't have an excuse for outsourcing jobs to countries where they do not have to provide their employees' healthcare. We need this NOW, not years from now. The lifeblood of our nation depends on it."
My only regret is that I said "won't have an excuse for outsourcing" instead of "won't need to outsource" there at the end.
When I called Isakson's office, I concluded my call by saying my sister (who was standing there yelling at me to say it) was a Republican but has changed to Independent because she's been so disgusted with our senators here in Georgia. I said I didn't hold out much hope for Saxby Chambliss doing what we want and need him to do, but that Senator Isakson "is a smart man, so I have some hope that he'll do the right thing for the American people."
When I called Chambliss, I said "I know Senator Chambliss is not going to represent my interests; he never has before. All I ask is that he not be obstructive, that he get out of the way so the work can get done on healthcare reform. I would be thrilled if he would support President Obama's plan for healthcare reform, because our nation really needs it, but I know THAT'S not likely to happen!"
Both of the staffers giggled a little when I said what I said. I hope that's a good sign.