I had to go play the organ for a memorial service just as the news about the photos was coming out. By the time I got home, the news was all over the place. There was also an interesting email in my inbox.
The White House, Washington
Good afternoon,
You are receiving this email because you signed up at WhiteHouse.gov. My staff and I plan to use these messages as a way to directly communicate about important issues and opportunities, and today I have some encouraging updates about health care reform.
The use of the word "communicate" sounds like it might mean we’re going to talk and, you know, listen to each other.
The Vice President and I just met with leaders from the House of Representatives and received their commitment to pass a comprehensive health care reform bill by July 31.
We also have an unprecedented commitment from health care industry leaders, many of whom opposed health reform in the past. Monday, I met with some of these health care stakeholders, and they pledged to do their part to reduce the health care spending growth rate, saving more than two trillion dollars over the next ten years -- around $2,500 for each American family. Then on Tuesday, leaders from some of America's top companies came to the White House to showcase innovative ways to reduce health care costs by improving the health of their workers.
OK. I’m going to save $250 a year for ten years. That’s good. In fact, that will just about cover my yearly increases.
Now the House and Senate are beginning a critical debate that will determine the health of our nation's economy and its families. This process should be transparent and inclusive and its product must drive down costs, assure quality and affordable health care for everyone, and guarantee all of us a choice of doctors and plans.
Inclusive? So far, I am excluded. Single-payer is totally off the table, and even getting the public option is going to be a huge fight. Are we going to be including these things later or is it only those with the big bankrolls who get included?
Reforming health care should also involve you. Think of other people who may want to stay up to date on health care reform and other national issues and tell them to join us here:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/...
Uh, involvement usually implies some actual input or exchange of ideas. I’m rarely silent when I’m involved with something. Otherwise, we’re just talking about information. There are lots of links in this email. None of them allows me to write back.
Health care reform can't come soon enough. We spend more on health care than any country, but families continue to struggle with skyrocketing premiums and nearly 46 million are without insurance entirely. It is a priority for the American people and a pillar of the new foundation we are seeking to build for our economy.
We'll continue to keep you posted about this and other important issues.
I don’t want to be posted, damn it! I want to be included, consulted, respected. I want to see people who represent my ideas sitting at the table. I want them to articulate my opinions and concerns, and I want you and the Congress to friggin’ listen.
Thank you,
Barack Obama
P.S. If you'd like to get more in-depth information about health reform and how you can participate, be sure to visit http://www.HealthReform.gov.
I clicked on this link. I could not find single-payer or public option on either this page or the "Fact Sheet." That tells me everything I need to know - well, that and the fact that this email went out almost simultaneously with the announcement about the torture photos. Neither impresses me much...
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I have done all kinds of mental contortions trying to remain loyal and understanding. I want so much to be hopeful, to believe that the country will be set on the right course - and stay there. I know it's only been a short while and that things take time. I'll keep hoping and praying, but I'm old and tired and getting more cynical every day.