The AMA came out with a letter in support of the President ahead of his speech to congress. In an "Open Letter to President Obama and Members of Congress," signed by the group's president, the AMA is urging Congress to reach a deal on health care reform.
This is vital because Boehner picked Rep. Charles Boustany of Louisiana, a cardiothoracic surgeon who said in a statement yesterday: "As a doctor, I know we must lower costs and improve care, which we can accomplish by focusing on strengthening the doctor-patient relationship and working in a bipartisan way."
Read letter Below
Open Letter to President Obama and Members of Congress
As our nation's elected leaders, you have an historic opportunity to improve the health and well-being of the American public.
On behalf of America's physicians and their patients, we strongly urge you to reach agreement this year on health system reforms that include the following seven critical elements:
Provide health insurance coverage for all Americans Enact insurance market reforms that expand choice of affordable coverage and eliminate denials for pre-existing conditions Assure that health care decisions are made by patients and their physicians, not by insurance companies or government officials Provide investments and incentives for quality improvement, prevention and wellness initiatives Repeal the Medicare physician payment formula that will trigger steep cuts and threaten seniors' access to care Implement medical liability reforms to reduce the cost of defensive medicine Streamline and standardize insurance claims processing requirements to eliminate unnecessary costs and administrative burdens The challenges in our health care system are many and complex.
Enactment of the above policies will create the foundation for a stronger, better performing health care system, improve access to affordable, high-quality care and reduce unnecessary costs. Further, those who are currently insured, including Medicare patients, and those who are uninsured will all benefit from greater security and stability.
The American Medical Association and our individual members are working hard to improve health care delivery and quality through a broad range of initiatives to promote best practices and reduce unnecessary costs.
We reaffirm our commitment to work with each of you to adopt and implement health system reforms that will benefit all Americans.
Sincerely
J. James Rohack MD
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com...
Meanwhile OFA is organising viewing parties for Obama's speech to congress. In an E-mail to supporters, Deputy Director Jeremy Bird said
"We've organized special watch parties that night for all Organizing for America supporters, their friends, neighbors, and families -- and a local volunteer has decided to host one in your area," Bird wrote. "We'll gather together to hear directly from the President. And after the speech, everyone at these parties will be able to take part in an important conference call with former Obama for America campaign manager David Plouffe about the work we'll still need to do to help pass real reform this year." "This is a great opportunity to interact with other supporters who share your passion for reform at this critical moment," Bird said. "And it's an even better time to bring along that friend or co-worker who has had questions about reform or has heard a lot of the misinformation -- on Wednesday night, they'll be able to hear the facts straight from the President."
After President Obama's speech to Congress Wednesday, he is planning a series of events on Healthcare including a presidential rally for health care Saturday in the Midwest.
http://www.politico.com/...
I don't know for sure what Obama will say in his speech, there has been many speculations here. His supporter's and volunteers have insisted on a public option and i have a feeling he is not going to let us down.
But hey , we just have to wait and see. Everything depends on what he says and how strongly he says it. This is your chance Mr president.
Have you yelled at a senator today? Pls call and yell and demand a public option.