Tomorrow, I'll be at the town hall of Congressman Bill Pascrell in Montclair New Jersey.
I was told that Wendell Potter, the former CIGNA executive, now the for-profit insurance industry whistle blower would be attending, and he's graciously agreed to a meeting.
But before I go any further, I'd like to ask you to continue getting the petition to Congress signed. We're tantalizingly close to our goal of 40,000 signatures and, as always, we can only get there if you do the heavy lifting.
If you have any doubt about why this is so damn important, I suggest you read what's being reported in Politco, this morning.
We need more signatures on the Stay Firm on Your pledge for the Public Option Petition. We're closing in on about 33,000 plus signatures. We need your help in getting this number to 40,000.
PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION AND FORWARD TO EVERY LAST HUMAN BEING YOU KNOW AND URGE THEM TO SIGN.
You should also read what Jane Hamsher has to say about all this. It gives the the work we're doing even greater urgency.
Because once again, the path to securing a public option runs right through the progressive members of the House. This is why we need to make them all as strong and resolute as Yvette Clarke.
Returning to Wendell Potter. I decided to see if we could meet, and much to my delight, I received a lovely email from him via Dave Meyers, who is also doing some serious heavy lifting for healthcare reform with FDL Action.
Hi Dave,
I would be happy to speak with Eve. I remember her Daily Kos posts all too well when I was at CIGNA! It will be an honor to meet her.
Thanks.
Wendell
Now you know, it isn't me he remembers, it's you as well.
You were the ones who got the murder by spreadsheet company to reverse its decision on Nataline Sarkisyan. What Wendell Potter undoubtedly remembers was the citizen outrage--outrage pushed to the outer limit, which precipitated decisive action.
For those of you, too young, or new to remember, this is what transpired several years ago, on Daily Kos.
So I'd like to ask you, to help me plan for this meeting. What do we need to know from Wendell Potter, the CIGNA whistle blower?
I think in light of the Politco piece, the first question should focus on what it would mean to have something called healthcare reform, without a public option. What would he tell President Obama about capitulating to this outlaw, criminal industry?
You can stay on top of Wendell Potter's whistle blowing by going to the web site of the Center for Media and Democracy. He now works for this good institution, and he's on a tear shedding much needed light on the egregious crimes of the murder by spreadsheet insurance industry.
One more good development:
You might like to know about one other very good development which happened yesterday in California. This come from the Washington Post: Lt. Gov. Garamendi Moves to Congressional Race
Former California Insurance Commissioner and currently Lt. Governor John Garamendi came in first place and will advance to a November runoff that is in no doubt. He will be Ellen Tauscher's replacement. Garamendi took the whip count pledge and is a big champion for the public option.
Second place, state senator Mark DeSaulnier also took the pledge. The
candidates who didn't take the pledge finished after that.
But it's almost certain that Garamendi will take the vacant seat. He knows the criminal ways of the insurance industry, and he should be a much needed voice in Washington.
AND WE'RE ASKING YOU TO SUPPORT THIS WORK.
THERE ARE A GROUP OF PEOPLE WORKING LITERALLY DAY AND NIGHT TRYING TO SECURE A PUBLIC OPTION. WE RECEIVE VERY SMALL STIPENDS (FOR LIVING EXPENSES), BASED ENTIRELY ON YOUR GENEROSITY.
PLEASE DONATE WHATEVER YOU CAN. WE RELY ON YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT, AND YOU HAVE BEEN AMAZING.
THERE ARE 22,OOO LOBBYISTS, THEY ARE DESCENDING ON WASHINGTON DC. TO STOP HEALTHCARE REFORM
Please help us continue this fight for the American people and against the FAKE PROTESTERS, THE MOB VIOLENCE, the insurance industry lobby and its August campaign of fear.
Lobbyists and wealthy Republican donors are spending $1.4 million a day to insure that healthcare reform dies. We are beginning to win this battle--literally see daylight, where before there was darkness, thanks to your generosity.
https://secure.firedoglake.com/...