We won last night on Health Care Reform. But as others have already said quite eloquently, this is just reform's foundation. We need to start building on it, and we need to start now.
This morning, I've already called my Representative's Capitol Hill office to say I supported last night's legislation (which he voted for) and to urge support of Alan Grayson's 'Medicare You Can Buy Into' bill. I'm going to phone my Senators' offices later today to talk up the reconciliation fix. Since I'm in California, that means Boxer and Feinstein, both of whom I'm fairly sure already support it.
But I'm not taking that for granted. And neither should you. Even if you have two liberal or centrist dems in the Senate, even if you have a liberal Rep who supported HCR last night, take nothing for granted. Because it would really suck if HCR ends with this.
And if you are represented by GOPers, or by conserva-dems who voted against HCR last night, call them up anyway. They work for you, and they've earned your disgruntled bitching by voting against your best interests.
Alternately, write a Reader's Letter to whatever newspapers serve your local area. I can promise, the Congress Critters who serve your area pay close attention to any mention of their names in the media.
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Want to call, but don't know how? Tim F. at Balloon Juice has a pretty good instruction sheet for it. Find it here. A general summary follows:
#1: Capitol Hill switch board - (202) 224-3121. Ask the operator to transfer you to Representative/Senator X's office ('X' being whoever you're calling, of course).
#2: When the staffer picks up, give your name and the zip code you are calling from. They use zip codes to identify you as a constituent. If you are calling someone whose district you don't live in, they'll still listen but won't take you very seriously. Unless you Google a zip code in their district in advance (wink wink).
#3: Don't let them give you a run-around. Remember, they work for you, and you have a right to real information. For the same reason, don't be afraid to get heated or otherwise emotional. This is important stuff, after all.
#4: Above all else, try to be polite even if you do get a bit heated. At this point, they're used to being screamed at by rude right-wingers. If you make your call a pleasant exception, they'll be more likely to open up and banter with you.
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For example, this morning, when I called my Rep's office, I asked if my Rep had a position on Rep. Grayson's bill yet. I was given the very non-committal answer that my Rep "carefully considers all legislation." This, of course, meant no stated position yet. So I calmly explained that, while I supported last night's legislation, I had been disappointed for a while at the lack of public option and felt Rep. Grayson's bill would be a good way to fill that gap. The staffer promised to pass this on, I thanked her, and we hung up.
All in all, it took me less than five minutes to have my say in the process. It is really quite easy.
And I promise you, the right-wingers are way ahead of us when it comes to using their voice. Don't let them speak for you. And don't let HCR end here. Keep up the pressure!