Bringing Young People to the Healthcare Discussion

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Tuesday August 18, 2009 · 12:17 AM PDT

2009/08/18 · 00:17

WHERE ARE THE YOUNG PEOPLE?

In the 2008 election, my fellow youth came out to vote in droves for Obama. Despite flexing our political muscle and demonstrating that we are ready to take part in this country's civic and political life, young people have been noticeably absent from the healthcare dialog. In fact, the dialog has not been as inclusive as it should be-- making young people feel as though healthcare reform will not benefit us, leading many of us to watch this fight play out while we watch on the sidelines.

...Which is a shame, because healthcare reform most certainly benefits young people. Young people are the single most uninsured age group in the country and represent nearly one-third of all uninsured people. And even if young people are generally more fortunate to not go through a catastrophic illness, our generation will inevitably bear the costs and burdens of a broken healthcare system-- we have much more at stake than politicians who are worried about the next election. And we should be included in the fight.

dsharma23

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Sunday March 15, 2009 · 5:21 PM PDT

2009/03/15 · 17:21

Is President Obama taking on too much to the detriment of the economy? Is he trying to accomplish too many things? How can he focus on multiple things when he has the economy to repair? Will he end up like Jimmy Carter?(!)

These are the latest Republican talking points.

Let's be clear: people who are trying to apply the brakes to Obama's agenda are not only trying to stop initiatives like universal healthcare, but are also attempting to shorten Obama's list of accomplishments. They want to make sure Obama fails to meet his campaign promises, now that they know he intends to carry on with his goals.

Because Republicans realize that people actually want reforms, and common arguments like universal healthcare=socialism are not working, they want people to think Obama's goals are harmful to the economy-- the single most important issue on the minds of American people.

dsharma23

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Thursday January 08, 2009 · 12:00 PM PST

2009/01/08 · 12:00

Sarah Palin attempted to frame her candidacy for Vice President as a cause for feminists who could propell Palin to break the highest glass ceiling (this was until feminists realized Palin is the antithesis for everything we stand for). But, surprise! Palin, in her latest interview with wingnut John Ziegler appears to be pretty bitter towards successful women like Katie Couric and Tina Fey. Source

"I did see that Tina Fey was named entertainer of the year and Katie Couric’s ratings have risen," she said. "And I know that a lot of people are capitalizing on, oh I don’t know, perhaps some exploiting that was done via me, my family, my administration. That’s a little bit perplexing, but it also says a great deal about our society."

Translation: "There's a place in Hell reserved for women who don't support other women."

dsharma23

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Friday November 07, 2008 · 4:08 AM PST

2008/11/07 · 04:08

I'd like to preface this diary by saying that I don't consider myself a tree-hugging environmentalist, by any means. I generally take a pragmatic approach to solving problems, rather than an ideologically-motivated approach.

But, like many environmentalists, I have huge problem with us turning to nuclear to solve our energy problems. Throughout the campaign, we've been told that nuclear energy is "clean and green," which seemed attractive in light of $5.00 gasoline. Nuclear has been touted as magical cure for both global warming and our growing energy needs.

Before we allow ourselves to be drowned out by louder drumbeats and propaganda, we must be thoroughly become informed of the risks and problems associated with nuclear energy.

Case in point: the Department of Energy has just called for the expansion of the Yucca Mountain dump site.

dsharma23

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Wednesday October 15, 2008 · 11:35 PM PDT

2008/10/15 · 23:35

For me, that was one of the most important lines in the debate.

Disgracefully, Senator McCain had nothing to say in response. Indeed: young people are only an interest group to him and his handlers. And since conventional wisdom (stupidity?) holds that we don't turn out enough to become significant in elections, John McCain believes he shouldn't waste his time pandering to us.

Except, Senator McCain doesn't realize that the issue of college affordability affects the people he needs voting for him: the parents of college-bound kids. Personally, my college expenses are eating away at my parents' savings. Every dollar they spend on my education is a dollar less for their retirement. Paying for my (and my sister's) education is a tremendous source of pride for my parents: they've told us it's the only reason they've worked so hard over these years.

dsharma23

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Wednesday September 24, 2008 · 1:14 AM PDT

2008/09/24 · 01:14

I know we have a ton of important issues consuming our attention right now, but I hope that we don't forget about Proposition 8.

So far, I've ran into old high school friends' Facebook pages, who have joined groups that say "Protect Marriage: Vote Yes on Prop 8." I've gotten a friend request on Myspace from a Yes on Prop 8 group. Mormons have canvassed my neighborhood several times, leaving flyers and knocking on doors.

And I'm not alone. Several of my friends have reported several instances of neighbors going out of their way to talk to them about "protecting" marriage, and have been offered bumper stickers by pro-prop 8 groups in front of grocery stores.

Their ground game is formidable. We need to do something more to stop them from institutionalizing discrimination in California's constitution.

dsharma23

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Thursday September 04, 2008 · 7:03 PM PDT

2008/09/04 · 19:03

I'm hardly representative of the average young person: I'm a political junkie. Nevertheless, the convention gave rise to a feeling of outrage I haven't experienced since Bush had the audacity to commute Scooter Libby's sentence, or even the response to hurricane Katrina.

This year is the first time I've paid attention to our conventions. In 2004, I was 16, and didn't quite understand the significance of them (amazingly, the only parts of convention I caught was Barack Obama's speech because my debate coach made us watch; and John Edwards' acceptance speech). Thus, the scornful and derisive rhetoric that was directed towards our nominee (and us) may be something that folks that have been engaged for a long time are used to.

But for the lot of us who are coming of age, and have been aquainted with the Republican Party through the series of failures of the Bush administration, last night was an opportunity for the Republicans: to persuade a new generation of Americans that this is not the party of Bush-Rove-Cheney-Rumsfeld anymore. But they failed. (more after the jump)

dsharma23

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Saturday August 30, 2008 · 1:16 AM PDT

2008/08/30 · 01:16

John McCain met Gov. Sarah Palin only twice before he selected her to potentially take the second highest office in the land. To some, this may be but a minor detail in the entire veep saga, but it does have tremendous consequences for our country. This fact also tells us a lot about John McCain.

How does he know he will get along with her and that their governing styles are compatible?

He doesn't know. McCain didn't even attempt to build a partnership with his running mate. And why should he? He wasn't looking for a running mate when he chose Palin.

He was looking for an electoral lottery ticket. Nothing more.

dsharma23

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Wednesday June 25, 2008 · 12:24 PM PDT

2008/06/25 · 12:24

This is a real American tragedy. We all know that the VA confirmed that 18 veterans a day attempt suicide each day.

Conti said he didn't find any of the poor mental health care and other deep-rooted problems that the veterans alleged in their lawsuit.

How can this be?

We should all be outraged. This is a serious affront to the troops who are expected to make the ultimate sacrfice for their country, when Congress can't even be expected to fully fund a mandate.

I am simply at a loss for words.

dsharma23

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Monday June 23, 2008 · 1:48 AM PDT

2008/06/23 · 01:48

I know a lot of us are still reeling over Obama's decision to come out and support the FISA compromise. Some of us have come out and declared that they would no longer donate money, volunteer, or work their hardest for Obama. What a shame.

The fact is, Obama has reiterated that he would not be a perfect candidate or President, but he would always be honest with us.

dsharma23

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Thursday June 12, 2008 · 9:42 AM PDT

2008/06/12 · 09:42

In the Boumedienne v. Bush decision released about an hour ago, the Supreme Court asserted in a 5-4 decision that terrorism suspects held at Guantanamo Bay have the right to petition civilian courts to release them.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court found parts of the Military Commission Act of 2006 unconstitutional-- which barred terrorism suspects from asserting the right of Habeas Corpus.

And who dissented? Chief Justice Roberts, along with Justices Scalia, Alito and Thomas.

dsharma23

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Tuesday June 10, 2008 · 9:47 AM PDT

2008/06/10 · 09:47

Throughout this primary season, we have to be honest: Clinton supporters did not find much safe haven in the netroots. So many found respite in Taylor Marsh's blog. And while a lot of us aren't willing to forgive Taylor Marsh, she's at least willing to fight tooth and nail to get Obama in the White House. And I'm glad she is coming around.

However, those who frequented her website threatened that if Taylor supports Obama, they would abandon her website and make sure she doesn't get a radio show through letter-writing campaigns. They're a loyal bunch, aren't they? They're bullying the one who provided a sanctuary throughout the primary season. And true to their word, they've followed through.

So we need to do something about it. Help Taylor Marsh. Visit her website. Comment. Donate a couple bucks to her. Let's welcome her aboard the O-train and show her what we're all about, and let's send a message that bullying tactics aren't going to work.

Poll

302 votes Show Results

Do you think we should help Taylor Marsh?

302 votes Vote Now!

Do you think we should help Taylor Marsh?

Yes, we need to be inclusive and forgive

191 votes

No, she went too far throughout the primary season and she's getting what she deserves

111 votes

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Bringing Young People to the Healthcare Discussion

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Back to the Issues at Hand: the Problem with Nuclear

"Young People aren't an interest group; they're our future"

We're not doing enough about CA Prop 8

Youth Perspective on Last Night's Train Wreck

John McCain isn't taking his pick seriously, nor should we

Judge Dismisses Suit Charging VA with Poor mental health care

Watch this video and remember what this election is all about

Supreme Court Restores Habeas Corpus

Call to Action: Help Taylor Marsh (that's right)