Category Archives: Healthcare for All

Michael Moore Speaks for Me


Posted by katiebird

Michael Moore was on Wolf Blitzer (CNN) yesterday and thanks to a timely heads-up, I got to see the whole thing then (I think I saw an instant re-run but maybe it was the first Midwest loop). He was proceeded by Dr. Sanjay Gupta with a hit-piece. I’m not embedding that on my blog. But, if you’re interested in what set Moore off, you can follow the link. You’ve probably heard most of the “facts” quoted before.

After the hit-piece, Michael was asked to comment and this is how he replied. I have to say that he couldn’t have been better. Take a look for yourself:


I sent this to my Congressman


Posted by katiebird

Dear Congressman ________,

I originally sent you this message — about Health Care (reprinted below) 3 weeks ago. Yesterday, I received a 3-page form letter from you thanking me for my interest in Gasoline Price Gouging. An issue that doesn’t interest me with nearly the same passion as the total breakdown of our health care system.

I would be more understanding of this miscommunication but this is the second time this year that you’re staff has done this to me. I sent you a physical letter last January or February asking you 7 questions about your personal Health Care situation.

And you replied by sending me a 3-page form letter thanking me for my interest in the Iraq War.

One of these days, I’ll find a copy of my 7 questions and send them to you again. Because I’m really very interested in your answers. Funny thing about them. I went to see you at a constituents meeting at the YWCA in ___. But you didn’t have time to answer them that day. And YOU asked me to send them to you!

Congressman, do you have a suggestion for how I should send you questions? Do you have time to answer actual questions for people like me? Or is my only hope that this message generates a 3-page form letter on Health Care?

Do you really think the uninsured — particularly the so-called uninsurable — will be helped by the tax credit you suggest?If a person like me with diabetes starts her own business or retires early or is laid off from her steady job, where should she go for health insurance? How can she possibly afford health care?Have you ever considered opening Medicare (just as it is — no changes in coverages) to Everyone?

This is the issue closest to my heart. And it’s pained me to see it unanswered for so many years.

Thank you for your time.


Action Alert: June 29 SiCKO activities


Posted by katiebird

Dr. Steve has written a diary at The DailyKos pulling together resources for people interested in taking action on opening night of the Michael Moore film, SiCKO (if you’re registered at The DailyKos, please recommend the diary to keep it visible all day ):

Action Alert-Get SICKO Active June 29 in Your Hometown (Health Care Thurs)
by DrSteveB
Thu Jun 07, 2007 at 06:14:06 AM CDT

We are working with Michael Moore and an unprecedented national coalition of activists, nurses, doctor, patients  and health care activist groups to ensure SiCKO has a long-term impact on our nation’s healthcare system and politics.

It’s an incredible opportunity for patient advocates and it’s only missing one element: you.

What are you doing the evening of Friday June 29th?

( Read more about Dr. Steve’s plans for SiCKO action)


April 4, 2007 — Just 4 Today


Posted by katiebird

Just 4 Today logo Just 4 Today, I’ll take my fiber supplement twice (check), drink 2 liters of water (drunk 1/3) and weigh myself (check). And walk 3 times today for 15 minutes each time (3415!).

I’m Thinking About . . .

Tainted Food -

Pet Food Recall-US Wheat Gluten Supplier Identified!
The Tainted Wheat Coverup at FDA, Guised as a “Pet Food Recall”
FDA’s Weak Food Inspections are Bush’s Fault

Health Care for EveryoneCover Everyone Icon

Congressional Health Care Bills, 2005-2007: Part I Insurance Coverage. Includes an excellent chart (zoom-in on it if you’ve got the plug-in) with a simple comparison. But the discussion is helpful too.

Congressional Proposals Would Cover All Uninsured, Reduce Us Health Spending By Up To $61b. Why Haven’t we heard more about Congressman Stark’s Health Care Plan?

According to the report, premium subsidies and new tax provisions in the bills greatly affect family health spending. Under Representative Stark’s AmeriCare proposal, families would see a drop in out-of-pocket health care expenditures of $142.6 billion, with the largest savings for families with low and moderate incomes; however these savings might be offset if taxes are increased to finance the increased federal government spending. Under Senator Wyden’s bill, family health spending would decline by $78.8 billion–spending would decline the most for lower and moderate income households and rise for the highest income earners. Under President Bush’s proposal, family spending on health care is estimated to fall by a net $31 billion in 2007 due to income tax savings. But tax savings disproportionately accrue to people in higher income brackets. For example, families with annual incomes of less than $10,000 would save an average of $23 in 2007 and families earning $150,000 or more per year would save an average of $1,263.

Congressman Stark’s Health Care Plan (109th Congress, HR 5886) — I love Health Care plans, they’re the newest catagory of romance novel!

What are you thinking or doing today?