Call White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel for health-care reform

Written by: Joe F on Jul 8, 2009 3:41 PM EDT

White House chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel has recently suggested that the White House is "willing to compromise" when it comes to the public option.

Various health-care blogs have called on American citizens to get in touch with Emanuel and demand health-care reform include the public option.

For those of you trying to get in touch with Rahm Emanuel, he can be reached at...

202-225-4061

Howard Dean’s Interview with Esquire Magazine

Written by: Joe F on Jul 8, 2009 1:30 PM EDT

By Joe Frandino 

   In a recent interview with Esquire Magazine, Howard Dean discussed aspects of the American economy, health-care reform, American businesses, global warming, and contemporary American politics.

   In the interview, Dean mainly addressed problems with the current American health-care system.  He also devoted a large section of the interview to outlining the benefits of a public health insurance option, which is currently being drawn up in potential Congressional legislation.  Dean stated that “like national defense, health care is performed more effectively and efficiently by the government as opposed to the private sector.”

   Click here to read the full interview…

Last Week's D.C. Rally

Written by: Joe F on Jun 29, 2009 1:41 PM EDT

Check out this video from last week's rally in D.C.

No end in sight for rising health care costs

Written by: Joe F on Jun 23, 2009 4:44 PM EDT

By Joe Frandino

As health care and health insurance prices continue to grow more and more unaffordable to the average American family, many are nervous that there is literally no end in sight in terms of how high prices may go.

 Various reports by Health Care for America Now show that while health insurance coverage continues to shrink, the actual price of health care continues to rise across the board.  American families are paying more and more for health care and health insurance, yet the amount of medical services covered by their insurance companies continues to decrease.

By 2016, the increase in the cost of health insurance as a share of the median income will increase by 115% or higher in some states.  Do you think your family income is safe?  Check out this interactive map to see how your state will fair.

Howard Dean’s New Book Promotes Health-Care Agenda and Attacks Opponents of Health-Care Reform

Written by: Joe F on Jun 1, 2009 10:05 AM EDT

In Howard Dean’s highly anticipated new book,“Howard Dean’s Prescription for Real Healthcare Reform: How We Can Achieve Affordable Medical Care for Every American and Make Our Jobs Safer," Dean outlines the debate for much needed health-care reform, breaks down the arguments being used by the opposition and makes the case for ensuring a public option for all Americans.

The book will be released as an e-book in all formats the week of June 8, 2009, then will be released as a printed paperback on July 1, 2009.   It will also be released as an iPhone application available for download in the iTunes Store.

In addition to being able to navigate and search the entire book, this interactive book application will allow readers to quickly and easily take action and get involved in the fight for health care reform.

In an official press release from May 29…

Dean argues that for real reform to happen, Americans must have the choice to either keep their existing coverage if they are happy with it, or have the option to select a public plan; and that America must continue to make key investments as President Obama has begun to make in health care information technology to reduce costs and improve the quality of care.

Dean also looks at the devastating impact has had on the American economy adding to job losses as rising health care costs cause a bankruptcy in America every 30 seconds, 14,000 people lose their health insurance every day.  Rising health care costs are also one of the major reasons why small businesses close down and corporations ship jobs overseas.

This new paperback original (and e-book) outlines a practical, pragmatic approach as proposed by President Obama during the 2008 Presidential campaign, and the arguments the opposition will use to prevent a system that includes the 48 million Americans who are forced to live without health insurance:

*Give every American the choice of public or private healthcare insurance

*Public health coverage for life, no matter where you live or work

*No forced moves if the consumer is happy with current coverage

*Small business assistance from the government for employee plans

*No American is disqualified for an existing health condition

*Similar premium costs for everyone, despite age or illness

*Fewer dollars spent on management and more on medicine

“This is the moment when real reform is finally possible. Governor Dean has been a passionate advocate for reform for a long time and, as a physician, has a unique perspective of what is needed and what will actually work”   said publisher Margo Baldwin, representing Chelsea Green Publications. “Anyone who wants to better understand the debate and how to fight back should read this book.  Chelsea Green is honored to publish this important book that will no doubt influence the national debate about healthcare reform.”

Get your copy at...

http://www.chelseagreen.com/bookstore/item/howard_deans_prescription_for_real_healthcare_reform:paperback

"The tide is turning" on marriage equality in the US, says Howard Dean

Written by: Joe F on May 29, 2009 12:30 PM EDT

Thursday night Howard Dean attended a fundraiser honoring Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal and House Speaker Pat Murphy, who both fought valiantly for marriage equality in Iowa .  Dean attended the fundraiser almost immediately following his health-care reform town hall meeting earlier that day in Des Moines.

Opponents of gay marriage in Iowa had been pressing legislators to set the wheels in motion to allow a statewide vote on a constitutional amendment which would ban gay marriage in the state, but both Gronstal and Murphy, the two top Democrats in the State house, would not allow it. 

“I've always thought Gronstal and Murphy were terrific people and I know what it takes to stand up for a decision like this and it takes a lot of courage,” said Dean.  “You always want people in public life who have courage."

Dean saw marriage equality in the US as growing closer than ever before, given the changing attitudes and increased participation in politics by the younger generations of Americans.  As the voting population begins to grow with this younger, more accpeting, and more politically active young Americans, the possbilities for much needed change in American politics is quickly approaching.

               "This new generation is not nearly as divisive or confrontational as my generation,” said Dean in an interview with Radio Iowa. “The tide is turning...For this new generation of Americans, this is just one more minority that's stood up for itself and is now being incorporated into the body politic of America with equal rights."