At some time in most of our lives we will be affected by a health care issue either ourselves or a close relative.  It is important that law makers hear from us because if they do not health care reform will be a product made by the health care industry.  Why?  Because it is spending $1.4 million a day to make sure that have a seat at the table and their interests are protected. 

The nation’s largest insurers, hospitals and medical groups have hired more than 350 former government staff members and retired members of Congress in hopes of influencing their old bosses and colleagues, according to an analysis of lobbying disclosures and other records.

[snip]

Nearly half of the insiders previously worked for the key committees and lawmakers, including Sens. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa), debating whether to adopt a public insurance option opposed by major industry groups. At least 10 others have been members of Congress, such as former House majority leaders Richard K. Armey (R-Tex.) and Richard A. Gephardt (D-Mo.), both of whom represent a New Jersey pharmaceutical firm.

The hirings are part of a record-breaking influence campaign by the health-care industry, which is spending more than $1.4 million a day on lobbying in the current fight, according to disclosure records. And even in a city where lobbying is a part of life, the scale of the effort has drawn attention. For example, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) doubled its spending to nearly $7 million in the first quarter of 2009, followed by Pfizer, with more than $6 million.

We the people need to do the same by putting pressure on our Senators and Representatives by demanding a public option that increases competition in the health care industry.  The GOP’s argument against the public option is that such an option would be unfair to the insurance industry because it cannot compete with the low prices that the government can offer.  My question is how fair is the current system to the 47 million citizens of the United States who cannot afford health care or are being driven into bankruptcy to pay for health care because a few insurance companies hold a monopoly on the industry and refuse to self police.  How fair is a 98% rise in premiums over a six year period because a few companies have a lock on the health care industry and has blocked competition.  Not to mention that as a method of revenue generation the same industry continue to deny coverage or find reasons to deny coverage to those who have actually paid for insurance.  No, the only way to get fair coverage and to keep the insurance companies and the health care industry in line is to offer a public option.  We have been having this debate since FDR and nothing has changed even though the industry has had ample opportunities to reform itself.  The industry continues to protect its billions in profits at any cost (1.4 million), we the people now need to step up. 

Demand a Public Option

Please CALL Senator Max Baucus at (202) 224-2651

Please CALLSenator Olympia Snowe at (202) 224-5344

Please CALL Senator John Rockefeller at (202) 224-6472

Please CALLSenator Ron Wyden at (202) 224-5244

Please CALL Senator Kent Conrad at (202) 224-2043

Please CALLSenator Jeff Bingaman at (202) 224-5521

Please CALL Senator John Kerry at (202) 224-2742

Please CALL Senator Blanche Lincoln at 202-224-4843

Please CALLSenator Debbie Stabenow at (202) 224-4822

Please CALLSenator Maria Cantwell at 202-224-3441

Please CALL Senator Bill Nelson at 202-224-5274

Please CALLSenator Robert Menendez at 202-224-4744

Please CALL Senator Thomas Carper at (202) 224-2441

California–Senator Dianne Feinstein (202) 224-3841

Louisiana–Senator Mary Landrieu (202) 224-5824

Montana–Senator Max Baucus (202) 224-2651

Nebraska–Senator Ben Nelson (202) 224-6551

North Carolina–Senator Kay Hagan (202) 224-6342

North Dakota–Senator Kent Conrad (202) 224-2043

Oregon–Senator Ron Wyden (202) 224-5244