Americans have been waiting for nearly a century for quality, affordable health care.
Health coverage for all was on the national agenda as early as 1912, thanks to Teddy Roosevelt's Bull Moose presidential run. Months after World War II came to an end in 1945, President Harry Truman called on Congress to guarantee all Americans the "right to adequate medical care and protection from the economic fears of sickness." From President Lyndon Johnson to President Bill Clinton, to President Obama's winning campaign on the promise of reform, there hasn't been a more debated domestic issue than the promise of affordable health care for all.
(Steny Hoyer/USA TODAY)
(Nancy Pelosi/USA TODAY)
We believe it is healthy for such a historic effort to be subject to so much scrutiny and debate. The failure of past attempts is a reminder that health insurance reform is a defining moment in our nation's history — it is well worth the time it takes to get it right. We are confident that we will get this right.
Already, three House committees have passed this critical legislation and over August, the two of us will work closely with those three committees to produce one strong piece of legislation that the House will approve in September.
In the meantime, as members of Congress spend time at home during August, they are talking with their constituents about reform. The dialogue between elected representatives and constituents is at the heart of our democracy and plays an integral role in assuring that the legislation we write reflects the genuine needs and concerns of the people we represent.
However, it is now evident that an ugly campaign is underway not merely to misrepresent the health insurance reform legislation, but to disrupt public meetings and prevent members of Congress and constituents from conducting a civil dialogue. These tactics have included hanging in effigy one Democratic member of Congress in Maryland and protesters holding a sign displaying a tombstone with the name of another congressman in Texas, where protesters also shouted "Just say no!" drowning out those who wanted to hold a substantive discussion.
Let the facts be heard
These disruptions are occurring because opponents are afraid not just of differing views — but of the facts themselves. Drowning out opposing views is simply un-American. Drowning out the facts is how we failed at this task for decades.
I am sick of both parties telling me I am Un-American because I don't agree with them. This bit the Republicans in the azz and its going to end up biting the Democrats. I am so disquested by what the Democrats are doing I am no longer supporting ANY Democrat except for Hillary Clinton and locals as I have no choice on the locals but no more Democrats for me ever again they are a bunch of thugs and idiots.
• I'm sick and tired of people who say that if you debate and disagree with this administration, somehow you're not patriotic. We need to stand up and say we're Americans, and we have the right to debate and disagree with any administration.
• We are Americans, We have the right to participate and debate any administration.
• There cannot be true democracy unless women's voices are heard. There cannot be true democracy unless women are given the opportunity to take responsibility for their own lives. There cannot be true democracy unless all citizens are able to participate fully in the lives of their country. [July 11, 1997]
Kwayne, you have three posts? Kwayne, I don't see that Hillary is saying anyone should not debate. She's not the president. Obama is. You are a troll.
-- Edited by Alice Paul on Monday 10th of August 2009 05:14:30 PM
What is the world are you talking about?
First of all, I have only three post because I am new here from former HV and haven't posted much, as I have more read than talked. Second of all, the video was to show Hillary in stark contrast to the crap Pelosi & Hoyner are saying. Third, my guess is that you were more distracted by the unflattering pictures of Hillary instead of listening to her words as NO ONE with common sense would deduce this vid bears out anything to what you just said.
Know something before you speak or ask if you've got a question!
Kwayne, you have three posts? Kwayne, I don't see that Hillary is saying anyone should not debate. She's not the president. Obama is. You are a troll.
-- Edited by Alice Paul on Monday 10th of August 2009 05:14:30 PM
What is the world are you talking about?
First of all, I have only three post because I am new here from former HV and haven't posted much, as I have more read than talked. Second of all, the video was to show Hillary in stark contrast to the crap Pelosi & Hoyner are saying. Third, my guess is that you were more distracted by the unflattering pictures of Hillary instead of listening to her words as NO ONE with common sense would deduce this vid bears out anything to what you just said.
Know something before you speak or ask if you've got a question!
Well, coming on to a Hillary Clinton forum to post a video with "unflattering pictures" and clearly the video was meant as some sort of right wing way to "show" that the "democrats" only think dissent is patriotic when it's them doing it is a bit over the top. There are other ways to demonstrate that without using such a video on her own forums. I don't see how that defies MY "common sense"
So do not turn this back on me. It was you who posted it here and didn't bother to think that some on one of Hilary's OWN FORUMS might not like it. I got the "point" I found you using her to make it insulting as anyone using common sense might have thought of before posting it. It's easy enough to make your point without using some video such as this one to do it. There are many out there. I of course would wonder about the motive for doing such a thing given the sorts of attacks we've seen against her for the last two years.
Perhaps it was your "example" that was a. either not well thought out or b. meant to cause exactly the reaction you got.
This is indeed Hillary's home I do not want unflattering photos of Hillary Clinton, Sarah Palin or any other woman on this forum. Unflattering photos of Hillary Clinton have been used against her for so many years lifelong Hillary supporters are quite sensitive to this issue. I removed the posted video and remember folks Sarah is welcome here but this is Hillary's sand box.
Kwayne, you have three posts? Kwayne, I don't see that Hillary is saying anyone should not debate. She's not the president. Obama is. You are a troll.
-- Edited by Alice Paul on Monday 10th of August 2009 05:14:30 PM
What is the world are you talking about?
First of all, I have only three post because I am new here from former HV and haven't posted much, as I have more read than talked. Second of all, the video was to show Hillary in stark contrast to the crap Pelosi & Hoyner are saying. Third, my guess is that you were more distracted by the unflattering pictures of Hillary instead of listening to her words as NO ONE with common sense would deduce this vid bears out anything to what you just said.
Know something before you speak or ask if you've got a question!
Well, coming on to a Hillary Clinton forum to post a video with "unflattering pictures" and clearly the video was meant as some sort of right wing way to "show" that the "democrats" only think dissent is patriotic when it's them doing it is a bit over the top. There are other ways to demonstrate that without using such a video on her own forums. I don't see how that defies MY "common sense"
So do not turn this back on me. It was you who posted it here and didn't bother to think that some on one of Hilary's OWN FORUMS might not like it. I got the "point" I found you using her to make it insulting as anyone using common sense might have thought of before posting it. It's easy enough to make your point without using some video such as this one to do it. There are many out there. I of course would wonder about the motive for doing such a thing given the sorts of attacks we've seen against her for the last two years.
Perhaps it was your "example" that was a. either not well thought out or b. meant to cause exactly the reaction you got.
Watch who you call a "troll" before you know whom you are talking about!
This is indeed Hillary's home I do not want unflattering photos of Hillary Clinton, Sarah Palin or any other woman on this forum. Unflattering photos of Hillary Clinton have been used against her for so many years lifelong Hillary supporters are quite sensitive to this issue. I removed the posted video and remember folks Sarah is welcome here but this is Hillary's sand box.
Noted.
I posted the vid despite the unflattering pics because it was the only one I could find on youtube with her actual voice which conveyed the passion she has about the right to dissent and disagree, which I love!
Sorry for the pics, but not sorry for posting the vid because the words needed to be heard. I may make a vid myself on youtube so that I can post it in here because I feel it is important to be heard from Hillary herself.
I am sick of both parties telling me I am Un-American because I don't agree with them. This bit the Republicans in the azz and its going to end up biting the Democrats. I am so disquested by what the Democrats are doing I am no longer supporting ANY Democrat except for Hillary Clinton and locals as I have no choice on the locals but no more Democrats for me ever again they are a bunch of thugs and idiots.
STAMP!! We have the absolute RIGHT to question the S&it that is going on and the duty to STOP it!!!
__________________
"My friends, we live in the greatest nation in the history of the world. I hope you'll join with me as we try to change it ." Barack Obama
Thanks Alice Paul & HMG........I love hearing from Hillary, but I agree we don't want the shoddy pictures as a go with. It does seem to undercut her words, her voice.