Town Hall Meeting with Gov. Howard Dean
Can I say, as an Alaskan who is still in the recovery process, that it feels really nice to hear everyone around here at Netroots Nation saying “the governor” and meaning Howard Dean? Wow. I’m sitting right now listening to his Town Hall Health Care meeting at Netroots Nation in Pittsburgh.
One of the first question, which got a good laugh was “Regarding the death panels, is killing my grandmother mandatory or will there be an appeals process?”
Governor Dean laughed too, but said he had a serious answer.
This is not about health care. The people who are shouting down congress members are doing this because:
1. they’ve been running on anger for 40 years andgo to the polls because they’re angry. That’s what gets them to the polls.
2. Look who’s doing the shouting. They look nothing like the generation who elected Barack Obama For the first time ever, more Americans uner 35 voted than those over 65 . They feel threateened and angry at the younger generation. These small group are getting smaller and smaller. As they get smaller they get angrier.
3. Barack Obama is not the kind of president they’re accustomed to seeing in the White House. Things they have counted on aren’t happening any more. They are afraid of change.
This is not about the bill, this is about a major generational change in America. A new generation is taking power with a different way of doing things.
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Governor Dean has mentioned a couple time that he’s thankful for the Blue Dog Democrats. He feels that there has to be a dialog, and that the Republicans have shut down and refulse to talk. So if we’re going to be negotiating a bill that appeals to the widest number of people, we may as well be negotiating with other Democrats.
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Q. How do you frame the debate on the local level?
A. Who gets to choose? The American people or the congress and the insurance companies?
We want to make the choice ourselves, not have the choice made for us.
People want the choice. So, are you as an elected representative going to vote for the people who pay your salary, or the insurance companies? Make your choice and then we’ll decide what we’ll do at the next election.
Some private sector influence is a good thing.
1. Pharmaceutical industry does make extraordinaty big contribution
2. Larger private companies “get” that the wellness model of health care is better than an “illness model”
Obama understands that no Republican will vote for this bill, but he needs to let the Republicans speak for themselves. He needs to allow the Americans to see the Republicans for what they are. Jim DeMint tipped their hand when he said they wanted to kill health care to get to Obama. A bipartisan bill that doesn’t do anything is worse than a bill that doesn’t get a single Republican vote.
Republicans want to mandate that we stick with insurance companies. Democrats want to give people a choice. This is the best bill he’s seen since he’s seen since the Carter administration. It allows change to happen at the pace people are ready for it. It doesn’t force people out of a system they are happy with. It will allow people to use a public option if they want, and when it works, they will tell their neighbors.
DFA website and Bill Press’ website to find the list of those to contact. Contact people in your state. If nobody on that list is in your state, call people from that state and ask them to call. It matters. Go to hearings. Let them know you see this as a matter of allowing choice.
We have already made compromises. The public option is the compromise between single payer and what we have now.
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Shannyn Moore is this year’s winner of “The Steve Gilliard Grant for Journalism!” She was very surprised to be the recipient of this $500 grant, and I’ve got pictures to post later! Congratulations Shannyn!
What a great article and right on! I do not understand why people of the so-called Woodstock Generation are having such a hard time with this understanding of cultural change. I see these hardliners against Obama as being close to my age of 55. It makes no sense to me because it is the change we have been hoping for for 40 years. Kudos to the young voters, keep it up.
Shannyn has become one of my favorites and since this past year we have heard from so many wonderful Alaskans and I added them as new friends in the blogosphere. These new friends are the the only good thing that came out of Palin running for VP.
I’m loving your diary, AKM.
Ditto everything already said about the good Governor/Dr. Dean. I hope his level of influence with the dems is as strong as while chairing the DNC.
Nice job Shannyn!
OT, but—where’s the open thread? The health bill clause that would have provided payment for end-of-life consultation has been removed. It’s probably for the best; now the Republicans can’t complain about euthanizing Granny anymore. If I need end-of-life advice, I guess I’ll just make an appointment for a sore throat or a wart or something; my dr. is wonderful and will answer any questions I have. I hope others are as blessed.
lilybart #7 – So true, these people can’t stand the thought of an intelligent black man as our President. They’d rather have a “dumb white” man like Dubba
than a black President. In my opinion, the GOP got Michael Steele so he can criticize President Obama without appearing to be racist.
I love listening to Howard Dean. He always sounds so level-headed and…um…sane.
Thanks for the suggestions for my BP ,I think some low carb pasta with a garlic and olive oil sauce is in order today!!
Maybe we should go to the townhalls and and demand healthcare passes because the GOP and Quitty Pants are ruining our health!!
Re: Martha Unalaska Yard Sign Says:
August 14th, 2009 at 9:01 AM
Margaret and Helen’s current blog is excellent, and spot on as usual! You must read them regularly, right? Helen is a ray of outspoken sunshine in Texas who makes me proud!
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Martha, I’m new to this. Could you tell me how to find these blogs?
Dr. Dean has the bona fides to speak on this subject, unlike so many other talking heads of any party. We are so lucky to have a person of his intellect and standing to lead. DFA is a great organization for this. Also, another: Mad as Hell Doctors @
http://www.madashelldoctors.com
Here is a chance to help. A drive across the nation with a bunch of docs to Washington. I hope they get a massive caravan to join them. I have sent in a small donation for gas and supplies. The march on Washington must happen by peeps, because the march on Washington by the huge health industry lobby has already been in motion for months.
Congratulations Shannyn 🙂
Newt’s come out with some unsolicited advice for Sarah if she wants a chance in 2012. Write a book, land a TV commentator slot, get a DC or NYC condo, write and master three types of speeches, create a national project or center, and plan on working really, really hard. Fat chance!
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0809/26018.html
new open thread
bullcrappy….blue dog democrats are the bane of real democrats …they might as well vote republican..as a matter of fact..most of them do…yellowdogs are true democrats..
trisha Right on Scarah quit making things up
Nan (aka roswellborn) #35. Thanks, and I swear that woman sits up all night in a manic craze reading what is being said about her on all the blogs.
Hi Scarah!!!—If you are reading this, you are a quittin’ lyin’ loser! For the sake of the troops, quit makin’ stuff up!
Ahhhhh….I feel better.
Wow…What an smart.Gov..He is soo right…
Congats Shanynn…
leenie17@ #15, #16,
Good points. Thanks…I needed a laugh. I swear my BP was up yesterday too (and I have very low BP). I was getting so upset that I needed to walk away and take some deep breaths.
This part of your comment cracked me up.
There are also people who believe in the Tooth Fairy, alien abductions and that humans and dinosaurs frolicked together 6,000 years old but I don’t stay up nights worrying that any of that will find its way into national legislation!
Sorry OT, but the twit is tweeting again.
http://twitter.com/SarahPalinUSA
I have to second (or third?) the applause for Margaret and Helen’s blog. I found it through Mudflats and love the way they cut right to the truth and make you laugh along the way. Thanks for reminding me about the ladies since I haven’t visited for a while. I’ll be heading over there now…
Very insightful and VERY funny!
Congratulations to Shannyn; it’s a well-deserved honor.
I appreciate Dr. Dean’s reasoned, reasonable discourse- something missing from many town halls. Today on CNN, past Surgeon General put forth the idea of changing the approach of our health care system, not just health care delivery. Some big corporations have moved to a wellness model, rewarding employees for making lifestyle changes and improving their health. He said we could reap $4.00 for every $1.00 invested in such an approach. This goes along with “medical home” models. There are any number of good ideas out there that should be discussed- more than the “increase competition” and “tax cuts” responses from the right.
Congrats Shannyn.mommom I do the same as you but don’t let it get to me i kind of skim over the worst of it and reply only to the most obvious and outrageous lies about the health care reform
@ Lilybart
Margaret and Helen’s current blog is excellent, and spot on as usual! You must read them regularly, right? Helen is a ray of outspoken sunshine in Texas who makes me proud! During the pre-election days, I spent a lot of time bouncing between M&H’s (lots of active political discussions going on in the comments) and MF. If you haven’t spent much time there, go back and enjoy the archives! You’ll have to scroll past quite a few trolls – they don’t moderate the blog – but there is also a great group of troll smiters so the comment sections can be enlightening, heated and a long read. If nothing else, just read M&H’s posts. I guarantee they will make you smile.
the problem child #11,#12,#13
Thanks for the word of encouragement. I just get so frustrated that a governor who quit, who has a horrific record of state run health care, has been proven to lie again and again….who hides behind her facebook and ghost-writer- is spewing off about healthcare reform.
What a coward.
Congratulations, Shannyn! Such good news to hear.
trisha
as ever, you make such good points! I hadn’t even thought of “that woman” using the bloggers preoccupation with Netroots to her advantage. Good point. Although for one who professed such disdain for said bloggers, she really keeps track of what they say, doesn’t she?!
Mommom
Garlic! And oatmeal. Noooo, not together! But a raw clove of garlic can bring bp down almost instantaneously. The oatmeal can help it stay there.
Mudpups rule!
Congratulations to Shannyn! 🙂
mommom, quick! grab a cool glass of tea and put your feet up! Relax and breath. Last, thanks for fighting the good fight – but we can do it in shifts! I swear my blood pressure has skyrocketed, too…
Congrats to Shannyn!
I was listening to Gov. Dean last night on some of the shows. He’s an intelligent man who is able to sort out the lies from the truth. Thinking back to the election, it was the reasonable voices speaking the truth who prevailed over the shouting voices spewing lies and hatred. We need the same thing to happen now in Congress. I just hope they quit trying to get the republicans on board because it’s clear they’d rather stay in the water than join the democrats anywhere. Well, let ’em stay where they are. The rest of us want to move on.
@lilybart: I read Margaret and Helen the other day as well, and just want to clarify for those who didn’t. When you say “they” want their old America back and it doesn’t include a black president, it’s not Maragaret and Helen who think that way, but all the shouting, angry people showing up at the town halls and the republicans who want to kill the health bill to get to Obama.
This makes me “homesick” for a real governor! Shannyn, you go! I just know you guys are having a blast. And you know that a lot of the folks that you two meet, are going to go home and say “Guess WHO I got to meet / hang out with?” Alaska’s real celebrities – I’m very proud!
I like so many others here,have been spending my time on crazy,right wingnut sites fighting this healthcare battle,and fighting GINO the clown. I may have to take a few steps back,or I will be in need of healthcare.After years of having good control of my blood pressure using meds,diet,and a bit of exercise,I was getting exhausted and retaining fluid evrywhere,hands swelling like ballons.Finally went to the DR because of horrible headaches. My BP was 165 over 122 !!! With meds!!
Sarah Palin and her “Death Panels” may be the death of me yet.
I have great respect for Dr Dean. Imagine if he had not made that one little mistake of shouting out that little scream of joy in the previous election.We could have had him instead of Shrub!!
What intelligent(!!) person would believe that a Dr would advocate for patients to kill them selves and thereby deprive the Dr of the income from treating that patient!!
Hip Hip Hooray for our Shannyn!!
After the screaming idiots are hoarse, the adults will be back in charge, and more sober voices will be heard. Don’t despair, we’ll get this done.
I always liked Dean and didn’t understand how his ‘enthusiasm’ lost him so much popularity. I think he is a huge ally for Obama to get the facts out from a segment of the population we haven’t heard much from, the physicians. Sounds like your having a great time so far AKM and Shannyn!
Thanks for the update, AKM. This information deserves a Headline!
Congrats, Shannyn!!
Plus, the general manager of her radio show must be proud too!
I bet Shannyn’s daddy is so proud!! She quotes him often, and we know how close they are.
Congratulations Shannyn for the well-deserved honor.
Hearty congratulation to Shannyn. Were a pretty lucky group aren’t we, mudflatters, to have and to know these Alaskan bloggers. What a community they’ve built. Fries on a salad. What to do, dressing or ketchup.
Congratulations to Shannyn. Nice work. 🙂
Dr. Dean’s “townhall” on healthcare was EXCELLENT! One of the best conversations on this subject – actually made the puppers wait for breakfast so I could live blog ~ they didn’t care, they have excellent insurance & great vet care. But really, the points Dr Dean made are so salient and so very true: Without the public option there is NO health care reform.
As some smart person (Rachel Maddow, I think) pointed out, doctors don’t get paid after you’re dead. Even if they were as mercenary as these nutjobs fear (which kinda goes against that whole Hippocratic Oath stuff!), the financial incentive is to keep people ALIVE and receiving medical intervention, NOT to pull the plug on Granny.
trisha Says:
She is saying, don’t trust the government and don’t trust doctors to counsel you on end of life decisions because they, essentially, have no ethics and will force you to choose death.
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Pretty scary way to live isn’t it???
That’s almost exactly the type of comment I heard about what Newt Gingrich said last Sunday on This Week. He was defending Palin’s death panel nonsense. When George S argued that what Gingrich claimed to be so worried about wasn’t even in the bill, Gingrich said that we shouldn’t trust the government and that there ARE people in this country who believe in euthanasia.
There are also people who believe in the Tooth Fairy, alien abductions and that humans and dinosaurs frolicked together 6,000 years old but I don’t stay up nights worrying that any of that will find its way into national legislation!
Congrats to Shannyn for the well-deserved award!!
One thing I’m happy about is that SP’s official living will proclamation has been published by a variety of sources to illustrate her lies. I find it funny that she has to hide behind facebook and ghost writers. I guess she got tired of people laughing at her writing/speaking style.
Oh, and how could I forget Diva and Dennis!
And don’t forget there are other pups on the ground, too. 😉
trisha, don’t worry about the absence of AKM and Shannyn, Phil and Gryphen are still at home and digging deep. Gryph had the ex-GINO’s proclamation on death panels up almost as soon as the story broke.
Good insight from Dean! I was listening to NPR yesterday and there was a discussion about “the anger” at the TH’s. One commentator posited that there are a small group of folks who are furious that Obama won the presidency. Their anger has been simmering since November 5th 2008. This is the first opportunity they have had to voice their anger and they are turning it on the Health Care Issue. If congress was having town halls about new FDA rules about a new wonder drug, they would have been out in force angry about that. They needed a forum and Health Care provided it. That helps explain some of their nonsensical remarks and behavior.
Another participant said that there is a thinly veiled racism among most of these folks too. That is where all of the nazi craziness comes from. Many of the “official” types putting down the bill that congress is writing and blaming POTUS for writing it. They don’t want a black president and still can’t believe he was elected. Some of these folks are birthers.
It was also pointed out that this is a very small, mostly retired group of people (and their families) who are at the very fringes of the far left and right who have been whipped up by the likes of the Whack Job.
The AFSCME labor union guy that addressed Netroots last night, long before Clinton came out, reminded the crowd that Barack Obama has been taking hard hits everyday and that he will need our help to get this passed.
I’ve seen a couple of e-mails from David Axelrod in the last couple of days and I think it is just a matter of time – maybe when congress reconvenes – before Axelrod on behalf of POTUS issues a call to action. We will be ready, yes?
Dean serves Obama well. I like this guy.
I am so glad they are their learning and joining forces, but does anyone else think it was NO accident that Palin came out swinging with her double dare on “death panel’s while all the bloggers are preoccupied at this event?
I hope that when AKM and other bloggers get home, they will take address Palin’s lies, her own healthcare and end-of-life record, and her latest facebook rant.
I kind of feel that there is a huge voide this week because not as many are at work exposing her lies and fear tactics.
As Margaret and Helen said on their blog this week, they want their country back, but the country they want back is the one where they don’t elect a Black man president!
Wonder what the question was that he preferred not to answer?
I’m glad to see her hypocrisy is going public! Each time she makes a statement, evidence is found in her record showing her up to be a liar, There are still serious issues and charges remaining from her time as Governor. These will play out in good time and will chip away at what remains of her credibility.
I admire Governor Dean very much. He, like President Obama, has an amazing reserve of “cool”. We need more like them in these heated times.
What he says rings so true about the anger. The ones who lose the leader’s spot are always angry.
We will win this one. No matter what they try to throw at us. Because it’s the right thing to do.
I’m so jealous that you get to see and hear all those people!!! What excellent input!
Keep enjoying. And terrific blogging to keep up up to date!
I wish I would have been there to ask Dr. Dean a question. Here is my question:
Isn’t Sarah Palin actually attacking the ethics of physicians by implying that they will dupe patients to pull the plug to save the govermment money?
She is saying, don’t trust the government and don’t trust doctors to counsel you on end of life decisions because they, essentially, have no ethics and will force you to choose death.
Why aren’t more physician groups speaking out about being called unethical and that they will become death panel’s. They should be outraged at this claim that they will become agents of death.
I really believe that end-of life groups and physician groups need to speak up and not allow Palin to call them “unethical” or agents of death.
Smart man. A thinker.
Apparently old Ms. Smarty Pants Palin was FOR those death panels before she was against them.
http://thinkprogress.org/2009/08/13/palin-deathpanel-flipflop/
Can we say oops!