Laura Boylan, Obama House Party
Dear All,
Linda and I hosted a “Health Care Reform Kickoff Event” via tools on the DNC sponsored Organizing for America (mybarackobama.com) at her house. We mostly followed the basic menu suggested in the DNC provided Host Guidelines. This involved listening to a video of Obama’s call for reform meeting three principles: cost control, choice and affordability and organizing advice from DNC. The telling of personal health care stories in groups of 2-3 and planning a “day of service” for 6/27. We added a single payer presentation and discussion immediately following the Obama video.
About 30 people came most of whom were previously unknown to either Linda or me (via mybarackobama.com) who turned out to be either sympathizers or easily swayed. The event “maxed out” on the web with 40 acceptances (allowed) so people could not register for the event after that. A few emailed me personally coudl they come anyway and I told them to, knowing that not all positive RSVPers would come. In the end there was really big single payer energy/enthusiasm. Our “day of service” (proposed by DNC/OFA as an outcome from the meeting) will involve tabling for single payer in the neighborhood (suggested by Steve Max) on the designated service day (June 27).
Nearly everyone opted onto a “single payer mailing list” to get action alerts/”click advocacy” opportunities and info about planning/organizing upcoming events (possibilities mentioned were June teach-in, July 4th street theater event, July 30th Medicare birthday party). Steve Max (Three Parks Dems) and Cynthia Doty (69th Assembly District rep) came. I got two not yet PNHP member docs to agree to join (a Chilean pal of mine from waaay back and his wife who I’d lost touch with). It was a highly educated crowd with heavy overrepresentation of health care professionals but not many “activists”. Also a videographer, a concert pianist, two accountants.
Because I know others have struggled w/this issue I’m giving some detail on how I handled the “public option” issue:
I gave a very brief single payer presentation (no slides, maybe 10 mins), trying to stick w/the big ideas (health care as human right, need to throw out the for profit insurance companies who suck out money but don’t add value). vis public option: I said that when you go to your boss for a raise, you know they don’t want to give it to you. Now how smart would it be to start out asking for less than you really want hoping to generate good will with the lowball? You have to ask for MORE. So, I said, even those who believe “public option” could be a step in the right direction need to be loud and insistent on single payer. I pointed out that “some” envisioned “public option” outcomes which could even make things worse. I mentioned that Obama last week suggested 200billion in cuts to MCR and MCD to support a reform program which allows private insurance to rule the roost.
People shared their stories and gripes w/private insurance as patients and providers and expressed much personal skepticism about how public option could be twisted. One complained that she felt “tricked” because to share her (horrible) healthcare story on the Obama site she was supposed to click on something to support his principles which she doesn’t agree with since “keep what you have” means a role for private insurance (she was not planted by either Linda or I!).
In my view the DNC suggested techniques of personal story telling, breaking up into pairs for this, was a very strong motivational tool. It get’s people engaged and builds a sense of groupness/community. Even without organizational followup I think it makes it more people more likely to discuss these matters w/friends/family/neighbors. I shared a brief story of my own “consumer nightmare” from recent 3 days hospitalization (10 bills/4 denials) despite “gold plated” FEHB coverage.
I will be sending attendees a report w/group photo and list of upcoming events and volunteer opportunities with PNHP, PHIMG, Three Parks Democrats, HealthcareNow. We also sold five or so books (cash forthcoming!). Will also send DNC a report w/photo that our consensus was need for single payer and our “service event” will be single payer advocacy on 6/27.
Laura