Dear MoveOn member, Wow. Last night's health care vigils were our biggest event of the year, and they were a scathing indictment of our broken health care system.
Click below to see pictures from the more than 350 vigils:
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51827&id=17136-538505-MQCdnLx&t=6
To hear so many stories, see so many candles, stand shoulder to shoulder with so many other people who care so deeply about health care reform was truly moving.
Remember, it was only three or four weeks ago when it seemed a loud few would overpower the calls for reform from the many.
But throughout August, MoveOn members and other health care supporters turned out in droves to more than 700 town halls and meetings with members of Congress. By the end of the month, most public events were dominated by health care supporters, not the opposition.
And last night we shared stories of people bankrupted by medical bills and shut out by pre-existing conditions. Together with folks from Democracy for America, TrueMajority, Center for Community Change, Doctors for America, Health Care for America Now, and the Service Employees International Union, we helped shift the momentum.
The New York Times wrote, "Under the banner of 'Can't Afford To Wait,' the vigils...put a human face on the need for" health care reform.1 Many local newspapers and TV stations prominently covered the vigils as well (see below for links)—and last night they made it on to the front page of the Washington Post's website.2
Next week, lawmakers will return to D.C. with these vigils fresh in their minds.
Here are a few highlights from MoveOn members: "Seeing the mix of the crowd, old and young, joining across generational lines to advocate for reform which will make a difference for everyone."
–Phoebe G., Mattapoisett, MA
"Hearing the testimonies of all the people who have suffered under the current health care system—nightmare stories of people sick and dying from being denied care from private insurers, denied coverage, financially bankrupt, foregoing treatment because they can't afford it, etc. It makes you realize even more how crucial it is that we enact health care reform NOW—with a public option!"
–Anna E., New York, NY
These amazing vigils were organized by MoveOn Councils across the country. The Councils are local teams of committed members who go beyond email to run hard-hitting events in their communities. If you're not already part of a Council, click here to find out more and join a local MoveOn Council to plan actions targeting health insurance companies for later this month:
http://www.moveon.org/augustrecess/vigils/councils.html?id=17136-538505-MQCdnLx&t=8
Together, we're reframing the health care debate to focus on the serious needs of real people, not ridiculous political fights. And as we head into this make-or-break fall, we've got momentum on our side.
Thanks for all you do.
–Nita, Peter, Michael, Kat, and the rest of the team
P.S. While all of us were out sharing stories in person, tens of thousands of other MoveOn members who couldn't make it out gathered online to share photos, stories, and light candles as well, at our virtual vigil. Check it out, here:
http://pol.moveon.org/vv/?id=17136-538505-MQCdnLx&t=9
P.P.S. We've also posted photo albums from vigils across the country on our Facebook page. Take a look:
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51833&id=17136-538505-MQCdnLx&t=10
Sources:
1. "Rallying for, and Against, an Overhaul," The New York Times, September 2, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51819&id=17136-538505-MQCdnLx&t=11
2. "Health care reform advocates rally at Fargo-Moorhead bridge," Grand Forks Herald, September 3, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51825&id=17136-538505-MQCdnLx&t=12
"1,000-plus rally in Denver in favor of health care reform," Denver Post, September 3, 2009
http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_13257706
"Hundreds rally at state house over health care," WPRI-TV Providence, September 3, 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbQGolW1Z-k
"At Vigils, Support Shown for Health-Care Bill," The Washington Post, September 2, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51826&id=17136-538505-MQCdnLx&t=13
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PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to Daniel Orey on September 3, 2009. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here. 
Reading Alvin's earlier diary ("From 'outside agitators' to 'wealthy gay activists' - Some of us black folks haven't learned a thing" bumped back up below this post), it's good to remind people that there are black folks who DO get it. Rev. Walter Fauntroy may have been director of the DC bureau of Dr. King's Southern Christian Leadership Conference, but that clearly didn't enlighten him to the fact that civil rights are human rights. He has hopped into bed with charlatan Bishop Harry Jackson. 
