To quote Devo, let's "whip it good" on health care

by: Adam L

Sat Jul 11, 2009 at 08:48:37 PM EDT

For those of you who missed the Blue Jersey Radio interview with Congressman Rush Holt a couple of weeks back, the good folks at FireDogLake took notice of the fact that he "took the pledge" to not just support a bill with a public option, but also to vote against a bill that did not have a public option.

If you didn't know, FireDogLake has been doing an outstanding job of whipping Democrats in Congress on the public option, and sadly, only two NJ Democrats are on the list of those who have committed to NOT SUPPORT a bill that did not have a public option.  Those two are Holt and Donald Payne (NJ-10).  Now, that is not to say that the other 6 NJ House Democrats (or the 5 House republicans - HAH!) would not only support a public option but would vote against a bill without one, but you can never be too careful or sure.

That is why we here at Blue Jersey are going to ask you - the Blue Jersey community - to help whip our fine Representatives into shape.

Stay tuned - we will be focusing on each of the six other NJ House Democrats but feel free to contact your Representative if he is a republican (other than myself, who knows that Garrett is beyond a lost cause) and let us know how you make out.  We will be posting contact information for the Representatives, as well as information as to their comments and responses.

What we are looking for, as so eloquently stated on FDL, is as follows:

Progressive members of Congress need to draw a line in the sand and demand a public health insurance option -- something 76% of Americans want.

They need to Take the Pledge to vote against any health care bill that doesn't have a public plan which is:

• available nationwide;
• on day one
• and accountable to Congress and the voters

Please call progressive members of Congress and ask them to Take the Pledge now.

At the link above ( this link), there is a space to input what you hear from the staffer or whoever else when you call.

We think this is a great way for the Blue Jersey community to come together and really take action for something that is so very important.  Hopefully, we can do some great things here.