Thank You – from the cornfields in Iowa

Now that the 2010 midterm elections are over and John Boehner will become Speaker of the House, his priority is to repeal and replace HR3962, the Affordable Health Care for Americans Act.

The Republicans/Tea Party will use it’s machine and lobbying efforts to fill the airwaves with misinformation about health care reform, just like they did in 2009.

Please use these pages to help get the correct information out and save health care reform.

Julie

 

From Sergio:

“I was pleased by the turnout… ~900 people signed in, and many others did not, so I’d say we had somewhere around  1200-1500. When we arrived at 10:30am we set up two sign-in booths and signage, and when a good number of people were there, we started marching around the perimeter until the stage was set. A friend of mine came through with a good sound system and Miles and I kicked off the open mic. with a chant. These people were energized and it didn’t seem to make a difference to them that Glen Beck’s event was much bigger. We were all moved by the stories and the passion that our roster of 20+ speakers shared with us.”

From John:

“Thanks, Sergio and Miles.  And, thanks to everyone who helped to make this happen!

I really appreciated the stories shared by many, some heart-wrenching, some bold and determined and all for health care reform!

I also liked the spontaneous ground swell for rallying in D.C, starting with Julie’s dream and spreading out across the county.  We had folks from California, Texas, Wisconsin, New York, Ohio, Florida, North Carolina and more.  We did it without any big organizational support (no OFA, no DNC, no moveon.org, no HCAN).  It was truly grassroots.”

From DailyKOS

“It was mostly the warmth that filled me up and made me proud to be an American attending a rally in Our Nation’s Capital.  People smiled at us as we approached.  A few people asked to take our picture.  We had great signs and my kids are the cutest ever, so it was to be expected.  **Lowers Eyes Modestly**

Honestly, it was a great crowd.  We marched around the central fountain, chanting, “No is Not an Option!”, and “What do we want? Healthcare! When do we want it? Now!”  My husband threw in his own special chant, that no one seemed to pick up, “Joe Wilson’s Mama Drives a Picklewagon!”

We listened to story after story on the loudspeaker.  Stories of lost loved ones, of coverage denied for life-sustaining treatments because of pre-existing conditions like teen-age acne, of uninsured adults who feared the one accident or health condition that would ruin their health, their finances, and their lives.  The crowd around me nodded and cheered and booed and chanted.”

ABC/7 Report

PICTURES BELOW

We’re #37

Venue and Instructions

VENUE
Americans United for Health Care and Insurance Reform
September 13, 2009, 12Noon – 5pm
Upper Senate Park / Constitution Ave and Delaware Avenue NE

MAP

The location has changed from a march from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol to a rally at the Upper Senate Park.

All buses must be routed through Union Station. There will be no bus parking at the Upper Senate Park.

The Upper Senate Park permit will be issued to Julie Paulsen and Americans United for Health Care and Insurance Reform. Those rallying from other groups, not associated to Americans United for Health Care and Insurance Reform, may be asked to leave. The Upper Senate Park must be thoroughly cleaned up after the rally. All trash is to be disposed of in proper receptacles.

This rally is to be peaceful not a demonstration. Singing, chanting, speeches, stories of health care difficulties and peaceful participation is expected. Obstructive yelling, screaming, fighting or name calling is not acceptable. If we are approached by GOP, right-wing, 9/12 demonstrators the rule of thumb is to ignore them. We are not to acknowledge their presence. If that goal cannot be obtained you may have officials remove them. This is our rally for health care reform.

If approached by the media our response should be similar, if not identical, to White House health care insurance reform verbiage. If asked about GOP, right-wing myths on health care reform persons should be directed to White House.gov.

Each participant, who is staying through Monday, is asked to set up an appointment with their congressman and senators to discuss their support of health care and insurance reform. This meeting will probably with an aide.

If asked Americans United for Health Care and Insurance Reform is not affiliated with Organizing for America or the Democratic National Committee or affiliated with any other groups, special interests or lobbying forums. Americans United for Health Care and Insurance Reform is a grassroots organization. Neither Julie Paulsen or members of Americans United for Health Care and Insurance Reform will not be held liable for property, personal property, person(s) or actions of any person, group or association.

Speakers

Leslie Boyd has asked to speak to the group about her son’s fight against insurance companies and health care institutions. Her son, Mike, not only lost his fight with institutions, but also his life.

J.A. Ribelles, MD has asked to speak about analysis of the causes of run away costs and the measures to be implemented to contain them

9/10/2009 — THE FINAL DETAILS — READ CAREFULLY and FULLY

Yesterday, right after Elizabeth King from Congressman Fattah’s office emailed me and told me that the Congressman had withdrawn his resolution to make September 13th the day to rally for health care in Washington, D.C. and, within his resolution, the parks and Capitol areas in WDC, to be available to marches and rallies…..well, I did a major meltdown. The Congressman left us holding the bag. Miles emailed me the form for the permit and I filled it out and faxed it to the Capitol Police then I immediately got on the phone with my Senator Harkin (D-IA) for help securing a permit, I shot off an email to the White House and one to Congressman Fattah’s office to help us secure a permit because there is a five day waiting period for a permit – we were at four days.

I believe that there are Angels of Mercy. We’ve had a hectic month. My health is down the tubes and this month my husband, Jack, has been in and out of Mercy Medical Center twice this month. This morning I had to bring him home, again, from the hospital. One of the messages waiting for me on the phone message machine was from Officer Garrison of the Capitol Police (I had spoken to him twice yesterday). He could not guarantee anything, but he had been put in charge of our request for a permit. We went through the details and it looks like we have the Upper Senate Park which holds 2,500. WE CANNOT MARCH FROM THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL. Because of his kindness I want to let everyone know to MEET at the Upper Senate Park.

Again, I believe that there are Angels of Mercy at work here.

Officer Garrison also told me that any and ALL buses must be directed to Union Station. There is no bus parking.

Now, the bad news. I can’t come. My priority is Jack. So I need a ‘go to’ person, at the rally. This permit is in my name. I am responsible for this rally and for picking up the litter, making sure the area is clean after the rally and securing the area. Spotless, because they are not asking for an insurance bond. This person would also have to pick up the permit in the Capitol Police office, Special Events Unit, 119 D St., NE on FRIDAY – tomorrow. They are open until 6:00pm. I believe the later you get there, the better. There phone number is 202.224.8891. The officer to ask for is Officer Garrison.

Again, there is no guarantee here, but I feel that someone has our back.

Julie

Update, 9/1/2009 States Being Represented

New York

Nevada

California

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Texas

Maine

Kansas

Illinois

Indiana

Virginia

Maryland

Tennessee

Washington State

Oklahoma

Pennsylvania

Ohio

New Jersey

North Carolina

South Carolina

West Virginia

Washington, D.C.

Missouri

Michigan

Details

Sunday, September 13, 2009

12N-5pm

Washington, D.C.

Arrival – about one hour prior to start.

Meet at the Lincoln Memorial and march down the National Mall to the steps of the Capitol Building.

There is parking on the back side of the Capitol Building and handicap parking near the Washington Monument.

It would be wonderful if one person can spear head each state and get estimates of what a chartered bus would cost.  It looks like we will have many more participants than are signing up.  By the phone calls and emails I’m getting I hearing lots of, “I haven’t signed up but we’re coming.  What do I do about…..”

Update, August 31, 2009

There was a movie about a novice farmer in Iowa starring Kevin Costner called “The Field of Dreams.”  In the movie, Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) hears a soft whisper of a ball player called Shoeless Joe saying, “If you build it, they will come.”  Ray Kinsella built a ball field in his corn fields, and the ghosts of the ball players came.

And I’m an Iowan.

Americans United for Health Care and Insurance Reform is our “Field of Dreams.”  We have built it, they will come.  The response since our Press Release issued this morning has been tremendous.  They are coming — from Seattle, WA, Michigan, Maine, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Delaware, Georgia, Virginia, Maryland and Texas.

We have built it, they are coming.

Kudo’s to SaraBeth and Kittykago for their excellent work on DailyKOS and all the Twitters and FaceBook enthusiasts and my committee of 5 who have steered me in the right direction and kept me on the road when I was veering in the wrong direction.

Keep the pressure up.  Get the Press Release to all your local newspapers and media contacts.

Thank you, for all you have done and will continue to do for health care and insurance reform.

Julie

Update 8/31/09, Press Release

Julie Paulsen AMERICANS UNITED FOR HEALTH CARE AND INSURANCE REFORM http://www.americansunitedhcr. wordpress.com

Sioux City, Iowa 51108 Phone/Fax (712) 239-0992 Direct Questions to: americansunitedhcr@cableone.net

Press Release

Contact: Julie Paulsen americansunitedhcr@cableone.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9 A.M. CDT, August 31, 2009

AMERICANS UNITED FOR HEALTH CARE & INSURANCE REFORM RALLY & March in Washington, D.C. Sept. 13, 2009

Sioux City, IA August 31, 2009:  A rally/march will be held in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 13, 2009 between 12N – 5pm in support of the administrations health care and health insurance reform goals.  It is the goal of Americans United for Health Care and Insurance Reform to let congress know that all Americans need health care and insurance.  Over 47 million Americans are uninsured and millions more are underinsured or at risk of losing their health insurance

The rally/march will begin at the Lincoln Memorial and march to the steps of the Capitol Building via the National Mall.  This rally/march will be peaceful.

Robert Reich has given his support to this rally and march, “….I just want Congress to know how many Americans want universal health care and will settle for no less than complete coverage and no less than a public insurance option, to keep private insurers honest. So I’m happy to lend my support to whatever you are doing.”

Americans have enjoyed the freedom of movement, speech and employment.  It is time that American citizens have the freedom that comes from knowing they have affordable health care for themselves and their families.  Health care is not just for the privileged but it is a fundamental right.

Other groups marching on September 13, 2009 for health care reform are Congressman Fattah’s “March for Healthcare”, “Medicare for All”, and “March on Washington for Health Care.”

We invite all those who wish to participate visit our web blog at http://www.americansunitedhcr.wordpress.com and register to rally.

For more information please see our web blog (address above)Please direct all questions to our committee at americansunitedhcr@cableone.net.

Americans United for Health Care and Insurance Reform is not affiliated with Organizing for America or the Democratic National Committee or affiliated with any other groups, special interests or lobbying forums.

Update August 25, 2009

Where:  Washington, D.C.

When:   September 13, 2009

Time:     12Noon – 5pm

Gathering spot:  Gather near the Lincoln Memorial and march to the steps of the Capitol Building via the National Mall.  Our rally and march will be peaceful.  We will meet opposition with silence.  We will not incite or invite violence.  Our goal is to let congress know that Americans need health care and insurance reform.

Former Labor Secretary, Robert Reich, has lent his support to Americans United for Health Care and Insurance Reform:

8/20/2009 8:58am

Dear Julie,

I’m not an organizer, have “no efforts,” and have no particular preference for one day over another. I just want Congress to know how many Americans want universal health care and will settle for no less than complete coverage and no less than a public insurance option, to keep private insurers honest. So I’m happy to lend my support to whatever you are doing. (I hear that right-wing tea-partiers are planning a DC rally for September 12, which may cause the media to treat any progressive march that day more as a controversy than as an affirmative statement of conviction, but that kind of strategizing is beyond my pay grade.)

All best to you,

Robert Reich

This group is not affiliated with Organizing for America or the Democratic National Committee.  We will rally with other groups on September 13th, but we are not affiliated with any other groups, special interests or lobbying forums.