So, who else will be in DC on 9/13 to march on the Capitol for health care?

[Atticus]

I understand we'll gather at Lincoln Memorial at 10 a.m. and march to the Capitol at noon.

As mentioned in an earlier post, the 13th is "Grandparents' Day". Will your grandchildren have access to decent and affordable healthcare? Why not help us make it clear that the public option is the MINIMUM that should be done by this Congress.

[Maureen54]

1. I am

My husband and I plan to attend.
I was expecting more yes responses to your post. That's disappointing.
Hopefully there will be a good turn out.
Have you heard anything about the expected number of people attending?

[Atticus]

6. I have not heard any predictions as to turnout.

Generally, these are worthless, anyway. And, a good turnout doesn't necessarily translate into "impact". My wife and I were at a very well-attended anti-war march in September, 2007. We estimated 25,000 people, give or take. Lafayette Park, Pennsylvania Avenue and the parkways for several blocks were shoulder to shoulder. I was told that the "procession" down to the Capitol was curb to curb and over 16 blocks long.

The MSM ignored it---almost totally! Of course, FAUX covered it, reporting that "counter-protestors outnumbered marchers". (I'd estimate the number of profanity-screaming wingnuts along the route at 300 to 400.)

I cannot concern myself with how many others will do the right thing. I am fortunate to be able to make the trip and cannot, in good conscience, be anywhere else on that day. My wife will be with me. If your husband accompanies you, that's four of us standing up for what's right.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead

[spin]

2. I wish I could...

however, I'm a candidate for hip replacement and also have a pile of back problems for degenerative disk disease.

Fortunately I have fairly good health insurance. Still, I would expect to pay 20% of any operation.

My biggest concern is for my children. My daughter and her husband have health insurance through his company, but an office visit costs $50 and they pay $100 a week for just my son in law and daughter. The two children who are supposed to be covered by my daughter's ex husband would cost an additional $100 a week. Unfortunately the ex husband lost his job and his insurance coverage, so my grand kids have no health insurance and my daughter can't put them on her policy until the first of the year.

She attempting to get them on Florida Kid-Care, but it's a long process.

Our heathcare system in this country sucks. In most other industrialized nations, I would be insured and not have to pay 20% of the operation and my daughter and my grand kids would also be insured at a much lower cost.

It looks like the people we elect will make damn sure the heathcare insurance industry survives. It looks like the main stream media will continue to allow commercials which are mere propaganda for the heathcare industry, while doing absolutely nothing to report the facts about heathcare in other countries.

I fear that it is quite possible that we will end up with a system that is even more expensive than we have today and delivers less care.

Fucked again by the people we elect! Damn it! I voted for Obama because I hoped he would accomplish what he promised. It seems like we are screwed once again.

I hope the turnout for the march is overwhelming. We need to win this battle and until we make enough noise, we will be ignored.

[Maureen54]

3. good luck

with your surgery.I will march for you!
Has your daughter looked into SCHIP for her children. Is that the Florida Kids-First program you referenced? SCHIP is usually easier to apply for and be accepted into than Medical Assistance.

[spin]

5. Thanks for your reply...

I will ask her about SCHIP.

And thanks for your good wishes. I understand hip replacement has a high success rate. My doctor has indicated to me that an operation on my back has a much lower chance of success. Hopefully the new medication and the steroid shots I get in two weeks will make a difference.

[BlueIdaho]

4. Providing support?

No way I can make it across country for a march - but are there any reputable non-profits I could donate a few dollars to in support of the cause?

Just wondered...

[Atticus]

7. Not unless local organizations are planning bus trips to the march.

You might check your local boards and see if anyone who's planning to drive needs expense money to take passengers.

If this does turn out to be a well-attended event, that will be even more impressive because there has been very little publicity and only a bare-bones agenda. It will either be a handful of us crusty liberals who had the time and funds to make the trip or a groundswell of spontaneous and passionate support for the health of our neighbors, our kids, our grandkids, our nation.

I'm hoping for the latter, but I'm "in", either way.

Is there anything DU could do to coordinate sharing rides and housing?