CONTACT White House and Demand HOWARD DEAN for HHS:

[yurbud]

http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

It might be a long shot, but healthcare is too important to leave to some DLC scumbag who has the insurance industry's hand up his ass and will end up making us pay more to the leeches who caused the problem.

If Howard Dean came up with a private sector based solution, I'd at least trust that he looked out for my interests in the process.

If some DLCer is placed in charge of it, I'd be worried about them selling my kidneys. or kids.

Tell the White House we need someone we can trust in that job not another corporate whore:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

[navarth]

1. Based on what I've heard so far,

I must wholeheartedly agree. Mail's on the way.

[Gman]

2. Dean is not qualified for the position as the job description is written

he has no congressional experience. He has no clout with Congress. Obama wants congressional experience and Obama makes the rules.

[yurbud]

4. Dean has the bully pulpit and can move the public to move the Congress

wheeling and dealing leads to nothing or worse.

[stillcool]

7. Then Howard Dean should be a PR person.

'wheeling and dealing' is how legislation is done. I think we need a dictator, or a king or something. Then there won't be any need for any wheeling and dealing, or compromises or any of those horrible things that go into the art of politics in a 'democracy'.

[yurbud]

9. dealing shouldn't be necessary when we have the majority and near super-majority

[stillcool]

15. What majority? Perception is managed..

by the television, and that is the 'majority'. I don't think anyone is really interested in a working Democracy anyway. It's just fun and games in the playground.

[yurbud]

44. then why are you here?

[stillcool]

46. I come here to read..

how about you?

[yurbud]

13. republicans manage to combine those functions. Dems don't take the PR part seriously enough

Republicans did it so well that they could sell us bad ideas for a couple of decades. Democrats do it so poorly that they couldn't defend good ideas--or they were busy wheeling and dealing for the same after-office jobs as corporate execs, board members, lobbyists, and consultants that the GOPers are after, so they split the difference between what the people need and what their future employer wants.

I'd rather have someone I know is 100% on my side.

[stillcool]

16. really? You think the Democrats..

choose to be under-represented by the media? You think the Democrats choose what the media highlights as far as policy positions or 'back-taxes'? Who is it that you know is 100% on your side? Do you think that one person can accomplish everything on your wish list and come out unscathed? How much are you willing for that person to risk to grant you your wishes? What is their life worth to you?

[yurbud]

29. at least that's more honest. But Democrats fell asleep at the switch while the GOP stacked media

deck for decades with deregulation and the like. They thought that because their ideas were back up by science and scholarship they would somehow sell themselves or be self-evidently true to the public, and they just had to concentrate on the back room wheeling and dealing.

And they got their asses handed to them.

The GOP fucked up so royally the last eight years that the public saw through the propaganda.

They also tried to destroy the very structure of our democracy.

With just the slightest pressure, they could be pushed into the abyss. Instead, Obama is giving them CPR.

I agree with you though that if a Democrat goes to far in taking care of the needs of the middle class and poor they are literally risking their lives, but I'd rather have someone I know is going to get close to the edge than someone who breaks bread with the potential killers of the other guy.

[stillcool]

33. This isn't about the last 8 years...

it's about the United States Government, and all of the moving parts. It is not about Republican vs. Democrat. It is about the entire fucking mess that is the fault of every single one of us. We sit back and watch the tv and expect the few chosen to do right by us, with absolutely zero input from 'we the people'. We expect miracles, and saints, and all sorts of poppycock while we pitch a bitch spouting accusations in the form of neat little labels about superficial bullshit that is highlighted for us by the tv.

[yurbud]

39. how are the republicans ''moving parts''? Have they changed their priorities in any way?

Can they really obstruct ANYTHING unless the Democrats let them?

You aren't making a hell of a lot of sense beyond spouting some catch phrases, and whenever someone says ignore the past, they are either listening to the bullshit on tv or they are being paid to say it.

[stillcool]

45. Oh man...by 'moving parts', I meant ..

all the branches of government. Every federal agency, and how our policies are shaped by the needs of the military, industry, and society. And yes, the Republicans can obstruct anything. Watch the tv. And no, our government will not change its priorities. The military and industry are well represented, but the people don't represent themselves. We watch tv, and bitch about whatever the tv says is important that day. Where's the 'catch phrase'? Are you speaking in code?

[yurbud]

48. how is it the republicans can obstruct no matter how small a minority they are...

and Democrats couldn't do the same thing when they were in the minority?

[stillcool]

49. I don't think it is the number...

of Republicans, it is who they represent, who represents them, and the tools at their disposal. All they need to do is create public perception that some point they have is valid, and they give cover to not only themselves for voting against something but also Democrats representing like-minded interests. While a majority of the people vote for the Democrats we don't have the tools at our disposal to have our voice heard, and challenge the perception that is being created. There aren't nearly enough of us who have the time and energy, and even then we aren't organized so we aren't a force. We need to be a critical mass, but we're a fractured mess of minutia. At least that's what I think.

[yurbud]

51. I agree about 90%, but the internet, time, and demographics are on our side

Did you see that map of what the election would have looked like if only votes of the under 30 crowd counted? They GOP was practically wiped off the map.

I teach community college, and few of my students get their news from TV, but most follow it to some degree online.

The kids I have in class rarely parrot talk radio or MSM nonsense any more. They have their own issues they care about like gays and animal rights, and the economy is so bad they even talk about that. One girl asked me the other day if the economy would ever get better.

And it's not hard to disabuse of the empty talking points about why we went into Iraq and get them to understand the strategic significance of oil--and how much oil companies could profit from it if they got to write their own contracts as they tried to do in Iraq with the Hydrocarbon Law.

I think the TV generation (or generation and a half) will be an incredibly brief blip in history followed by a longer one of two-way communication, fact-checking, and people with common interests networking regardless of physical distance between them.

[bdamomma]

17. if Dean is not the right person for this job who is?

I am curious.

[Gman]

27. I don't know... haven't paid enough attention to who's out there and available

I just know Dean doesn't meet the requirements Obama set out for this position.

[cascadiance]

52. The problem with "experience in congress" it is a cheap way to keep new ideas out!

It is a cheap way to put certain DLC, blue dogs, and Republican congress critters from the past, who have ties to corporate America ahead of anyone else that might be a decent entry.

Of other entries, Dean is probably as good as one gets, since HE has experience creating health care insurance programs for the state of Vermont, and HE is an experienced doctor himself. When you interview someone for a job, you don't lock people out just because of one facet of their experience. You look at the total picture. Total picture-wise, Dean is the best for the job, AND he is one America can trust that will be in their corner.

The "experience" crap is the excuse of why we got folks like Rahm Emmanuel and other DLC types on his staff to start with. If you want REAL change as your agenda, you don't lock people out just because of some "experience" requirement that a very narrow set of people (that arguably are almost all status quo) qualify for.

I'm fine with getting SOME folks with experience in there as a needed requirement to balance things out, but requiring ALL of them to have congressional experience is against his campaign promises as well of getting in new ideas for change and is a BS excuse for rewarding insiders.

And being the head of the DNC and doing a 50 state campaign to help build that majority has to count towards something for understanding how congress works!

[Dawgs]

3. Just sent mine. It went like this...

Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!! - Howard Dean for HHS!!!

[yurbud]

did you get up to 500 characters?

[Sydnie]

5. Done. I think it is a fine idea. n/t

[IDemo]

6. Done

[ljm2002]

8. Done...

...I also mentioned that we need an advocate for universal single payer health care, which will immediately remove a competitive disadvantage that U.S. businesses have right now.

Here's hoping...

[Blue_In_AK]

10. Done.

[Freddie Stubbs]

11. It's not like some radio station where they take requests

Obama will appoint the person he feels will do the best job, not who is most popular.

[polmaven]

19. Oh, Thank you!!

The word DEMAND is waaaayyyy over the top. Suggest is one thing, but DEMAND??? I believe the Obama team knows better than any of us here who is able to be the most effective in the job.

DEMAND indeed.

[Sherman A1]

28. Yes, he will, but

President Obama works for the People of the United States and we get to offer our input.

[Freddie Stubbs]

31. 'Offering input' is a bit different than demanding

[Sherman A1]

32. This is mine.....

With the withdrawl of Sen. Daschle, I would urge the administration to give strong consideration to Gov Howard Dean for the post of Secretary of HHS. I believe that he would prove to be a strong leader & help us on the road to Universal Single Payer Health Insurance that our people need to protect their health & businesses need to be competitive in the world.
Thank You!

[WyLoochka]

36. He also said this is about US, not him

and that he would listen to US. So he can start listening to and reading what we have to say. Now's a good time. He farked up on the Daschle pick.

Even without the tax cheat revelations he was a bad pick. Health reform that we desperately need right now, not later - single payer - was not going to be pushed by Daschle. He's way too embedded with the private health insurance companies.

So now Obama gets a do over and he darn well better pick someone who will do the right thing. Push the parasite insurance companies, who not only add no value - but actually drain value to the tune of billions, out of the picture.

I support Dean for the job. And I let Obama now that.

Whomever he picks it damn well better not be a Republican.

[yurbud]

41. spoken like a true DLCer: vote for our guy then shut up until the next election

[Mari333]

12. done. nt

[marlakay]

14. Done nt

[felinetta]

18. I just put in my bid for Dr Howard Dean

[scheming daemons]

20. Why on earth would I demand that Howard Dean take a job that he doesn't want?

Silly.

[lamp_shade]

21. I love Howard, but I'd like to know what qualifies him for the position. Anybody know?

[HughMoran]

24. He's a doctor and DU likes him

What more do you need?

[lamp_shade]

26. Well there you go.

[DFW]

38. A few suggestions

He is knowledgeble in medicine, administration, environmental issues, economic issues, including
the intricacies of many, many different kinds of health care plans, and not only those in practice
in the USA, but also those of Britian, Canada, and some countries of continental Europe.

He has progressive ideas, is not afraid to stick up for both his ideals and the people he represents,
which in this case would be the general public.

Sounds like a decent start, anyway.

[yurbud]

42. and as far as I know, he was never a lobbyist for a health insurance company which makes him

far more qualified than Daschle.

[yurbud]

43. didn't we all just vote for a president with relatively little experience? or isn't that on

your 3x5 cards of stuff you're supposed to post today?

[FloridaJudy]

22. Done. K&R. eom

[HughMoran]

23. Can't have some DLC scumbag with a hand up his ass

That's not healthy living - there's germs in them there sphincters :)

[mzmolly]

25. Done.

:hi:

[4 t 4]

30. Done Why is he just gone anyway

what the hell happened ?

[Triana]

34. DONE. n/t

[janet118]

35. My 2-cents to Prez

"Please consider nominating Gov. Howard Dean for Health and Human Services Secretary. His experiences as a governor who was one of the first to implement a healthcare program in his state, a medical doctor and as the first successful leader of the Democratic Party in many years qualify him for this post. His lack of connection to insurance and pharmaceutical companies make me more able to trust him to look out for the interests of the American people in negotiating healthcare legislation."

Howard will have to work hard with the Congressional weasels to get any viable healthcare program through their obstructions. But he is tough. I think he would expose their sweet little deals with corporate healthcare businesses if it came to that.

I like Elizabeth Edwards, too. She is adept at condensing healthcare issues into concise, clear sound bites. She recognizes that government-sponsored health systems work well. And she is for a universal, single-payer healthcare system.

Unfortunately, she is ill and her husband has disgraced their name with his stupid little fling.

[yurbud]

40. I think we need Howard precisely because he ISN'T a congressional ass weasel

He can focus the public rage on them and make them shit themselves.

[MsLeopard]

37. Done

Hope is does some good....

[elizfeelinggreat]

47. Done

Thank you for the link!

[Pastiche423]

50. DONE!

My second for the day.

[marions ghost]

53. Howard Dean

would be my dream candidate for this position.:patriot:

He is agreat administrator and I think we'd finally get going in the right direction on Healthcare with him at the helm.

Anything could happen though. :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: