“Designated Readers” needed!

We need to have tools ready when Senate debate opens next week!

1. “Virtual” Read-a-thon begins today: find the worst provisions of the Senate healthcare bill
   
2. Make a 1-2 minute video of your concerns
   
3. Write a 1-pg letter to the Senate about your concerns.

The Senate debate on the healthcare bill is set to begin next week.

The Minority Leadership will introduce as many amendments as possible, many of them that would actually strip some of the language out of the bills.  When the actual language gets the sunshine of public scrutiny, many Democrats will likely vote against those provisions.

To that end, we have been asked to provide Senators with suggestions for substitute amendments and letters that Senators can read on the floor during the debate and video that they can show or post.  We are told that these 3 tools, from doctors in particular, will be a tremendous help to support opposition on the floor.

So we have your three-step plan for action:

1. DOCTORS' READ-A-THON
& VIRTUAL READING ROOM :  Wed. Nov. 25 – Tues. Dec. 1

Find the “Worst of the Worst” provisions!
Our “virtual” reading room of the House bill drew a lot of attention, so we’re doing it again with the Senate bill.

We know that most Members of Congress won't read the bill,
BUT OUR DOCTORS WILL!

So we are holding a national, virtual doctors' READING ROOM 

After reading the bill, DOCTORS WILL POST SPECIFIC SECTIONS OF CONCERNS, WITH COMMENTS FOR ALL THE PUBLIC TO READ.  We will also send your suggestions for amendments and the “worst of the worst” to the Senate.

We will also discuss them during our national Tele-Town Hall Meeting NEXT Wed. night (starting at 8 pm EST).  Join us and call in with your suggestions.

Not a doctor?  Please feel free to post your comments in the PUBLIC section, and call in during the webcast.

Two ways to participate in the read-a-thon:

The Senate bill is posted at www.TakeBackMedicine.com.

We also have online forms to post your comments about the bill or suggestions for amendments.

1. Read sections on your own & post comments on www.TakeBackMedicine.com
CLICK HERE TO PROCEED TO THE READING ROOM

2. Volunteer as a “DESIGNATED READERS”
Designated drivers save lives.  We think designated readers will too.

We need about 50 volunteers to take a turn as “designated readers” over the holiday weekend.  Spend 1 to 2 hours reading 50 pages of the bill & report on your findings. 

To volunteer to read 50 pages please CLICK HERE.

2. WRITE A PERSONAL LETTER TO THE SENATE

Even if you have written or called your Senator, please write another letter, even if you Senator is supporting the bill.  These will be addressed to the Senate, and we will distribute to the Senate office where we think it will have the most impact.

They need to be brief, personal and specific.  There is an online form and instructions posted at www.TakeBackMedicine.com.  We need HUNDREDS of letters.
CLICK HERE TO WRITE & SUBMIT YOUR LETTER

3.  RECORD A 1-2 MINUTE VIDEO STATING YOUR OBJECTIONS

If you can’t run a webcam or post to YouTube, get a child, grandchild or relative to help you with this over the weekend.

Record a simple 1-2 minute video simply stating your objections and concerns.  It can duplicate what you wrote in your letter.  Just set up a shot of your head and shoulders and speak directly into the camera.  Identify yourself – name, city and state, and if you are a doctor or other health care professional, or patient. 

And then say what you have to say.  Post it to YouTube.com and send us an email with the link to your video to info@takebackmedicine.com.  We will then link to it and distribute to the Senate.  WE NEED A HUNDRED VIDEOS! 

Here’s an example from Marcy Zwelling, MD, President of the Los Angeles County Medical Association: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVpzr5i_qpQ