Last week we sent you a survey on health care reform. Thank you to those who took part in this survey and contributed to this important debate.
The fight for the President's health care plan is shaping up as the most important social battle of our lifetime. Harry Truman, Lyndon Johnson, and Bill Clinton sought to cover all Americans, and each was defeated by a coalition of self-interested corporations and right-wing Congressmen.
To give you an idea of what President Obama is up against, here is what some Republicans are saying to scare the public away from President Obama's call for health care reform: "If you like what you have, you may well lose it under a government-run plan... The bottom line is this: under the illusion of reform, Americans will be asked to give up the care they like for something worse, and then they'll be taxed to the hilt to pay for it." -- Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R)
"If the American public overwhelmingly disapproves of a government takeover of an auto company or bank, how do you think they will react to a government takeover of their health-care destiny that will raise their taxes, cost them more money, and threaten their doctor-patient relationship?" -- House Republican Caucus Contrast that with President Obama, who says, "The question isn't how we can afford to focus on health care. The question is how we can afford not to." One thing is clear from this survey: An overwhelming majority of you support a public, government-run plan for health care. Although some support single payer health insurance, and some support Obama's plan, there is much we agree on. We do not accept that nearly 46 million men, women, and children go without insurance. We believe that we need public, government-run health insurance to ensure that every American has access to quality, affordable health care.
One respondent to the survey wrote: "My wife and I live in the 'Other America' -- those without health insurance, and the public/private 'socialist' single payer etc debate looks very different from here... We support President Obama's private/public plan as the most reasonable and achievable option for a true health care system." Click here to read more of your thoughts and comments about health care reform Here are the results of the survey:
Supporters of President Obama's plan: 1134
Supporters of single payer health care: 2285
People who do not want a public option: 49
America cannot afford to delay health care reform for another administration or even one more year. Skyrocketing health care costs are straining family budgets, threatening businesses' viability, and exploding our national deficit.
The Washington State Democratic Party believes in health care for all Americans. Our Platform supports single payer health care. The Washington State Democratic Party will fight alongside President Obama this year to pass health care reform that includes a public option.
This fight for health care reform will be a long and difficult battle. It is important that we remain strong and united. Please join together with the Washington State Democrats as we support President Barack Obama in demanding health care for all and supporting a public option.
Sincerely,
Dwight Pelz
Washington State Democrats Chair
p.s. Want to take the next step in supporting health care reform? This Saturday June 27th is Organizing for America's Health Care Day of Service. Click here to find an event: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/servicefooddrive/ 
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