The debate over health care reform continues to rage. 47 million Americans have no health insurance and millions more have inadequate coverage. Before Congress now are proposals that would extend coverage - letting people keep their own doctors and insurance plan - but also creating a much needed public option.
Critics of the plan are disrupting town hall meetings with mobs of enraged people organized by DC lobbying firms where members of Congress are attempting to listen to citizens concerned about health care reform. A Congressman in Washington State and a North Carolina congressman have had their lives threatened. These out of control groups are being egged on by right-wing radio shows hosts and politicians like Sarah Palin who actually called the proposals now under debate "downright evil."
IT'S TIME FOR PEOPLE OF FAITH TO TAKE A STAND
Organizing for America is asking people to be in touch - either in person or with a phone call - with their members of Congress immediately to show support for health care reform and the president's call for a public option. At this moment extremists fighting against health care reform are dominating the discussion and we cannot let them win.
Once you've talked to your House and Senate members please contact the President. Thank him for his leadership and urge him to stand strong against the opponents of a public option. As I told the president in a letter sent this evening, for the faith community health care reform is about a ministry of healing. How we treat the least of these in society is akin to how we treat God, says Jesus.
And if you are on Facebook please consider joining the People of Faith For A Strong Public Option group. In just over a week more than three hundred lay members, seminarians, clergy, authors and professors have joined national religious leaders in calling for meaningful health care reform.
Finally, show some love to the people at Faith In Public Life and help them keep the spot above on CNN.