IT'S TIME TO ESTABLISH A POPULAR GRASSROOTS MOVEMENT FOR UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE
As the economy slows down, and more Americans are facing the potential financial burdens of inadequate health insurance coverage or no coverage at all, it is urgent that a common plan be formulated to initiate a popular campaign that can finally move society to take action in support of universal health care.
As we have seen, the road to health care reform has had many turns, including many dead ends. Various campaigns and many initiatives have been tried; we traveled in many different directions but have not found the way. Although our vision and determination to make quality health care a right of every citizen is just and unwavering, we have been unable to formulate a plan and unleash a campaign that could move society to take action in support of universal health care. In contrast to past movements for social justice, our efforts to find an effective approach have eluded us for over half a century. Let no one be in doubt - there has been no predominant social movement for universal health care, merely sporadic and episodic campaigns and demands for health care justice, allowed to ignite, flame brightly, sputter, and die out.
The vital approach begins with our willingness to recognize and accept the lessons of past movements for social justice, equality and rights which require that those who support reform must finally agree to seek common ground, unite, plan and act together and move in the same direction in building a uniform popular movement for universal health care. It is only through strategically using combined talents and resources and a central plan that the isolated cries for health care reform can enlist the support and mighty roar of many Americans from coast to coast, thus initiating a true movement.
The whole answer, the whole truth, is no different from before. Our struggle for rights in health care is a part of America's unfinished work; it should be perpetuated in accordance with the nation's long historic journey for justice, and demands - as with past movements -that those whose rights are being denied must take part.
We are trying to determine if you might be interested in being involved in this new effort to seek common ground in order to build a nationwide grassroots movement for universal health care.
Philip Pollner, M.D. Nancy Wooten, Ph.D. Don McCanne, M.D.
Those who are interested please respond by email to
Please forward this message to friends, colleagues and to the leadership of organizations that might share our vision.