Over the past month, Catholics United has joined other faith-based organizations for a 40 Days for Health Reform campaign. More than 300,000 people of faith participated in advocacy events over the August recess. Together we sent a clear message that reforming a broken health care system is an urgent moral imperative.
We can't stop now.
Starting on Tuesday, September 15, please join the National Call-in Day for Health Care Reform. People of faith around the country will be calling their members of Congress to express their support for health care reform.
To do your part, call 866-279-5474 anytime between 9am and 5pm ET tomorrow.
This is a toll free patch through phone line for people of faith that will direct you to your representatives office.
Let Congress know that affordable and quality health care for all is about serving the common good and human dignity, not partisan politics.
Our representatives are hearing from those shouting down health care reform. It's critical they hear from Catholics and other people of faith like you who know that health care is a human right, not a luxury for the privileged few.
Faith-based movements have always inspired our nation to live up to its highest ideals. We know that victories for social justice never come easily. Together we can make quality and affordable health care a reality for all Americans.
Dear Congressman Weiner: I
Dear Congressman Weiner:
I have been a lifelong proud Democrat. I am almost 63 years old. I am a priest in a small independent Catholic Community based in the United Kingdom. I live on a limited income from social security and a part time job which is administered through the Older Americans Act. I have no health insurance because like many others I cannot afford it. I have health issues but I cannot address those issues for the reason I stated above so for me this question is not philosophical nor is it a matter of political expediency rather it is intensely personal in nature and outcome. Therefore I do not say the following lightly.
I have never been ashamed of my Party until now. In the name of political "victory" at any cost the American people in particularly those least able to endure it have been handed among other things a mandate that requires us to purchase health insurance from the very robber barons who have denied humane and essential health care in the name of profit. The President talked of "real change" and instead we have more of the same old politics as usual. Rather than standing for principle and forcing those bought and sold so called democrats to take a stand he remained aloof and according to media reports refused to become directly involved in the process especially for a strong public option. I am also informed that a member of his staff made the remark that the White House did not worry (read care) about "the base"! Well if that is so it is a remark they all may bitterly regret in 2010.
The hype and spin is already begun. Make no mistake about it this senate prostituted version is a give away of unparalleled proportions to the health care industry and we the American people in particular souls like myself will be the sacrificial lambs on the altar of greed and politics! I urge you sir do NOT accept this senate betrayal of our Party and its' platform. I once asked you in an email which obviously you did not see why I should continue to believe in America and her ideals. This travesty does not bode well for a positive answer. If I were in Congress I had rather end my career in the House or Senate on principle than to continue on pernicious compromise.
Respectfully,
Father Andrew Gentry