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| 'Every day until we know it's dead': how people are fighting GOP healthcare bill | 'Every day until we know it's dead': how people are fighting GOP healthcare bill |
| (3 days later) | |
| A Senate vote on the Republican healthcare bill remains on hold but opponents are scrambling to push back against what would be a vast overhaul of the US healthcare system. | A Senate vote on the Republican healthcare bill remains on hold but opponents are scrambling to push back against what would be a vast overhaul of the US healthcare system. |
| We asked readers to tell us how they were voicing their opposition to the bill. They told us of mass organization, constant letters and calls, symbolic demonstrations such as “die-ins”, and heartfelt pleas with pictures of sick children. Others, such as Democrats in heavily Republican counties and legal immigrants weary of shifting policy and rhetoric in Washington, voiced frustration about their inability to get involved. Here are some of their responses. | We asked readers to tell us how they were voicing their opposition to the bill. They told us of mass organization, constant letters and calls, symbolic demonstrations such as “die-ins”, and heartfelt pleas with pictures of sick children. Others, such as Democrats in heavily Republican counties and legal immigrants weary of shifting policy and rhetoric in Washington, voiced frustration about their inability to get involved. Here are some of their responses. |
| Jill, 36, Florida | Jill, 36, Florida |
| Indivisible Northeast Florida has been calling, writing, and faxing our senators every single day. We had an empty-suit town hall for Marco Rubio on 31 May. | Indivisible Northeast Florida has been calling, writing, and faxing our senators every single day. We had an empty-suit town hall for Marco Rubio on 31 May. |
| We held a die-in outside of a luncheon that Republican congressman John Rutherford was attending last month and could see them smirking and looking down on us from the windows. We also have groups visiting Rubio’s office every Tuesday and talking with his staffers and previously held a rally in downtown Jacksonville in the pouring rain, focused on Rubio voting “no”. | We held a die-in outside of a luncheon that Republican congressman John Rutherford was attending last month and could see them smirking and looking down on us from the windows. We also have groups visiting Rubio’s office every Tuesday and talking with his staffers and previously held a rally in downtown Jacksonville in the pouring rain, focused on Rubio voting “no”. |
| We will not stop until this bill is gone for good and hopefully single-payer is achieved. An impeachment march is also planned for Sunday, 2 July, in West Palm Beach that will end at Mar-a-Lago. I plan to go. | We will not stop until this bill is gone for good and hopefully single-payer is achieved. An impeachment march is also planned for Sunday, 2 July, in West Palm Beach that will end at Mar-a-Lago. I plan to go. |
| "We don't mind a little rain; Trumpcare is a bigger pain" 🎵😂#MondayMotivaton #FixNotRepealACA #CantStopWontStop @IndivisibleTeam pic.twitter.com/V18BYMheGE | "We don't mind a little rain; Trumpcare is a bigger pain" 🎵😂#MondayMotivaton #FixNotRepealACA #CantStopWontStop @IndivisibleTeam pic.twitter.com/V18BYMheGE |
| David, 52, Missouri | David, 52, Missouri |
| I have both phoned and written my congressman and senators, reminding them that the 2018 midterms are not, in fact, a million years away – and that the electorate is now more actively engaged and aware and isn’t likely to forget the way they vote. I’ve also signed every petition going. As a disabled person, though, I’m unable to attend rallies and protests. Ironic given that I’ll be among the segment of the population most affected if “Trump No-Care” passes. I wish I could do more. | I have both phoned and written my congressman and senators, reminding them that the 2018 midterms are not, in fact, a million years away – and that the electorate is now more actively engaged and aware and isn’t likely to forget the way they vote. I’ve also signed every petition going. As a disabled person, though, I’m unable to attend rallies and protests. Ironic given that I’ll be among the segment of the population most affected if “Trump No-Care” passes. I wish I could do more. |
| I worked hard all my life, made all the right choices, built a career, paid my taxes and social security contributions. Then I got sick and had to go on social security disability, making less than a fifth of what I brought in my last year working. | I worked hard all my life, made all the right choices, built a career, paid my taxes and social security contributions. Then I got sick and had to go on social security disability, making less than a fifth of what I brought in my last year working. |
| I only hope the Democrats can get their act together in time for the midterms. Either way, the country I grew up in is long gone and isn’t coming back. | I only hope the Democrats can get their act together in time for the midterms. Either way, the country I grew up in is long gone and isn’t coming back. |
| I’d leave if I could. | I’d leave if I could. |
| Kathleen, 65, Illinois | Kathleen, 65, Illinois |
| I met with a staff member of Darin LaHood, the Republican congressman for the 18th congressional district in Illinois, and brought with me a photo of my daughter in the hospital at the age of three after her open-heart surgery (in 1993). I wanted to show him what a pre-existing condition looked like and to plead with him not to support this appalling legislation. | I met with a staff member of Darin LaHood, the Republican congressman for the 18th congressional district in Illinois, and brought with me a photo of my daughter in the hospital at the age of three after her open-heart surgery (in 1993). I wanted to show him what a pre-existing condition looked like and to plead with him not to support this appalling legislation. |
| Then I posted that photo of my daughter in the hospital after her surgery along with a statement about the pending legislation’s heartlessness and unspeakable immorality on Facebook. | Then I posted that photo of my daughter in the hospital after her surgery along with a statement about the pending legislation’s heartlessness and unspeakable immorality on Facebook. |
| RS, 28, New York | RS, 28, New York |
| I am a legal immigrant, not a citizen yet. So I shy away from placing phone calls, as in all honesty, no politician represents me. However, I worked in healthcare policy, and while I am in an excellent position to comprehend and know of the right actions, I am depressed over the lack of control I have due to my immigration status. I also fear that placing phone calls will put my name in a documented list that will be opened up when my immigration case is processed. I have five different editorials on my laptop about different political issues that I have shied away from sending to any newspapers for the same reason. | I am a legal immigrant, not a citizen yet. So I shy away from placing phone calls, as in all honesty, no politician represents me. However, I worked in healthcare policy, and while I am in an excellent position to comprehend and know of the right actions, I am depressed over the lack of control I have due to my immigration status. I also fear that placing phone calls will put my name in a documented list that will be opened up when my immigration case is processed. I have five different editorials on my laptop about different political issues that I have shied away from sending to any newspapers for the same reason. |
| I am so grateful that New York state dignifies immigrants to offer them Medicaid. I needed lots of care and I was able to get it. At my worst I am not able to stand, which will affect my productivity and keep me from getting/maintaining a great job, which would afford me good health insurance. | I am so grateful that New York state dignifies immigrants to offer them Medicaid. I needed lots of care and I was able to get it. At my worst I am not able to stand, which will affect my productivity and keep me from getting/maintaining a great job, which would afford me good health insurance. |
| Liane, 57, Virginia | Liane, 57, Virginia |
| I subscribe to Daily Action Alerts, texts that prompt us to contact our lawmakers and call daily about issues. Quite a few of them have concerned the Affordable Care Act repeal. I have told my “healthcare story” online and via email to my congressmen, senators, etc. I had a surprise head tumor last year which left me, temporarily, without sight in my left eye. Without Obamacare, I will be in big trouble as I work for an employer that doesn’t provide health insurance. | I subscribe to Daily Action Alerts, texts that prompt us to contact our lawmakers and call daily about issues. Quite a few of them have concerned the Affordable Care Act repeal. I have told my “healthcare story” online and via email to my congressmen, senators, etc. I had a surprise head tumor last year which left me, temporarily, without sight in my left eye. Without Obamacare, I will be in big trouble as I work for an employer that doesn’t provide health insurance. |
| I also belong to a local group that got together and sent postcards to lawmakers and I made sure to include Paul Ryan. | I also belong to a local group that got together and sent postcards to lawmakers and I made sure to include Paul Ryan. |
| Cynthia, 45, California | Cynthia, 45, California |
| This isn’t about ideology, religion, class warfare or politics any more. This is about the absence of humanity in our country’s leaders. I am sending a letter like this to every Republican voting for the bill, just so they know how it feels: | This isn’t about ideology, religion, class warfare or politics any more. This is about the absence of humanity in our country’s leaders. I am sending a letter like this to every Republican voting for the bill, just so they know how it feels: |
| Dear Senator, | Dear Senator, |
| I regret to inform you that you have been denied health insurance due to a pre-existing condition. You can try applying to every insurance company, but they will all deny you coverage. Because of this, you will go bankrupt from medical bills and ruin your credit for the next ten years. You will find it extremely difficult to rent an apartment or get a loan. Your children will then mortgage their house to pay for your remaining treatment. I realize you may find this upsetting, but a bunch of rich ladies got together and decided this was best for you. Please do not ask any questions, voice opposition, or ask us to explain this decision about your life. | I regret to inform you that you have been denied health insurance due to a pre-existing condition. You can try applying to every insurance company, but they will all deny you coverage. Because of this, you will go bankrupt from medical bills and ruin your credit for the next ten years. You will find it extremely difficult to rent an apartment or get a loan. Your children will then mortgage their house to pay for your remaining treatment. I realize you may find this upsetting, but a bunch of rich ladies got together and decided this was best for you. Please do not ask any questions, voice opposition, or ask us to explain this decision about your life. |
| Sincerely, | Sincerely, |
| Cynthia | Cynthia |
| Maureen, 48, Ohio | Maureen, 48, Ohio |
| I have written dozens of postcards, sent letters to the editor, called my representatives (Lorain County) at least twice a week for several months – and attended a town hall. I work with a group that meets weekly to strategize and support each other to make calls and write postcards. I am also involved in a local Indivisible group and chair the elections work group. | I have written dozens of postcards, sent letters to the editor, called my representatives (Lorain County) at least twice a week for several months – and attended a town hall. I work with a group that meets weekly to strategize and support each other to make calls and write postcards. I am also involved in a local Indivisible group and chair the elections work group. |
| My plan is to continue to call my senators – Rob Portman [a Republican], Sherrod Brown [a Democrat] – and Governor John Kasich, write cards and make calls. I also will be reaching out to friends to coordinate a visit to Senator Portman’s office. | My plan is to continue to call my senators – Rob Portman [a Republican], Sherrod Brown [a Democrat] – and Governor John Kasich, write cards and make calls. I also will be reaching out to friends to coordinate a visit to Senator Portman’s office. |
| Listen to the disenfranchised, the poor, and work thoughtfully and not recklessly or out of spite | Listen to the disenfranchised, the poor, and work thoughtfully and not recklessly or out of spite |
| Rose, 56, Pennsylvania | Rose, 56, Pennsylvania |
| I’ve never been involved in politics before this year. In February, I co-founded a local group, Sisters in Solidarity, that meets once a month to write postcards to local and national representatives, news organizations and influencers – and posts daily actions and articles through a private Facebook page. I have called and faxed my representatives and influential senators expressing my concern about this version of the healthcare bill – asking them to vote “no” if it comes to the floor. | I’ve never been involved in politics before this year. In February, I co-founded a local group, Sisters in Solidarity, that meets once a month to write postcards to local and national representatives, news organizations and influencers – and posts daily actions and articles through a private Facebook page. I have called and faxed my representatives and influential senators expressing my concern about this version of the healthcare bill – asking them to vote “no” if it comes to the floor. |
| I wish that Mr Trump and his colleagues would work toward finding common ground, listening to the majority of this country who are protesting and voicing strong opinions. Listen to the disenfranchised, the poor, and work thoughtfully and not recklessly or out of spite. Most of all, be respectful to all people. | I wish that Mr Trump and his colleagues would work toward finding common ground, listening to the majority of this country who are protesting and voicing strong opinions. Listen to the disenfranchised, the poor, and work thoughtfully and not recklessly or out of spite. Most of all, be respectful to all people. |
| Tracey, 57, Tennessee | Tracey, 57, Tennessee |
| I went to a town hall for Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn in my very red rural county (Hickman) to call her out for the House healthcare bill and instead I was shouted down by my so-called community leaders. | I went to a town hall for Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn in my very red rural county (Hickman) to call her out for the House healthcare bill and instead I was shouted down by my so-called community leaders. |
| I call every day – right now calling Senators Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander [both Republicans] – and send postcards to Paul Ryan and Trump. I’m active, but most Democrats and progressives in rural areas are afraid to speak up. | I call every day – right now calling Senators Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander [both Republicans] – and send postcards to Paul Ryan and Trump. I’m active, but most Democrats and progressives in rural areas are afraid to speak up. |
| Shannon, 32, New York | Shannon, 32, New York |
| Working with my Indivisible group, I’ve done all kinds of work against this immoral healthcare bill. In addition to making our own calls every day, we’ve held multiple call relays for our Democratic senators to encourage them to fight through obstruction. We organized a day of action to bring “Trumpcare” amendments to Chuck Schumer’s offices across the state and we’ve rallied in New York City. | Working with my Indivisible group, I’ve done all kinds of work against this immoral healthcare bill. In addition to making our own calls every day, we’ve held multiple call relays for our Democratic senators to encourage them to fight through obstruction. We organized a day of action to bring “Trumpcare” amendments to Chuck Schumer’s offices across the state and we’ve rallied in New York City. |
| We’re doing Planned Parenthood phone banks to ask red state supporters to call their senators about the bill and we went to DC to join the human chain around the Capitol building. | We’re doing Planned Parenthood phone banks to ask red state supporters to call their senators about the bill and we went to DC to join the human chain around the Capitol building. |
| I will be fighting every day until we know for sure this bill is dead. | I will be fighting every day until we know for sure this bill is dead. |
| Some of the responses were edited for length and clarity | Some of the responses were edited for length and clarity |
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