Legislative Conference - Day Three

Washington D.C. (Liberation City) - June 17, 2009

Alliance for Retired Americans - 2009 Legislative Conference - Day Three

Today is "Lobby Day", the day that over 700 older Americans from all over the United States will visit their senators and congressional representatives to share their concerns about health care reform and other critical issues.

At about noon, we'll be bused to Capital Hill where we'll rally and then separate to visit our various representatives. I'm set to meet with staff members of Senators Hutchison and Cornyn and with my congressman, Jeb Hensarling.

In past years the Alliance has always held its "Lobby Day" immediately after Labor Day. However, this year, because of the critical nature and timing of the health care reform debate now underway, it was decided to move it up by 90-days in order that our voices be heard and that we help influence the outcome of the final bill.

These are perilous and difficult times. We're engaged in a hot war in Afghanistan, a deadly occupation in Iraq, threats to world peace and stability from Iran and North Korea, and an economy bouncing along on the bottom of a recession that threatens to bring unemployment to 12% by late this year or early next year.

It would be easy for health care reform and the needs of older Americans and working families to become lost in all that. It is up to us, each of us, all of us, you and me to shoulder our responsibilities and speak out in support of President Obama's health care reform. And there is no better time than today...Google your Senator and congress person to get their phone number and call their office that is nearest you and simply say, "I support the President's plan for health care reform".

Do it today! No excuses! You and I did not create this mess, but it looks as though it will be up to us to get it cleaned up. Call now!