Oregon's Grassroots at the White House

by Congressman Earl Blumenauer

The Oregon political grassroots spread deep and far beyond the borders of our state. It's great fun encountering people who had been part of the Obama campaign popping up in the new administration in Washington DC or people that are taking higher profile leadership roles in their communities around the country. But nothing gives me greater satisfaction than watching the effects of the network in Oregon. I recently had a delightful illustration of the impact of one dedicated, concerned, and focused individual who is committed to grassroots change: Sue Stinson.

Sue is somebody who's been active in issues in the Democratic Party in these transformational campaigns over the course of the last five years. I've grown to know and appreciate her efforts, so I wasn't surprised during our community forum with Howard Dean last week that she had a presentation to make for me. Sue had kept a vintage copy of the October 1960 Harper's Magazine with a special feature that was a series of articles on healthcare in America. She pointed out that most of the fundamental debates about the healthcare work force, the role of government coverage, practice patterns, and affordability are all still sadly topical 49 years later. She gave this to me to use in my efforts to make sure that we are able to actually make a difference.

As I read the article while flying to Washington, D.C. early Monday morning, an idea formed. I took this article with me to a meeting I had in the White House with President Obama to discuss healthcare on Tuesday. When I had my opportunity to exchange some thoughts with the President, I used the magazine as an illustration of how high the stakes were and my commitment to work with him to make sure that 49 years from now people aren't going to be having the same debate and wonder why we came close but couldn't give Americans the health care they need and deserve.

A number of members of Congress were interested and requested copies. The President's Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanual, walked over and took the copy from me. He later called to say he was trying to have the President use this as part of his speech to the American Medical Association on Monday.

Regardless of whether President Obama uses it in the ongoing discussions on how we reform healthcare, Sue's insight and thoughtfulness has helped give me a lever to focus attention and make the point on healthcare and is one more example of where the amazing grassroots activists in Oregon continue to make a difference in national politics and national policy.Thank you Sue!!

Sincerely,

Earl

P.S: Read the article here.