The email:

hipparchia Dear Progressives --

As we speak, key committees in Congress are weighing options and making final decisions about how to tackle health care reform. This could be one of the last opportunities to shape the legislation before it's written.

The behind-the-scenes committee negotiations aren't front-page news, but the lobbyists trying to block reform are following every detail, and they won't miss a day. If the final plan is to uphold President Obama's the morally- and fiscally-responsible principles of reduced costs, guaranteed choice of health care -- including the choice of a robust public supplemental private insurance options -- and quality care for all, your voice must be heard.

Please write a short letter to the editor of your local paper expressing your support for President Obama's these three principles for real health care reform, and asking your Congressional representatives to do the same. You can write and submit your letter in just a few minutes using our OFA's simple online tool.

Write a letter to help pass health care

These letters are an easy but powerful way to make a difference. The letters section is one of the most-read parts of the newspaper, and decision-makers in Congress and the media watch it closely to gauge where the public stands.

Good letters are usually just two or three short paragraphs. You can just explain that you're a local resident who knows we need real health care reform following the President's three principles above, and we need it now. If you have a personal experience with the health care system that motivates you, that will make the letter even more powerful.

The opponents of real reform, including those who would have us settle for a "public option", have deep pockets and insider access, and they're holding nothing back in their drive to derail progress before the plans go public.

Your letter, submitted at this time, can help remind your representatives that the American people are counting on them to stand up to special interests and deliver the comprehensive reform we so desperately need.

http://my.barackobama.com/healthcareletter

Thanks for all that you do,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

hipparchia
pseudonymous blogger

P.S. -- These letters are a vital first step. Stay tuned for other critical ways to organize locally and make a difference in this campaign. We can only win this thing if we all work together every step of the way even if we have to take on faux liberals too.

Donate
Oh heck, while you're at it... Feed the hamsters...

The talking points:

Note: These points are only to provide information and suggestions. Your letter does not need to include all these points and most importantly should be written in your own words—that’s what will make it so powerful.

Our health care system is broken, and American families and businesses urgently need a solution.

* Forty-six million Americans are uninsured.
* Premiums are growing four times faster than wages.
* Half of all personal bankruptcies stem from medical expenses

President Obama has challenged Congress to pass real health care reform in 2009 that upholds three basic principles:

* Reduce costs by improving efficiency and investing in preventative care.
* Guarantee every American the right to choose their plan and doctor—including a public insurance option.
* Ensure quality, affordable care for every American

but we can do better:

* Reduce costs Save $350 billion per year by improving efficiency and investing in preventative care enacting Medicare for All.
* Guarantee every American the right to choose their plan and doctor and other health care providers—including a public supplemental private insurance options.
* Ensure quality, affordable care for every American

Congress must past real health care reform in 2009.

Consider sharing your personal story about how high costs, restrictive plans or insufficient coverage have negatively affected you and your loved ones or how Medicare has positively affected you and your loved ones.

At least they don't need any help with their writing tips:

# Concise letters are usually most effective.

# Follow the suggested talking points.

# Personalize your letter.