MoveOn.org Rallies Activists Over Public Option Compromise

The Huffington Post | Rachel Weiner
First Posted: 07- 7-09 05:55 PM | Updated: 07- 7-09 08:29 PM

Rahm Emanuel has caused consternation among progressives -- including Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Howard Dean -- for suggesting health care legislation could come with triggers for a public option. (A trigger would mean a years-long delay between passage of health care reform and the implementation of a public plan.)

Now MoveOn.org is rallying its membership against such a compromise, asking supporters in an email to call the White House and tell them "you're disappointed in Chief of Staff Emanuel's comments."

The full email:

Dear MoveOn member,

President Obama has been speaking out for weeks about the heart of health care reform: a public health insurance option that will lower costs and help cover everyone.

But yesterday, Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel signaled support for a "trigger" provision--a proposal that would undermine the public option, and put off real reform for years.

This morning the president reaffirmed his support for a public health insurance option. But according to The Huffington Post, Emanuel has been floating the idea of a trigger since January.

Right now, when key committees are finalizing health care legislation, Emanuel's remarks will only embolden conservative opponents of reform. He should be standing with the majority of Americans for a strong public health insurance option--not disastrous half-measures like the "trigger."

Can you call the White House switchboard and tell them you're disappointed in Chief of Staff Emanuel's comments supporting the "trigger"? Tell them voters want a strong public health insurance option--not half-measures like the "trigger."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/07/moveonorg-turns-activists_n_227382.html