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Health Insurance Reform is Better than the Status Quo

As an advocate for single payer health care (also known as Medicare for all), I’ve struggled as the reforms I’d supported got diluted and distorted.

Rather than rant more about that, I’ll take this opportunity to note that some reform is better than taking no action at all to repair a broken system. Right now, millions of people in the U.S need health insurance reform, and they can’t wait for the perfect bill.

As Democrats line up behind President Obama to support this effort, I applaud the skill and tenacity that got us this far even as I recall that our aim was for so much more. I have to hope that this progress will add momentum to other efforts that are underway.

It looks like President Obama is coming through for us, despite huge resistance from special interests. No matter what, this is historic, and is a sweet moment for working people, the poor, and the unemployed. Let’s savor it even as we work for future gains.

No Industry-Written Health Care Reform: Ithaca Democratic Socialists Say “Kill the Bill”

I am in favor of single payer health care, also known as Medicare for all. I won’t settle for “reform” legislation written by the insurance industry to maximize profits at the expense of working families. Former New York State Assemblyman Marty Luster and Theresa Alt of the Ithaca Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) today issued this press release, stating the case more strongly:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 17, 2009
ITHACA SOCIALISTS SAY “KILL THE BILL!”

The Ithaca Local of Democratic Socialists of America today called for the defeat of the health care “reform” bill that is emerging from the Senate. Continue reading →

Marcellus Shale Hydrofracking Discussed with Walter Hang on Democracy Now

Check out this video of Amy Goodman’s Democracy Now interview of Walter Hang about hydrofracking and the lack of adequate regulation in Governor Paterson’s proposed supplemental generic environmental impact statement:

It’s about 11 minutes and is riveting info for those of us concerned about the inadequacies of the proposed sGEIS on Marcellus Shale Hydrofracking. Continue reading →

With Gratitude

Dear  Neighbors,

Thank you for providing me with your vote, and another opportunity to serve you on the County Legislature. All residents are part of this community, and it is an honor to represent you.
J_sign_crew_2009_3I appreciate your willingness to share your views and opinions on the list serve, on advisory boards, in the community, and directly with your elected officials, like me! We have a wealth of resources and talent available to us, and we are all part of this kind and generous community.

This is a very special place, and today I’m especially grateful to be here in Fall Creek, Ithaca, Tompkins County, and upstate New York.
K
PS–I think I got most of my signs picked up–let me know if we missed any and I’ll make sure they’re taken care of.

Vote Tuesday November 3!

Info on Tompkins County Polling Places

Vote on Tuesday, November 3, Election Day 2009
Polls are open Tue Nov 3 from 6am – 9pm Eastern Time

Do you live in District 5 of Tompkins County New York?
Please vote “Kathy Luz Herrera” for County Legislature so that I can serve you and County residents for another term.

Tompkins County Polling Places

Exercise your right to vote! Polling places for the City can be found here.

For more information and sample ballots

Go to the Tompkins County Board of Elections Webpage

I would sincerely appreciate your vote!