Silence is not a public option!

The people must speak now! The United States is on the verge of historic positive change that will begin to loosen the corporate death grip that wrenches American life and governance. I know the people are tired.

They spent a year supporting and arguing for change with their free time and spare energy. They voted. But the vote didn't stop right wing radio, the vote didn't stop lobbyists from spending millions a day, the vote didn't stop the media from promulgating disinformation, and the vote didn't silence a scared and vocal minority.

FDR prods us from the grave with his presidential honesty, "I agree with you, I want to do it, now make me do it." His message - presidents are unable to affect major change without a movement of the people.

My Facebook page and this blog are microcosms of what is happening in America. When I write or post support of major reform of health care, hundreds of people read but the few people who comment are voices adverse to a public option. The illusion creates the conventional wisdom.

The conventional wisdom is congealing around the vocal town hall voices of fear and the absence of strong voices for reform. I was listening to Diane Rehm's Friday News Roundup, where a panel of columnists from the major national newspapers reflected where they thought the country was. Except for one columnist, the conventional wisdom was that Obama must accept the lesson of August that the center of public opinion rejects government involvement in health insurance. When the one dissenting columnists pointed out the overwhelming polling numbers in support of the public option, the others poo-poo-ed him.

Our vote gave us a president who wants reform, but if the majority doesn't break the silence, that's all we'll get. Our voice must shatter the illusion that is becoming conventional wisdom or Obama can do nothing, as FDR warns.

Even if we fight, we may lose But if we don't fight, we'll definitely lose.

Don't be afraid. Educate yourself, tell your friends and family how you feel, go to public forums and speak out, write your congresspeople, join the march on Washington if you can.

Speak out or submit to the Limbaughs, Palins, and bought-and-sold politicians!

Some ways to make your voice heard.

• Sign petitions for the public option here and here.
• Find and write your congressperson here. It's really easy and it works!
• Join the March on Washington September 13th - I wish I could be there. Take pics and send them to me please!!
• If you can, donate to firedoglake's movement to hold progressive congress members to their pledge to not vote for a bill without a public option. This is our best chance.