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If you ever get a call from PDA asking, “Can your chapter do a get-together for Rep. John Conyers in 47 hours?” just say “Yes!” And fasten your seat belt!
The ring of that phone Wednesday afternoon initiated two wild and crazy days, as our leadership team steamed into action, arranging for venue, food, invitations, and countless minor details, as well as putting out the usual fires that flare up with events of this nature. Chief among the firefighters were Carlos Richardson, Michael Lengyel, Derek Casady, and Mike Copass. Thanks guys–you’re the best–John Conyers says so, too. He thinks you’re awesome!
Dr. Bill Honigman, our perennial sticker on-er, stuck on our green stickers, passed out single-payer healthcare palm cards, pressed the flesh, and in general made everyone feel welcome. Thanks, Dr. Bill!
But about Rep. John Conyers—if you haven’t spent time with this powerhouse of a man, you really can’t appreciate his energy and dedication. While I drove them from the airport, he and his wonderful aide, Alexia, were already working the phones. As we waited for our table and our leaders (we were early), he had me call Marjorie Cohn, President of the National Lawyers Guild (who spoke at our meeting Thursday night) at the Oakland Airport, as he worked the local yellow pages to connect with yet more San Diegans!
We had a lovely, quiet lunch with members of our leadership team–on the water, right next to the USS Midway, now a museum. Rep. Conyers marveled at a slice of WWII history right here. Hmm, a justified war.
Then we were on to the Holiday Inn at the Bay, where we were greeted by our guests—not just from our chapter, but also members of the California Nurses Association–a lively contingent of red-scrubs-clad nurses, who were already at our reception. Rep. Conyers spoke with us about one of our most important issues today and a signature PDA Issue–Single Payer Health Care–and his own HR 676.
As he took the podium, he expressed his deep gratitude for the California Nurses Association, who’ve stood up to Ahhhnold, stood up with Michael Moore in Sacramento, and helped him, (along with us) put this issue “on the table”–front and center. In fact, Rep. Conyers was here to champion single-payer healthcare at the Congressional Tri-Caucus Minority Health Summit.
Yes, we’re coming to the “I” word! We all knew someone would bring it up, didn’t we?
But Rep. Conyers is a man of surprises. He burst into our room, which was bulging at the seams with supporters and emblazoned with a big “Impeach” sign, and exclaimed, “What are we waiting for? Let’s take them out!” The room jumped with applause and shouts of approval.
He then spent time talking one-on-one and with small groups before he took to the podium. In his remarks, he said he needs three more Representatives to contact him in support of impeachment in order to move forward, with or without Nancy Pelosi. It is in his heart. It’s been there for a long time.
While warm and enthusiastic, sometimes funny, he is a sober and deliberative man. His plate is very full with grave investigations now.
What will happen? It’s very hard to tell.
What you can tell without doubt is that John Conyers is one of us PDAers, through and through. He is so impressed with our Tim Carpenter. I’m told he raved about PDA and our Chapter in his speech at the Congressional Summit last night. He loved the framed certificate we gave him to show our appreciation, and to remember his day with our Chapter.
One more thing: Look out PDA Chapters—he may be coming your way, too! Enjoy!
Join the PDA San Diego Metro Chapter! Contact Judy Hess.
Read Dr. Bill's account on our blog.
Download the PDA single-payer healthcare flyer to distribute.
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