D.C. Launch of "Healthcare NOT Warfare" Campaign Meets with Success
March 21, 2008, Washington, DC
March 17--Hot on the heels of the successful New York benefit for PDA, Busboys and Poets was packed to the gills Monday night for PDA's D.C. launch of the
“Healthcare NOT Warfare” campaign. Inside the restaurant, progressives gathered to hear from Rep. John Conyers who was with PDA in 2004 at its launch in Roxbury, Massachusetts, and our newest advisory board members, Jim Hightower and PDA endorsed candidate for Congress Donna Edwards. PDA board member and syndicated columnist Norman Solomon rounded out the slate of speakers.
Outside the restaurant, spectacle was the name of the game. Aaron Rubin from True Majority was astounding passersby with the
“Not ANOTHER War” mobile. A take-off on “Dr. Strangelove,” it's a life-size mock-up of a missile with cowboy George Bush riding on top. The missile moves up into a launch position as smoke pours from the tail end. And not to be outdone, Bill Moyer from the Backbone Campaign had a giant-sized balloon version of a doctor with stethoscope in hand from the
Procession for a Future.
Tim Carpenter, PDA National Director, took the stage at 6:30 p.m. to emcee the event. He began by introducing Busboys proprietor and PDA board member Andy Shallal, who graciously provided not only the space but a lovely array of appetizers for the guests. Shallal introduced Rep. John Conyers, sponsor of HR 676, which will provide comprehensive guaranteed single-payer healthcare for all. Rep. Conyers spoke of the remarkable road he and PDA have traveled since Roxbury. And he reminded the audience of the similarities between passing civil rights legislation and establishing Social Security and the task of passing single-payer healthcare legislation. Activists back then were told it couldn't be done, just as single-payer healthcare advocates today are being told now that it can't be done.
After a rousing call to “sign the
'Healthcare NOT Warfare' petition,” PDA national field coordinator Diane Shamis introduced Donna Edwards, the Democratic nominee forCongress from Maryland's 4th Congressional District. Donna is an example of how exorbitant healthcare costs can bring financial ruin to a family. She intends to sign on as a co-sponsor to HR 676 and become a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus once elected. Donna took this opportunity to sincerely thank PDA for helping her to win her primary, and the audience showed its appreciation with a rousing round of applause.
Next, PDA board member Steve Cobble introduced Jim Hightower, the newest PDA Advisory Board member. Long-time progressive Hightower is a natural fit for PDA. A strong proponent of single-payer healthcare and reducing unnecessary and wasteful military spending, Hightower hit a high note with his down-home humor and Texas wit. “Just as St. Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland, PDA will drive the snakes out of Washington D.C.” He charmed the audience, receiving a standing ovation for his comments and accolades for his accomplishments.
PDA communications coordinator Laura Bonham introduced Norman Solomon who discussed the Iraq War and the losses the U.S. has sustained because of it-the personal losses to the families of dead and injured U.S. troops, our standing in the world, and the negative impact to our economy which diminishes the ability of the U.S. to meet human needs at home and abroad. The program concluded with a viewing of a clip from the documentary, based on Solomon's book, “War Made Easy,” produced by the Media Education Foundation.
The audience was a “who's who” of progressives. In attendance were PDA board members Steve Cobble, Vice Chair Steve Shaff, Medea Benjamin and Jodie Evans. Patch Adams, and Chellie Pingree also attended. PDA stalwarts Howard Jennings, Sarah Stott, Stephen Spitz, Peter Rush, and other members of the PDA community from Maryland. D.C., and Virginia were also present. PDA national team members Mike Hersh and Tom Pallow provided valuable assistance.
Proceeds from the event will be used to promote the “Healthcare NOT Warfare” campaign and the PDA-endorsed candidates who support it.
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