My expectations are probably not any lower than yours. But I do feel strongly that when you see a sign of improvement, it's important to take notice. We are an integral part of our recovery, no matter which party is in charge.

I'm in the construction field in Southern California, and I don't see major movements, but small improvements? - yes. I know people who work on larger infrastructure projects and they are starting to move forward. It's still dire for many, many, many. But I also think putting money towards large improvements is a sound thing to do, and I have every expectation it will work. Why wouldn't it?

Jobs will never go back to where they were. Job markets have been changing for years, from an industrial society to a service-related one. There are indeed larger trends that transcend the current economy. But why not be realistic when real things - like countries purportedly climbing out of recession - occur?

Anyway, gracious culpa accepted.

Thanks for the links. Good data = good vibrations in this case. BTW, it's amazing how few naysayers are bothering to post on the health pages today. It's like when the shit hits the fan, they kind of scatter.

One of the greatest tools websites like Salon offer, with their built-in letter-writer population, is the chance to get a group together, when needed, in just minutes, and hopefully have a real impact. The intertubes in action! Makes me feel good every day to come here and find great posts by you and Celia and so many others - everybody on this page included. Salon has terrific readerly talent.

I don't agree with you about Obama - I think he's slowly but surely working his way through the agenda we hired him for - but it doesn't matter. Health care is not about him. Period. We've been trying to pass it for 60 years. Obama alone can't do it, and neither could Bill, and neither would Hillary (who I would have been happy to see win).

I tried to find another comment by Bill Clinton from a few days ago, but couldn't - he was talking about "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and how he was for having gays in the military, but was hit by constant negativity from the press as well as the Republicans, and he felt alone (!). He was overwhelmed - they're just humans, it happens. Once we Dems get our leaders in office, we chew them up. Who knows why - we're just good at it.

I don't mind what you think about Obama - that's your prerogative - but as one of the tens of "pre-existing" millions without insurance, I'd sure as hell like to know we're on the same page on that particular subject. I feel Public Option is THE way to go at this point - do you? How can we get it?

Captain:

Just call and write - now is the time. Vote them out if you want when you get a chance. But let's not miss the chance we've got right this moment. We've never been closer to getting a decent healthcare system. BTW, Medicare was just as hard to pass - same right wing noise about socialism and government intrusion. Now no senior - right or left - would think of giving it up.

vj: done and done, been posting phone numbers all over these pages, feel like a big ole broken record. I'm lucky to have Senators who generally are Public Optioners, and a representative who is adamant. However they're all subject to the winds of whimsy. Particularly feels good to sign Howard Dean's petition, cause he gives you a little pep talk right afterwards. Instant gratification!

We've got such incredible talent in the Democratic party right now - if we could ever get all those cats to walk in a straight line, good grief what we could accomplish. And don't forget Dr. Dean, who ought to be our secret weapon. (I like Rahm, but the scorched-earth policy has got to go.)

Rachel Maddow has an incredible segment on the rumored "death of the Public Option", here:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/18/maddow-public-option-dyin_n_261811.html

Sharp as a tack, no punches pulled. Obama said we MUST have a Public Option. EM YU ESS TEE - MUST.

Don't want to hear about "support", as if there's an issue. A solid majority of Americans want the Public Option. It's the heart of soul of real reform.

"We continue to INSIST on a Public Option." That's what we want to hear.

Contact info:

(Pardon the multiple posting)

1. White House Comments (always busy, keep trying):

1-202-456-1111

website for emails: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

2. Secretary Sebelius' Comments:

(toll free) 1-877-696-6775

website for emails: http://www.hhs.gov/ContactUs.html

3. Dr. Dean's Petition (thanks -le_chat_rose!):

http://standwithdrdean.com/

You get a nice message from Dr. Dean after signing.

4. Speaker Pelosi's Comments:

http://speaker.house.gov/contact/

Contact info (for new readers only - pardon the multiple posting):

1. White House Comments (always busy, keep trying):

1-202-456-1111

website for emails: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

2. Secretary Sebelius' Comments:

(toll free) 1-877-696-6775

website for emails: http://www.hhs.gov/ContactUs.html

3. Dr. Dean's Petition (thanks -le_chat_rose!):

http://standwithdrdean.com/

You get a nice message from Dr. Dean after signing.

4. Speaker Pelosi's Comments:

http://speaker.house.gov/contact/