I agree with Michael 100%. It is the responsibility of every citizen to actively participate in our political system (sorry I sound like a Civics 101 class!) in any manner we can.
I have participated (as Michael suggested) in the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's "I am an MS Activist" campaign. This is ideal for people with MS because you may write to your state representatives on different issues concerning MS, all on your computer. We need to be heard, in whatever way we can. We need to voice our opinions, especially (as of late)about receiving appropriate health insurance.
I would also love to get more involved in helping with public policy, but haven't have a chance to look into that - particularly how to get started and who to speak to in order to do this. Perhaps that will be added to my plate (already ful)l of things to do!
I am active, as I said, in being involved in NMSS's I Am An MS Activist I write my congressmen and senators about all issues having to do with MS. I try to reach as many people as I can to talk about issues that matter to us. I, like Michael, am facing COBRA and am on Medicare. These are important issues for us as Washington tries to "solve" issues pertaining to our insurance coverage. Stay aware, stay involved, stay proactive. I will get off my lecture circuit now.:)
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At a minimum everyone, and I do mean EVERYONE, needs to be politically active. Our National MS Society has a program that anyone can participate in. Simply go to the website (WWW.NMSS.ORG) and sign up to become an MS Activist. It is easy to do and you must do it. In the words of Theodore Roosevelt "No man has a right to withhold his support from an organization that is striving to improve conditions within his sphere." Beyond that it is up to you. What I can tell you is that when I worked I was very active in state and national politics and legislative issues that affected my industry.
My hot button issues today are COBRA ( If your group goes away, so does your COBRA insurance) and Medicare (Why is there a two-year wait to get Medicare once you are on as SSDI?) I haven't made much progress on either of these issues, but I will. I am no longer on COBRA and am on Medicare so it won't change what I get. It is about doing the right thing. Don't you think?
Michael
Our country was founded assuming everyone would participate, but reality happened and some, actually most prople bowed out. How sad.
But as you mentioned, the MS Society helps. It is easy, they send an email when it is important, and they help find our representatives just in case we don't know. How easy can it be.
Yes, I think it is the right thing. I think you Teddy Roosevelt quote says it. And we know I am sometimes a bit brash on the subject of participating. I will not tell you whom to vote for, but I do encourage voting.
Thank you for your reply. What I know is that many people who are impacted by their MS feel as though they cannot participate in life. It is not important how much somebody can do. What is important is that we do the best we can. I think that my slogan says it all. " Participate. Make a difference. Live a life that matters.” You, more than most, are absolutely representative of that.
Happy Thanksgiving, Vicki. We have much to be thankful for.