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Monday, November, 23, 2009
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Hope and Change for People with Multiple Sclerosis

Mandy Crest
Mandy Crest
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Mandy Crest is How are you doing?
MS Blogger and Freelance Writer

Currently residing in northern Virginia with my

Mandy Crest

Saturday, January 17, 2009
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As our new administration takes the helm, hopes are high. Unrealistically so for some, but most of us understand that change does not happen quickly or easily, and anticipate the difficult times in the immediate future of this nation. We’re prepared to be patient.War and recession and hope and ...
  1. The New Administration
    Denise Coleman
    Monday, January 19, 2009 at 04:28 PM

    I agree with you completely about the need for health care reform, and also that while our new president has declared that this is a high priority for him it is not something in a vacuum that he can appoint a task force to look into and make recommendations that he will be then be able to adopt.  I believe that President Obama will keep health care high on his agenda, but there are other pressing issues that will be competing for his attention; war in Iraq and Afghanistan, terrorist camps in Pakistan, nuclear arms in Iraq,the areas of conflict in Africa, the Middle East, and all that implies, the economic crisis and the millions of Americans being hurt by it on a daily basis, and the many other critical concerns facing our country such as education, poverty, environment, energy, etc.  Wow, it makes one wonder why someone would even want that job!  

     

    Health care reform will also require the cooperation of Congress, and that is where I think we can have some impact.  We need to communicate with the members of both Houses of Congress how important this issue is to us and to everyone.  Write letters to or call the Senators and members of the House of Representatives that represent you and to those who Chair and serve on the appropriate committees in those Houses to urge them to pass responsible legislation.  

     

    The best way to keep updated on what legislation is being considered is to stay in touch with your Chapter of the National MS Society and volunteer to participate in their advocacy efforts.  We can't let this important issue get lost in the crush of other important concerns and we can't let new legislation be passed that doesn't meet the needs of all Americans, regardless of their health or economic status.

     

    The Obama Administration can do a lot, but it can't do it alone and it can't do it quickly.  We will need a reasonable amount of patience, but not too much!  And we also will need to realize that the fragile economic condition of our country and its citizens will affect legislation, as well as policies of insurance companies and medical professionals who are also affected by the economy, and someone needs to be watching.  I am hopeful that as a country we have learned that deregulation isn't always a good thing, after all look what happened when the financial world was deregulated.

     

    But let's be hopeful and helpful.  Maybe tomorrow will bring good things for us all.

    Reply
    re: The New Administration
    Mandy Crest
    Monday, January 19, 2009 at 04:44 PM

    Denise,

     

    Very good point about congress. We need to get to know our representatives and hold their feet to the fire.

     

    Helpful links:

     

    National Multiple Sclerosis Society - Government Affairs & Advocacy

     

    National Multiple Sclerosis Society - Activist Network

     

    National Multiple Sclerosis Society - Elected Officials

    Reply
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