Howard Dean Is New Chairman of Progressive Book Club
By Paul Bedard, Washington Whispers
Howard Dean, the former Democratic Party chairman who has turned his attention to healthcare reform, is moving into the publishing world to push progressive causes in much the same way conservatives did 40 years ago. Dean has been named the new chairman of the board of the Progressive Book Club, which models itself after the Conservative Book Club. The appointment comes as he is also preparing to release his first book since leaving the party chairmanship, Howard Dean's Prescription for Real Healthcare Reform: How We Can Achieve Affordable Medicare Care for Every American and Make Our Jobs Safer. The book aims to bolster President Obama's plan to offer public healthcare plans for the uninsured and those dissatisfied with employers' plans. Explaining his role with the book club, Dean posted a note on the club's website today comparing the progressive effort to the conservative game plan. "Conservatives have long used books—and book clubs—to legitimize their ideas and bring credibility to their principles and policies," he penned. "I believe Progressive Book Club has an invaluable role to play in keeping progressive ideas and values at the center of the national debate as we continue to move America in a new direction." Friends say the new post is a good fit with his other role as a founder of grass-roots Democracy for America, which is another arm of his healthcare reform bid.
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Reader Comments
Healthcare Reform
I am disappointed to see rt wing succeeding in fear tactics + lies re: reform. If no single-payer plan? Why not try harder for public option plan? Angry that Obama doesn't stop trying and POWER a plan for the people. Then get on with getting jobs. USA likes the macho approach so forget trying to get gop on board they are so blinded by hate +bitterness they will NOT do anything to help its all about politics and defeat for them.
va services in pa.
went to er back in nov 08 with bp of 278/170 now va.saying they don't want to pay bill because this was not hazardous to life or health. i live in bethlehem pa.the va.er. is 1 1/2 hrs. away in wilkes-barre pa.I was sent to st. luke's hospital er. by a doctor.saying it was life threatening.but va. doctor in wilkes-barre said it wasn't life threatening.that's why they won't pay bill.so if they are going to have health care like va.forget it.I was watching tv tonite and saw phillip longman saying how good va. health care is.
public option/VA as example
It was awesome to see DR. Dean on MSNBC tonight. I am a Deaniac from waaaay back and I know what this guy can do and inspire.
I am a family member of the military and just wanted to share that my brother (who served in Iraq) has received only the best care under his VA hospital. There is a collaborative team who really make a difference for him. They have also been very concerned and aware of the mental/emotional toll his service has taken on him. We couldn't ask for more.
All systems can use improvement, but our VA system (esp. since the Clinton administration) has done a great job.
I would truly like to see a single payer system as from what I have read would deliver the most savings and be most fair to all, but why can't we start with a public option that truly gives the average American a fair shake?? What is so scary about that? Most Americans are far ahead of the compromised members of Congress. I write compromised because I believe they have a conflict of interest in that so many are dependent on contributions from the very industries that have brought us such a disastrous system. I think we should pay for the public option by taxing every lobbyist who sets foot in DC - make it on a sliding scale so that it is fair.
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