Open Threads

Imagine about the last guy on Earth whom you’d expect would send friend o’ the blog Tom Levenson a personal note praising Newton and the Counterfeiter. Done? Now check to see if you were right.

The country holds its breath for a comment from Megan McArdle.

***Update***

Read my review here.

Also Handy For Hiding Small Contraband!Post + Comments (20)

Via twitter, more than 50 Senators have signed a letter promising to vote for the reconciliation fixes immediately. This could very well encourage a couple of House Dems to support Pelosi’s present strategy (vote for the Senate bill as a separate item) and move into the ‘yes’ column.

A couple is all we need.

***Update***

Did Steny Hoyer just declare that he has the votes to pass the damn bill? Someone translate from twitterish.

BTW, this is why I don’t twitter. It is fucking addictive.

***Update 2***

Someone make me stop updating Ezra’s twitter stream.

KagroX RT @AlanColmes:Palin Concerned Obama’s Lack Of Experience Has Him “Over His Head” On #hcr http://bit.ly/bsRCbe || Written all the way up arm

wonkroom Managers amendment is only 9 pages. Hope Republicans can read it in just 24 hours. http://moourl.com/0mqel

snerk.

***Update 3***

Obama speaking live on CSPAN. Discuss.

Great NewsPost + Comments (123)

Have you tried your Rep’s local offices? If you know who your Representative is then google his or her name to find the local office (find your Rep’s name here). If local numbers are also busy then send a signed fax using, for example, the free online fax tool here.

Faxes often have more impact than phone calls, and you’re more likely to get one through. Please do not bother with email.

What To Do When The Phones Are BusyPost + Comments (112)

Find your Representative here.

Switchboard: (202) 224-3121

Guide for first-timers here.

If You’re New To Phoning CongressPost + Comments (50)

Commenter Moses2317 has a list of undecideds and progressive ‘no’s who really ought to be voting for this bill. I added Jason Altmire to the end because he is clearly gettable. If you live in any of these districts, do your best to get family and friends on the phones to get this done.

If you phone a progressive Rep, please emphasize that their support will make it less likely Nancy Pelosi will have cut a deal with Bart Stupak and make the abortion provisions even worse.

Zack Space – Ohio (Zanesville, Dover, Chillicothe) – (202) 225-6265

Marcy Kaptur – Ohio (Toledo) – (202) 225-4146

Bill Foster – Illinois (Batavia, Dixon, Geneseo) – (202) 225-2976

Kathy Dahlkemper – Pennsylvania (Erie) – (202) 225-5406

Chris Carney – Pennsylvania (Clarks Summit, Shamokin, Williamsport) – (202) 225-3731

Melissa Bean – Illinois (Schaumburg) – (202) 225-3711

Steve Driehaus – Ohio (Cincinnati) – (202) 225-2216

Jim Matheson – Utah (South Salt Lake, St. George, Price) – (202) 225-3011

Stephen Lynch – Massachusetts (Brockton, Boston) – 202-225-8273

Peter DeFazio – Oregon (Eugene, Roseburg, Coos Bay) – 202.225.6416

Michael Arcuri – New York (Utica, Auburn, Cortland) – (202)225-3665

Rick Boucher – Virginia (Abingdon, Pulaski, Big Stone Gap) – 202-225-3861

Henry Cuellar – Texas (San Antonia, Laredo, Rio Grande City) – 202-225-1640

John Tanner – Tennessee (Union City, Jackson, Millington) – 202-225-4714

Glenn Nye – Virginia (Virginia Beach, Accomac) – (202) 225-4215

Brian Baird – Washington (Vancouver, Olympia) – (202) 225-3536

Dan Lipinski – Illinois (LaGrange, Oak Lawn, Chicago’s southwest side) – (202) 225 – 5701

Joe Donnelly – Indiana (South Bend, LaPorte, Michigan City, Kokomo) – (202) 225-3915

Marion Barry – Arkansas (Jonesboro, Cabot, Mountain Home) – (202) 225-4076

Harry Teague – New Mexico (Hobbs, Las Cruces, Socorro, Los Lunas, Roswell) – (202) 225-2365

Jerry Costello – Illinois (Carbondale, Belleville, E. St. Louis, Granite City, Chester) – (202) 225-5661

John Barrow – Georgia (Savannah, Augusta, Vidalia, Milledgeville, Sandersville) – (202) 225-2823

Nick Rahall – West Virginia (Beckley, Bluefield, Huntington, Logan) – (202) 225-3452

Solomon Ortiz – Texas (Corpus Christi, Brownsville) – (202) 225-7742

Jason Altmire – Pennsylvania (Beaver Falls, Aliquippa) – (202) 225-2565

Reps Who Need Your HelpPost + Comments (50)

The last day to make a difference for health care reform. Once the House vote is done the Senate vote should be somewhat easier since the most important parts will already be law. Republicans can fight like demons to protect special deals for Nebraska and Louisiana and the excise tax, but somehow I doubt that they will have the spirit. Step up and help make history.

Remember that conservative Reps have good reason to think that their rightwing constituents will go nuts over this vote. Offering to help with some volunteer time in the fall could have a real impact.

One More Chance To Wrap This UpPost + Comments (27)

Too busy to even check the headlines…

Open ThreadPost + Comments (41)