[lou_lou]

Obama Asks Nation for Input On Reforming Health System
'We Want Your Exact Ideas,' Daschle Says

By Ceci Connolly
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, December 6, 2008; A07



In between the tree trimming and gift-giving, President-elect Barack Obama is inviting Americans to spend part of the holiday season talking about health care -- and report back to him.

As he gears up for major health reform legislation next year, Obama is encouraging average Americans to host informal gatherings to brainstorm about how to improve the U.S. system.

The sessions, which could take place at a party, over a Menorah-lighting or at the annual Christmas cookie bake-off, are to be held Dec. 15 to Dec. 31. Former senator Thomas A. Daschle, Obama's point person on health, will attend at least one and prepare a detailed report, complete with video, to present to the next president.

"In order for us to reform our health care system, we must first begin reforming how government communicates with the American people," Obama said in a statement yesterday. "These Health Care Community Discussions are a great way for the American people to have a direct say in our health reform efforts."

By applying the high-tech tools and grass-roots activism that helped him win the White House, Obama hopes to circumvent many of the traditionally powerful special interests that have quashed previous health-care reform efforts.

During the campaign, he recruited some 13 million supporters to his Web site, using the list to turn out record-setting crowds at rallies, find babysitters for Election Day and solicit ideas for the Democratic Party platform.

With the transition team:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...503322_pf.html

[paula_w]

Pipeline received this email today from the Abigail Alliance, formed after the death of the founder's daughter as he sought experimental treatment for her.

Abigail Alliance-Boston Legal-Obama meeting!-Momentum

Dear all,

Among much news that is giving the Abigail Alliance renewed momentum
was our meeting yesterday with part of the Obama transition team. It
went very well! AND there is more news.

This past Monday night, on the television show Boston Legal, the
character played by William Shatner filed a lawsuit against FDA to
gain access to an experimental drug (based on Abigail Alliance v. FDA) to treat his rapidly advancing Alzheimer's Disease. SO BE SURE TO WATCH next Monday night's episode, when Shatner's lawyer will actually be arguing the case in front of a mock panel of nine Supreme Court
justices.

There is more going on such as a major documentary is
currently underway which is being done by an Emmy winning
writer/producer and an Emmy winning director, an ABC 20/20 John
Stossel piece is still alive and well as it awaits an airing date, AND
a Discovery Health TV piece featuring the Abigail Alliance is in the
works


Thinking of you all,
Frank Burroughs
Abigail Alliance

[paula_w]

whoops reposted...sorry.
edited to remove solitication paragraph
paula

[lou_lou]

dear Frank is a good man!
here is a real photo of his dear Abigail - she was beautiful