Single-payer healthcare reform activists target CIGNA

October 25, 2:22 PMCentral Coast Democrat ExaminerRobert Cuthbert

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AP Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez

In no uncertain terms Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) announced a non-violent protest against insurance giant CIGNA. Wednesday October 28th activists will gather at 400 North Brand Boulevard, Glendale California. Beginning at 10:00 AM the protest is the culmination of nation wide actions planned this October.

In coalition with PDA, Andrew McGuire, Director of Health Care for All-California said Sunday, “Help tell CIGNA to get out of the health insurance business, it's simple, if political leaders won't remove for-profit insurance companies from the business of heathcare, the people will do it,” said McGuire. “Join this sit-in and the kind of public demonstration that's sweeping the country, organized by Mobilize for Health Care and supported by a wide coalition.”

The broad coalition is reminiscent of broad issue protests of the sixties. Endorsing groups include Central Coast chapters of Health Care For All California, and Code Pink. PDA is a leader within the coalition with chapters in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties.

The Progressive Democratic organization (PDA) has long supported healthcare reform, “We had a series of very inspiring and energizing meetings and events leading up to the [Obama] inauguration,” said Director Tim Carpenter. “We're now channeling that excitement into action to stimulate the economy by removing the huge drag on business that is the current healthcare system, and replacing it with a system that guarantees healthcare to all Americans while containing costs.”

Progressive Democrats of America is a fast growing political organization dedicated to advancing “peace, justice, social, economic and environmental responsibility.” In its five years it has organized in forty-five states aiming at revitalization of the “progressive tradition of the Democratic Party.”

At a PDA press conference in January 2009, Dr. Robert Zarr of Physicians for a National Health Program, warned the nation, “With 46 million uninsured Americans, 22,000 deaths a year due to lack of health insurance, and over half of personal bankruptcies caused by medical debt, it is clear that healthcare reform should remain central within an economic recovery package.”
 

SB 810 California's healthcare answer 10/22/09