Health Care Supporters Go Back to Grassroots

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A grassroots effort steeped in technology has been the latest tactic from health care reform supporters. The president's health care plan has been impacting the community as well as one of the state's congressional leaders.

"I believe he's definitely given a good try just by coming up with innovative ways that we don't usually see from the presidential level by reaching out to the people on the ground and asking them to call in and register their opinions," said Sen. Constance Johnson, D-District 48.

Sen. Johnson has been a huge advocate in the community, promoting the healthcare issue at her church. Johnson said she believes the Democrats will have a chance to pass health care reform and has been helping to spread the word.

"I think I'm adding to this effort by pushing my own button, and I'm hoping other people are forwarding it on to their people once they receive it," Johnson said.

Supporters who are taking to the grassroots Internet campaign to push President Obama's plan are apparent. Web sites are spreading the facts with scripts provided to contact their congressional leaders.

"You never know how many are calling until we call and count ourselves as one in the same way that our votes count as one," Johnson said.

Congresswoman Mary Fallin, R-Oklahoma City, said she has received several calls at her office, but the response against the health care bill has massively outweighed the ones supporting it.

"My office has heard from some groups. The MoveOn.org group that used to be very active in some of the presidential campaigns has reactivated, and they're trying to get people who are progressives that believe in more national control of industries like the health care systems," Fallin said. "I don't think it's healthy for our nation to try to ram down this health care bill with just one party supporting it and not having bipartisan support between the two political parties."

President Obama delayed a trip to Asia next week to continue his health care push, and Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she'll keep the House in session through Easter break if that's what it takes to pass the health care legislation.