Last week, I reported to you that the AMA had been jolted to alertness by the AMA House of Delegates overwhelmingly calling them to use all efforts to stop the current health legislation changes, in my blog post, AMA Awakens to Speak for Doctors, Finally . In this article, The Sand Hill Reader learned that the AMA only has 17% of American doctors as members, yet they have taken liberal positions, or non-positions on these issues of healthcare. The AMA is seen as The Voice of American Physicians.
Several weeks ago, President BHO had a group of doctors invited to the White House in order to present the idea that "American Physicians support this Healthcare Reform." It came to light that the medical doctors that were at the meeting were all members of a group formed during the Obama Campaign called, "Doctors for Obama". As many as half of the people there who were wearing white laboratory coats, and presented as physicians, were actually researchers, research grant writers, lobbyists for liberal groups, and even Obama staff members. This presented a picture of much more support than he could legitimately get to portray his plan's (non)-support.
Most doctors DO NOT support the proposed health care changes: they are not in either the group "Doctors for Obama", or in another minority professional group, such as the AMA. (Please note the above referenced article that reports that the AMA may be changing directions.) To take a leadership role for the other 83% doctors, as well as the portion of AMA members who were not heard, a group known as "Doctors for Patient Care" was started. Membership in this group is divided into Physicians and non-Physicians. Their leadership has evolved into a powerful mass of physicians and patient supporters. They have been on almost every talk radio program and news channel in America. The Sand Hill Philosopher, aka, C. Dwayne Shafer, MD, PhD, has joined the group, and encourages you to do the same. They have used material that I wrote for them, and I have permission to share their information. The following is today's URGENT e-mail notice. I encourage you to ACT and REACT. The groups web address is in the following letter sent out today.
Just Thinking, The Sand Hill Philosopher
Colleagues and Friends:
The US House passed its HCR bill by a vote of 220-215. The final version of this $1.3 trillion bill has grown to over 2000 pages and will have a profound impact on the lives of every American family. Despite the promise of transparency and accountability, there was no opportunity for 72 hours of public scrutiny prior to the vote. Consequently, this legislation is certain to: