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| A Historic Opportunity for Health
Care |
“Right
now, small businesses
across American are laying off or shutting their doors for good because
of rising health care costs.”
–
President-elect Barack Obama, December 11, 2008
After
his election in November 2008, President-elect Barack Obama made clear
that he believes we must take action on health care to support small
businesses and help revitalize the economy. At the historic
inauguration of America's 44th President on January 20, Obama echoed
these themes – and reminded us that to solve problems like health care,
we're all going to need to play a part.
In his inaugural address, Obama reaffirmed the importance of shared
responsibility in meeting the challenges facing the nation. Like many
of the small business owners profiled in the Taking the Pulse of Main Street
report, President Obama emphasized that a "go it alone" approach to
addressing national challenges won't work, that instead shared
commitment and willingness on all sides to rise to the occasion and
pitch in are needed.
Real change will only come about, the new
President argued, when we manage to get beyond the insider politics of
Washington lobbyists. He added, “[In difficult times,] America has
carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high
office but because we, the people, have remained faithful to the ideals
of our forebears and true to our founding documents.”
Meaningful change will require people who are directly impacted by the issues
every day to hold firm to our values and make our voices heard. This is
especially true with health care, where powerful interests are aligning
to maintain the status quo, and overcoming the barriers to reform will
require a huge groundswell of support. Small business owners, so
severely impacted by the issue, have the opportunity to play a critical
role.
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