Pressuring Obama to Make the Right Decision on Health Care is AlterNet's Top Campaign of the Week

By Byard Duncan, AlterNet. Posted June 30, 2009.

V -- Help Ensure Everyone Gets Paid Sick Leave

Everyone is aware of the importance of paid sick leave; it's a crucial benefit for working people all across America. But did you know that around 40 percent of all workers in the private sector do not receive paid sick leave?

That's 86 million Americans -- most of them already working for low wages. It's up to us to lend a helping hand. Urge your senators to support the Healthy Families Act, which would require employers with 15 or more full-time employees to provide at least seven paid sick days a year.

VI -- Stand Up For the Marriage Rights of LGBT Couples

The right for gay, lesbian and transgender couples to marry has already been codified in Massachusetts, Iowa, Connecticut, Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire. The battle for this important civil rights issue continues to rage on in New Jersey, New York, California and Oregon, and many other states have begun to take encouraging steps.

We're gaining ground, but we must voice our support for this human right. Join thousands of others who have made marriage equality their fight as well. Be on the right side of history.

VII -- Pledge Your Support For Women's Health Providers

With the slaying of Dr. George Tiller at the center of a new surge in right-wing hate crimes, the fight for women's reproductive rights remains extremely important. We must be strong in our support for those courageous enough to continue providing safe, legal abortion services. More than that, we must support these doctors, nurses and health care workers in their continuing fight for what's right.

Please join Ms. Magazine's pledge to thank and support abortion providers. You can do it here.

VIII -- Stop Global Warming

With the Obama administration moving in the right direction on climate-change issues, it's important to remember who's ultimately responsible for halting global warming's foreboding onslaught: us.

Be one of more than a million people who have joined the virtual march to stop global warming. Together, we can tell our leaders to freeze and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. In this fight, no one is free from the responsibility. But no one's voice is left out. Make yours heard.

IX -- Pass the DREAM Act

Every year, roughly 65,000 young men and women -- star athletes, aspiring teachers, homecoming queens -- graduate high school only to run into problems. Because they were brought into the country illegally as babies or young children, they risk being barred from jobs and even colleges.

These people have every right to reap all the benefits of the United States available to ordinary citizens. It's senseless for them to be penalized for a decades-old crime they didn't commit.

You can help: Though our immigration laws currently have no mechanism to consider the special equities and circumstances of students like these, the DREAM Act would eliminate this flaw. It's time to tell Congress that these people have every right to be here. Tell them to pass the DREAM Act today.

X -- Save California's State Parks

Here are some fast facts about the California state park system (courtesy of California's Sierra Club):

Fact: The General Fund budget that state parks receive accounts for less than one-tenth of 1 percent of the entire state budget.

Fact: Last year, there were more than 80 million visitors to state parks, and all indications are that this year was going to be even higher.

Fact: For every dollar that funds the parks, $2.35 is returned to the state's General Fund through economic activities in the communities surrounding the parks.

This Wednesday, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is planning to slice the state parks budget in half. Then, in 12 months, he's looking to eliminate funding for state parks altogether. This means that 220 state parks will shut down -- 80 percent of California's entire system.

The economic consequences of this move will be dire. In addition to sucking much-needed tourism revenues from local businesses, the decision will lay off thousands of state park employees, many of whom have put in years of service.

Join the Sierra Club in stopping this outrageous move. Tell the governor and state legislators you want to keep the parks open.
 

See more stories tagged with: obama, health care, single payer, howard dean, universal health care, public option, stand with dr. dean

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