Women lead the way

In his first ever exclusive address to the nation on healthcare reform, President Obama broke from Washington politcs as usual to speak directly to the people, from Arcadia University in Glenside, PA.

It comes as no surprise to women activists that the highly anticipated speech was delivered on a college campus on International Women's Day. What can I say, Grrrl Power, revived?

Exit polls from the 2008 Presidential elections indicate 56% of women voted for Barack Obama compared with 49% of men. Nationally, this equates to close to 40 million women. Women, who believed that then Senator Obama would fight for critical issues confronting women in the United States. Issues that resonate nervous and anxious reactions of women in our day to day.

In this era of global economic turbulence, where the changing landscape and demographics of women's age and ethnicity have not made a dent to gender inequities, women continue to strive for more inclusive policies and legislation that have far reaching effect and influence.

According to the Institute for Women's Policy Research, women need stronger protection for their reproductive rights and greater access to health care to improve their overall status. In their 2004 report on the status of women, research indicates that in all states, disparities in health status based on race and ethnicity are far and wide. African American women are much more likely to die of heart disease and breast cancer than white women. Racial and ethnic disparities in incidence rates of AIDS among women are also large, with African American, Hispanic, and Native American women facing much higher rates than white or Asian American women.

Although it was disheartening that reproductive health eluded the President's 3-point appeal to the American people. It was a bittersweet moment to see engaged young 20-something college girls cheer valiantly for the President as he delivered perhaps the best speech in a while... A speech with all the bells and whistles, but nothing concrete for women's health.

So what exactly were the main appeals of the President's speech this morning? As re-told in the American fashion of mass appeal in a blogshell are:

1. Accountability for insurance companies. Elimination of denied benefits because of past medical history and ending some of the worst practices of insurance companies. Abolishing arbitrary premium hikes. The plan will also require free preventive care.

2. Affordable coverage and real choices for families. Americans should be able to have the same health care plan as our Congressional leaders. Those without health insurance coverage can join a pool to negotiate and leverage better deals... Oooh than reminds me, I need to make a Costco run.

3. Reducing cost. The president's plan will cost tax payers $100 billion/year. Where do we get this you ask... why from the 2.5 trillion/year that the federal government already spends on heath care, of course. Duh!!!

So ladies, we know we tilt elections- that's our God-given right... And, more importantly we have never denied ourselves of adoring charismatic speakers who sing to our souls. However, we, the matured and disillusioned 30-40ish give and take, somethings, actually listen more than we ooh and ahh.

In the back of minds is the pressing question of time... Is this healthreform worth my after nine energy and is it going to make any difference at all? Reforming our broken health care system should not be at the expense of our critical health issues, I agree, but it is broken nonetheless. So, as I ponder on today's International Day for Women, and this month of March celebration of Women's history, I am reminded of all the great ones who paved the way for many of us. Women who fought the status quo, angered many in the process, suffered alienation, humiliation, and subjugation but in the end made it possible for many of us to continue that legacy.

So to the question of whether its worth our time...What can one person do to influence Goliath, the Anthem Blue Crosses of America from hiking their fees up another 40%?

In a woman's language, that 40% translates to 40% less wholesome meals, it means 40% less teachers in classrooms, 40% less quality time for families, 40% less reading with a child to salvage electricity, 40% more drop outs as families juggle another part-time job to pay the 40% unexpected hike in rent. This is exactly what insurance companies have the right to do under existing federal law unless we change it.

We cant afford to be at the mercy of these 40%ers. We have the power to control and change that, actually, we women lead the way to stopping that nonsense completely... Stand with us and urge our congressional leaders to vote for healthcare reform today.