Vigil for children

Moveon.org sent me the following message today:

When President Bush decided to veto children's health care, the family of MoveOn member Virginia T. in Pennsylvania was among the millions affected:

My daughter is 16 and is in Advanced Placement classes in high school. She has children's health insurance because she's a Type 1 diabetic. Without this insurance, we would have to pay $728 per month just on her meds. Bush vetoed MY child. Should we forfeit her meds and let her die so he can afford another bomb?

This week, Congress will vote on whether to override Bush's veto. On Tuesday, we're holding candlelight vigils around the country to highlight the stories of real people and urge Congress to do the right thing. Can you attend a local Vigil to Save Children's Health Care in Sand Springs this Tuesday at 6:00 PM? Here are the details and a link to RSVP:

WHAT: Vigil to Save Children's Health Care in Sand Springs
WHERE: Sand Springs Triangle
WHEN: Tuesday, Oct 16 2007, 6:00 PM
RSVP—Click here.

A veto-proof majority has already voted for kids' health care in the Senate. To win in the House, we need to keep the votes we have and pressure several more members to switch sides. Now is the time to ratchet up the pressure on every member of Congress to override Bush's veto.Media have already shown interest in reporting on local events that highlight this important issue—so we need good crowds at Tuesday's events. If you have kids, bring them! We'll hear stories from families affected by kids' health insurance and light candles in their honor. Afterward, we'll pass out fliers to the public—asking them to call Congress.Here are some more examples of MoveOn member stories we'll hear at Tuesday night's vigils:

Poor children are not disposable. My cousin died at age 16 from a 'cold and cough'...and my aunt's inability to obtain an x-ray that would have shown the tumor crushing his lungs and heart. Despite poverty, his three brothers grew up to be good, productive, and intelligent tradesmen. Who knows what he would have accomplished if he was insured?

–Christine R., Somerville, MA

Several years ago my cousin John, then in his early teens, was diagnosed with bone cancer. Today he is 'living strong' and cancer free. Without the Colorado children's health insurance program, he would not be here today. SCHIP provides to poor and working families the hope that children who get sick can have access to quality care and most importantly can get well. Congress should immediately override the president's veto and should pass the children's health insurance program—our kids deserve it.

–Geraldine M., Alexandria, VA

There are literally millions of stories like these. Together, we can pressure every member of Congress to do the right thing and stand up to President Bush on behalf of America's children.
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Now, if you are reading this from outside the Tulsa area, just go to the Moveon website and I'm sure you'll find details for a vigil in your area.