I believe we can win the healthcare reform fight in Louisiana by placing this effort in three contexts: 1) the historical context of Democratic efforts to protect ordinary Americans from the harsh aspects of our economic system (think Social Security and Medicare); 2) the Louisiana context where the Louisiana Hospital Association says Jindal's Medicaid cuts will cost 2,000 healthcare jobs and drive up the costs of care, premiums, co-pays and deductibles; and, 3) the context of what is happening to working families through the near extinction of defined benefit pensions, employer contributions to 401Ks, and the continuing erosion of employment based healthcare.

Senator Landrieu and Congressman Melancon cannot be swayed by us. That will have to happen in Washington and probably at the White House.

But, we can win mindshare on this issue and begin to lay the basis for a Democratic revival in this state. Healthcare is a real issue in every household in Louisiana.

If Democrats will talk sense about this issue, we can win those voters (many of them white, middle class voters) back to our party in this state.

Because of the timidity of our elected officials and party leaders in this state, the field is open for progressives to fill the void and lead the conversation.

This is the opportunity of a lifetime for progressives to lead Louisiana Democrats on this issue and, in so doing, lay the foundation for future success in our party and in our state.

Please contact me to join the fight.