The Archimedes Movement
October 2008 Newsletter

John Kitzhaber on Election '08
Last week John Kitzhaber spoke with people gathered at house parties around Oregon (and a few scattered across the country). Gov. Kitzhaber discussed the health reform plans of Presidential candidates Sen. John McCain and Sen. Barack Obama, answering questions submitted by the party hosts. The live conversation was delivered by video stream over the Internet and by phone. If you're interested in what John Kitzhaber has to say about the candidate's health proposals, you can watch the video. John Kitzhaber, M.D., was governor of Oregon from 1995-2003.
» Watch the video

Speakers Training Saturday, October 25th, in Eugene
Whether you are talking to a friend at the grocery store or talking to a large group, do you wish you could quickly and powerfully talk about the health care crisis and how we can move forward? How do you get your message out clearly and quickly?
» Get more info or sign-up now

Executive Director's Update
Read some thoughts from Liz Baxter about what's happening at the Archimedes Movement.
» Read the report

Public Testimony Before the Oregon Health Fund Board
On September 30, 2008, Governor Kitzhaber testified at the request of the Community Leadership Council, while David Pollack, M.D., spoke on behalf of the Community Leadership Council. This left our Executive Director Liz Baxter free to tell a story as a way of emphasizing that we need to include "care" in health care - that even excellent medical treatment is not enough.We've got the audio of these three commentaries for you.
» Listen to (or read) John Kitzhaber's comments
» Listen to (or read) the comments of David Pollack
» Listen to Liz's Story

Volunteer Profile
We've been asking volunteers what motivated them to join the Archimedes Movement. Gerald Schwarz, a retired physician, joined us more than a year ago. He brings expertise and passion to his role as a Community Presenter and member of the Beaverton chapter. Here's how he described himself:

"As a retired physician, I wish to give back to the profession that I served. Looking back, I see many things that have changed and that are detrimental to our individual as well as our societal needs. As a senior citizen, I see financial hardships for all of us. Our current health care system is not serving us well. It is a financial drain on us as individuals as well as our businesses. Looking forward, I am happy to be a volunteer to identify what is good as well as what is bad about health care in this country, and commit myself to making it better. And, I like the name that my fellow volunteers have chosen: I know that We Can Do Better!"

When we asked if he could think of something fun to share for the newsletter he responded by saying, "I can't do 'fun.' My involvement in health care reform stems from a sense of loss regarding what used to be called 'the practice of medicine' and the evolution of 'the business of medicine. Hard work is what is needed to effect needed changes. In no way is it entertaining for me." Thanks to Dr. Schwartz for bringing that level of commitment to the work of health reform.

About this newsletter
Several Archimedes Movement staff members and volunteers contributed to this newsletter. If you would like to write something for the next issue, get in touch with Rick Ray (rick@wecandobetter.org).