WASHINGTON (CNN) – Minority groups joined forces Monday to form a coalition aimed at mobilizing African-American and Latino communities in the national debate over health care.
The NAACP Voter Fund, the National Council of La Raza, the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights and the Campaign for Community Change will kick off an advertising campaign this week. The ads are aimed at pushing minorities to join the debate, specificially by reaching out to fiscally conservative "blue dog" Democrats and urging them to support President Barack Obama's health care plan.
Television, print and radio ads are set to begin on Thursday in Louisiana, Florida, Arkansas and North Carolina, in markets within those states with large minority populations. The ads, revealed Monday at Washington's National Press Club, will appear in both English and Spanish.
"Voices of extremists are loud and clear. Voices of insurance companies are loud and clear. We're here to make sure people of color are heard loud and clear," said Deepak Bhargava, director of the Campaign for Community Change.
"A growing body of public health research is clearly showing that your zip code is more important than your genetic code," said Brian Smedley, director of health policy of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies. The nonprofit institution researches public policy issues of special concern to African Americans, according to its Web site.
Those racial inequities lead to inequities in health care, Smedley said.
"Today in America, it is not a guarantee that if you have an insurance card in your pocket, you get the timely quality health care that you need. In fact, for many people of color, you are in fact less likely, on average, than white patients to get the same quality of care."
Speakers at the Monday event included NAACP President Benjamin Todd Jealous, who spoke on behalf of the NAACP Voter Fund.
"This is a very personal fight," Jealous said. "We1ve seen 880,000 black people die unnecessarily in the 1990s. We've had hundreds of thousands in this decade and it's time to stop."
The coalition said its overarching principles are twofold: no one, it believes, should do without health care because of a lack of income, and patients should take precedence over profits.
It plans to push for the public option and insist that the health care legislation contain steps to eliminate racial disparities, offer complete health care access for all legal residents and promote cultural competence in a final plan.
"We're focusing our attention on what happens next week, when the finance committee completes its work on the bill, and when both the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Health Committee come together to develop a merged bill that will be sent to the floor," said Wade Henderson, CEO of the Leadership Conference of Civil Rights.
The overall tone of the health care debate is concerning to Latinos, said Janet Murguia, CEO of the National Council of La Raza.
"I think there's a growing sentiment, anxiety, in the Latino community that this is not just an anti-immigrant, anti-undocumented - this has an anti-Latino sort of feel to it," she said. "And there's an effort to shut down the entire debate on this point."
When African-American and Latino voters join together, they create a voting bloc to be reckoned with, she said. "I think it's fair for all elected officials to be on notice that we're going to use that strength to move forward an agenda and hold elected officials accountable."
Jealous spoke of an "encouragement gap" in the black community and said African-Americans would not be a sure Democratic vote. "The days of Democratic senators counting black voters as a golf handicap has to stop," he said. "It has to stop."
From CNN Politics
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Yawn. Another speech about "I WANT, I WANT, I WANT" without any comments or strategy to PAY FOR IT.
It's clear what you want, but you have NO PLAN on how to pay for it, other than to TAX others MORE.
We'll, the TAX PAYERS are standing up and saying "NO THANK YOU".
Why now? Where have you been? You've let Corporations who are only after profit frame the argument and, hate to say it, it's too late. We are going to get a watered down bill that will help the poor, keep the absurd Bush tax cuts in place (the ones only for the very, very rich), and pinch the middle class while offering them nothing- as usual! We need labor unions again.
It is about time! Can't let someone else complain for you, you got to stand up for your selves. Health care is everyone problem to figth for.
The problem is if low income latinos and blacks can't vote Democrat then who can they vote for? Conservatives look out for the rich first and then worry about the little guy. I think that 'golf handicap' that Jealous was talking about is the only remedy to the prejudice of America. It's either the minority getting a little bit or nothing at all. I'm sure some Americans will look at this and say that it is reverse racism. But, centuries of slavery and racism is not something that goes away just because there's a 1/2 black President in office. I believe it is a good idea that blacks and latinos unite to move forward with policies that will help everyone not just the rich.
I appreciate this move
We plan to call our representatives before voting day on health care reform
Our representatives think that town hall meetings represent anti health care reform
But we want make sure we didn’t participate in the town hall meeting so they didn’t hear our voice
This country is getting more diverse by the day. Enjoy it while you can, republicans, It won't be long now. That's what you're really afraid of, isn't it? Have a nice day!
It's about time. Blue Dog Democrats take the minority vote for granted. Without the minority vote they can not get elected. Many Blue Dog Democrats got elected because of President Obama in 2008. It is time for minorities to unite. They need representation from the people they elected.
My only question is ... why did it take them so long to get involved in this lopsided "debate" when their constituents are the ones so disporportionately being served by our healthcare industry?
The timing is late but I am very happy to see this. Senators and Representatives need to be reminded who ALL OF THEIR CONSTITUENTS ARE !!!...not just lobbyists for big insurance and pharma...and not just obstructionists not bringing viable solutions to the table.
Wouldn't you just love to know where the funding for these groups comes from. Hey, since I am working, living here legally and paying taxes, I bet it comes from me and I want out.
It seems to me that having "minority groups" get together to try to get Congress to force the rest of us to pay their medical bills isn't going to earn them a lot of respect.
Of course, the NAACP is now involved to make sure that they's cousins nave healthcare and welfare. The NAACP is nothing but a left wing racially discriminating organized crime group. Like I said earlier, the most racially discriminated people in America is the white male over 40. It's a fact put out by the Obama administration.
It's not a suprise that those that intend to take from the system a heck of a lot more than they give is supporting this. And I'm mainly speaking of La Raza and their representation of illegals..
The La Raza organization, of which we deal with all the time in AZ, is filled with criminals and thugs. That is not a good group to be associated with.
Sure target the areas where they can't afford to pay for their own healthcare.........ofcourse they want it. Try hitting the areas where you want to raise taxes on the 53% who pay!
This was something that should have been done months ago, but I'm glad that they are getting it done now. These two groups have the largest disparities by far when it comes to healthcare across the board, and it's high time that they are acknowledged. I've said it once and I'll say it again: If you think that just because we have elected the nations first black president that things are going to get easier, you better take a look at current events.
We need to start getting out in force to get the word out about getting HRC passed with the Public Option, and it's time that African Americans and Latinos got into this fight RIGHT NOW!!!
yeah, but the biggest voice the repugnants will hear from us latinos along with our brothers african americans at the voting booths all over this nation RISE up against the insignificant ones
GOP just don't get it the more they attack people of color the more they are hurting their party.
I will bet that more of the people in these groups get a check from the government than write one at tax time.
Good, Good, Good, Good! Good as many times as I can type it! We need all peoples at this table for Change to be made and real people's needs to start being met! Yes! Si Se Puede! We must Rise Up to Stop these folks from their continuing marginalization of all but the wealthy. We can all do this Together. Peace
Funny, here I thought those minority groups were the "extremists".
They want us working stiffs to pay for free health care for those here illegally or who don't have a job, pure and simple. Isn't it bad enough Medicare is bankrupting the country? Or clinics are having to close because illegals are draining their resources? Sorry, but we can't afford to give people free health care just because they want it.
Oh wonderful, another special interest group for the politicians to placate.
If the lawyer politicians have contempt for the senior block (a block that cuts across party and race lines and DOES vote more consistently than others in elections) why expect those knuckle heads in DC would listen to another voting block?
'Yes we can'
I need a Tylenol.
Well, it's about time. When are all the white people who supported Obama going to do the same, or are they going to sit back, let the Republlicans win, and then do nothing but complain. I hope not.
Congress needs to pass health-care reforms with a public option supported by the majority of all Americans. iVamos!
If I am correct, polls show a majority of even Republicans want healthcare reform that gives them opportunity to health insurance.
If this healthcare reform is put to a referendum, you will find that majority of both whites and other minorities want it. This is not a minority issue. It is an American issue being forestalled by insurance company paid Republicans and Republicans who are afraid that a democratic president , and democrats will gain huge political capital if this bill passes both houses.
Wow, what a shock. Two groups that are notorious for being lazy and unemployed. Let me guess, they like this idea 'cause they will get MORE free stuff without having to work for it...lol. Oh, and let's not forget about the people that are here ILLEGALLY ! ! Why not give them a bunch of free stuff too? I mean they will need to go to the hospital after getting shot in a drive-by by a rival gang. Or maybe someone they are trying to rape, kill, or rob may injure them during the crime. Shouldn't they be given free health care in case that happens? Puh-lees. This article does not surprise me. If you want to surprise me, write something about how these groups are against getting a free hand out.
I'm for everyone getting covered not matter what race, age, religion or sex. But you don't need a pubilc option to do it.
The debate is really about the public option and the cost, not if reform is needed or justified.
I do take offense to the statement that the voices of extremists are loud and clear. Makes it sound like anyone against the bills with a public option are extremists. I'm for reform and getting all these people covered, but I don't support the pubic option or a government takeover to do it. I don't believe that is necessary to get it done and comes with too high a price tag. Does that make me an extremist? And these people need to realize that Blue Dogs support getting them covered, just not with a plan that includes a public option. Someone should tell them that Obama has stated that the pubic option is not essential. Obama is yet to say that he would veto a bill that does not have a public option.
It is about time for those groups that represent those in need of real health care to take command of the debate. The tea baggers need to be countered. Most of them probably already have the lions' share of health care and are more than likely backed by the insurance industry.
The NAACP had better watch their step! After ACORN, they'll probably be the next GOP target to hit! After all...if all these minorities get a chance to band together, they might just vote out the white folks!
Medicare for all!!!
This should be voted on in 2010 by the people. This is not something our politicians should be doing or instigating with minority groups. Many of the items our administration is looking at should be a public vote.period
THE ONLY 'EXTREMISTS' I SEE AND HEAR are those who would take a great health care system in need of direction from the private sector and hand it to an already bloated ane inept government.
Republicans need to be ashamed of the direction their party has taken off in. From the days of "Compassionate Conservatism" to the boisterous nonsense they call policy today, they've gone from bottom of the barrel to bottom of the gutter. If sufficient minority groups come out in the midterms and show their displeasure to the Republicans, they'll get the trouncing they well deserve.
wild guess – minority political groups will favor govt health plan. It's so obvious because currently minorities can't make enough to pay for their own health care costs – so (as usual) they expect taxpayers to pay for them.
The democraps have convinced the Latino and minority communities that institutionalized begging is for the common good.
It's about time minorities (I'm sorry, soon to become the majority) finally put their money and their minds together.
If we don't stand for something, we'll fall for anything.
African-American and Latino elected Obama alone? "Voices of extremists are loud and clear" (White Americans) All Americans of color want DC to change. Red, Yellow, Brown, Black and White the people of color US!
Pay your own way for a change. The shrinking base of people who actually pay taxes and support themselves is tired of those who live off welfare and entitlements.
NO ONE ETHNIC GROUP SHOULD HAVE TO BEAR THE BURDEN ALONE TO BE HEARD, WE ALL VOTED AND MUST STANDUP AND BE ACCOUNTABLE. Our politicians look for minorities at voting time to support them and it's our place to get involved. In fact, the more minorities involved the more all Americans will be heard regardless of ethnic group.
It's nice to see the further demonizing of the immigrant from the right. The message from the GOP is finding it's bigoted target and they are loving it. Have fun in obscurity, GOPers, and don't trouble yourself by looking into your own heritage – as clearly none of you ever immigrated yourselves and sprang, fully legal, from the native soil.
When only 53% of adults pay any Federal Taxes each year, please tell me how any of this is fair. Why dont we just go back a few decades and make it so you actually have to work to receive. All this "everyone must be equal" garbage is out of control.
Is this a JOKE. Somebody from these allied groups has the nerve to say the voices of EXTREMISTS are loud and clear. Wow.
How about taxpayers? Anyone going to listen to them? Of course not. It's all about the grievance industry and victimhood, like the NAACP, La Raza, Obama and the rest. Gimme Gimme.
Wow. I'm shocked at how many people assume "minority" and "latino" means "illegal alien."
Our country has millions of minorities that are here legally (either native born or legal immigrants), and they are disproportionately at low paying jobs without health insurance coverage.
These "minority groups" deserve to be healthy just as you do, and if no insurance company wants to insure them where should they turn?