After reading the interview I am disappointed that Dr. Dean did not mention the “Stand with Dr Dean” web site or the petition. It is amazing to me that the petition still has less than 400,000 signatures. With a little effort there could be a million signatures and with a big effort I believe 3 or 4 million signatures are possible.

I believe Dr. Dean should be the designated lobbyist for “We the People”. With the release of his book he will be giving numerous interviews and appearing on all the TV and radio shows. He has the expertise as a doctor and the experience as Governor to be a most credible spokesman. There is no one better at debating healthcare issues and he is a Democrat with a backbone, he won’t back down from anyone.

There should be all out campaign to get “We the People” to sign the petition and to at least make phone calls when called to action. The same people Obama did such a good job of organizing and mobilizing during the campaign. The same people then DNC Chairman Dean did such a good job of organizing and mobilizing for his 50 state strategy. I am one of those people and I see these petition signatures not only as support for the public option but as primary and general election votes that can be used for or against democrats running for reelection.

With a petition containing 2 million signatures or more we would be giving Dr Dean a sledge hammer to use on corporate democrats. When lobbyist walk into congressional offices offering campaign contributions I want Howard Dean offering primary and general election votes won’t cost a penny, just good progressive decisions. When there is a call to action I want to be able to meltdown congressional switchboards for a week. Many of us would sign up for text alerts so we could respond in minutes to any situation. We would be modern day minute men.

Here are a few suggestions for an all out campaign:
- Dr. Dean should mention the “Stand with Dr Dean” web site and the petition at least once during every interview and radio and TV appearance.
- Dr Dean should have a poster at his book signings promoting his “Stand with Dr Dean” web site and the petition.
- Progressive web sites should have direct link to the “Stand with Dr Dean” web site and encourage people to sign the petition.
- Progressive radio and TV hosts should find a way to mention the “Stand with Dr Dean” web site and the petition at least once during every broadcast.
- Progressive guests on talk shows should work the “Stand with Dr Dean” web site and the petition into their conversation.
- The DNC should spring for some TV ads promoting the “Stand with Dr Dean” web site and petition. People I talk to that don’t watch cable news have never heard of web site or petition, but they are eager to participate when informed.

I realize we are democrats, not members of any organized political party as Will Rogers famously said, but I really believe we can organize support for a strong public option. The Christian right did a good job of organizing and supporting conservative issues. I am sure progressives can do a better job if we get some focus. I want to take our government back

Obama knew the only way he would be elected is with the support of individual Americans becoming part of the campaign process with their money and votes. He also knows that changing Washington requires the continued support of individual Americans. He has said many times our responsibility does not stop on Election Day; He requires our continued support if things are going to change. We need to organize and give him that very public support he needs to change the way things are done in Washington.