Submitted by pda_ill_admin on Thu, 07/29/2010 - 16:54

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By Lorin M Klugman

The most important election in 2010 is right here in Illinois: Dr. David Gill running for U.S. House of Representatives, 15th congressional distict.  Two words sum it up : Strong Advocate.

Dr Gill, as a member of Physicians for National Health Program (PNHP), is a proven advocate for social justice.  "Medicare for All" is one of the unfilled promises of Social Security. We need to fulfill that promise and strengthen Social Security. We need a social movement of every day folks. But we also need a strong voice in Congress.

Please come to the University of Illinois Champaign/Urbana campus on Sunday August 22 and help us register voters and volunteers. Sign up here.

In Congress, Dr. Gill will fight and for us--fight because it's the right thing to do, because he cares about his neighbors.

As a physician, I work with people in need every day. When patients come into the E.R., I do not ask about their politics before I treat them. I identify and examine each problem, and offer solutions based on my experience and the best medical practices available.

 If I am elected, I will do the same in Congress. As an independent-minded Democrat, with no assistance from any national political party, I intend to represent your interests in Washington, D.C. I will listen attentively to your concerns and work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for the people of our district. I’ll fight to eliminate waste and help return common sense to the halls of Congress.

-- Dr David Gill 

We should be proud to have a representative in congress who cares about other folks. Social justice, as Cornell West says below is what drives society forward.

"We understand that justice is what love looks like in public. So when you really love people you hate the fact that they’re being treated unjustly, you loathe the fact that they’re being treated unfairly and you must do something, you must bear witness."

-- Cornel West

We all know why Social Security and Medicare are so important. We need someone who can amplify our voices. A member of congress can garner attention in the media. However, the message must be clear. The message must be in a voice that speaks to the common good.

Here is Dr Gill's statement on Worker's Rights. That's correct, we have someone who is running for congress who isn't ashamed to talk about Working Folks:

I will always vote to protect working Americans.

As your next Congressman, I intend to represent the voice of working Americans in Washington DC and I will work to bring jobs to the communities of Illinois.

 

Health care has been the number one bone of contention in labor negotiations over the past 5-10 years. As a physician, I am a strong advocate of a Universal Coverage National Healthcare Program that would resolve this issue in contract negotiations.

 

We must enforce legislation that prohibits employers from firing employees who are union organizers. I support legislation that protects the freedom of speech, the right to assemble and the right to organize. These rights represent the very essence of democracy and are founding principles of our culture. As your next Congressman, I will be a proud co-sponsor of the “Employee Free Choice Act”, H.R. 3619.

 

We must renegotiate our position within NAFTA and the other trade agreements similar to NAFTA. We must only be involved in trade agreements with tough labor and environmental protections, and these protections must be enforceable through trade sanctions.

 

We must have legislation that prohibits employers from permanently replacing or discharging striking employees.

 

Workers must be allowed to organize labor unions, free from any interference from employers.

 

We need an increase in the minimum wage; no American who works hard for 40 hours per week should live in poverty.

 

We must insist on increased funding for OSHA, enabling it to fully enforce workplace health and safety laws.

-- Dr. David Gill -- Workers' Rights  -- Gill For Congress 2010

Please come to the University of Illinois Champaign/Urbana campus on Sunday August 22, 2010 (11:00 AM - 4:00 PM). We are registering voters and volunteers. Please sign up here if you can attend. We are matching up folks who either need or can give a ride to the event.  General directions to the Champaign/Urbana campus are located here.

If you haven't gone out an canvassed for a candidate. Let me give you a quick introduction to the benefits. You get to talk to your neighbors about political issues. Some folks won't talk to you, but many will. Last night on Larry King's show Michael Moore mentioned how many republicans stop him on the street and thank him for caring. Michael said they acknowledge we may not agree on the specifics but we are all in this together. The point is, people appreciate that you care.

I encourage everyone reading this to please consider coming to Champaign/Urbana. Even if it's just one day, it will show folks care.

We'll post updates on Dr Gills campaign and our efforts to support him.

Below is a video interview with Dean Baker, a renowned economist with the Economic Policy Institute (EPI). Dean gives us a further insight in to why the fight for Social Security is so important.

Dr David Gill's Campaign Website: http://www.gill2010.com/

The 15th Congressional District of Illinois