More people believe in UFOs than oppose a public health insurance option:

A recent New York Times/CBS News poll found that 65% favored a public option, with only 26% opposed to it.

To put that number in perspective: a 2007 Associated Press/Ipsos poll found that 34% of Americans believe in UFOs.

It speaks volumes about the status of the health care debate among the public when it is more mainstream to believe aliens are flying around in spaceships than to oppose the public option.

Today, the Senate Finance Committee is expected to vote on amendments to add a public health insurance option to the Baucus Bill to expand choice, increase competition, and keep the insurance companies honest. It’s the first step towards including a public health insurance option in the final Senate bill and making health reform work for you instead of for the insurance industry. It’s also the first time the public option has come up for a vote by itself.

First, give your Senators a call at 1-877-264-4226 and ask them to support the public health insurance option amendments in the Senate Finance Committee. Even if your Senators aren’t on the Finance Committee, it’s important that all Senators hear from their constituents today.

Next, watch the Committee vote – it’ll be on CSPAN – and see which side people come down on, yours or the insurance industry’s.

(also posted at the NOW! blog)

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