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The Families USA conference convened in February 2017 felt a bit like the U.K. after the Dunkirk evacuation — an all-hands-on-deck mobilization to prevent Republicans from tearing down what many of those present* had worked for decades to build (the ACA, and Medicaid as it had evolved over decades).
It was my first Health Action conference, and I was heartened by the concentrated expertise and determination of the speakers — activists and advocates, healthcare scholars, former government officials — who shared a wealth of practical knowledge as to how to move elected officials and mobilize people with stories to tell.
Though I’m not a Lord of the Rings fan, I was reminded of a scene where the fellowship accompanying Frodo and his fellow hobbits on their quest to deep-six the ring of power is assaulted by a pack of super-wolves. As the wolves circle, there’s this exchange:
My heart’s right down in my toes, Mr. Pippin,’ said Sam. ‘But we aren’t etten yet, and there are some stout folk here with us. Whatever may be in store for old Gandalf, I’ll wager it isn’t a wolf’s belly.’
The dominant chord was struck by incoming FUSA executive director Frederick Isasi: "Our action should lead to inaction" — that is, failure to pass a repeal bill. That dictum proved prophetic.
At this year’s conference, the mood was grimmer but the determination was the same, as was the focus on grassroots action. As to the legislative prospects compared to 2017, both the stakes and the odds are hard to gauge — they appear both better and worse.**
