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LEFT & RIGHT AGREE HEALTH CARE MANDATE SHOULD BE KILLED; Passage Would Be Victory for Insurance Companies; Unprecedented Left/Right Coalition Representing Millions Sends Letter to Congress Calling for Defeat

WASHINGTON, March 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, more than 40 groups running the political spectrum from the far left to the far right sent a letter to Members of Congress opposing the centerpiece provision of the health care bill, an individual mandate to purchase insurance at threat of prosecution and fines.

"The bedfellows couldn't be any stranger," said Kathryn Serkes, Co-Chair of the Doctor Patient Medical Association (DPMA), one of the signatories "When politicos as divergent as Grover Norquist and Phyllis Schlafly agree with Bob Fertik of Democrats.com, it's time for Congress to listen."

The writers say that passage would be a "major victory for the insurance companies at the expense of the American people."

The letter goes on:

"Our groups and members may disagree on what are the best solutions to our health care problems, but this unprecedented coalition of organizations from across the political spectrum agrees that forcing individuals to buy insurance from private companies under the threat of fines or jail is not the reform we need."

"How can you support a bill when the lynchpin provision - mandates - is recognized by all as either immoral and/or illegal expansion of government," said Serkes.

Groups signing the letter include:

Americans for Tax Reform

Democrats.com

FreedomWorks

Democracy in Action

Eagle Forum

Coalition for Urban Renewal and Education

Healthcare - NOW!

60 Plus

Hispanic Professional Women Association

National Taxpayer Union

Citizens for Health

Americans for Prosperity

American Academy of Private Physicians

Project Vote Smart

Campaign for Liberty

    CONTACT: Kathryn Serkes
    206-841-0100
    info@doctorsandpatients.org

SOURCE Doctor Patient Medical Association