On Tuesday, November 18, 2008, Marla Gilson, Hadassah’s lobbyist came to Vallejo and spoke to a group of about 25 people. She discussed the recent elections and what we may see in the future under President Obama’s administration. I am going to mention some of the highlights of her talk.
She began by stating that the 2008 election was a historic election for a couple of reasons. First, she noted that this was an election in which an incumbent was not running. We have not had that kind of election since 1952. Another similarity between 2008 and 1952 was the way technology changed the election. In 1952 television changed the way in which we saw the candidates. In 2008, it was the use of the Internet in the campaign and specifically Obama’s ability to raise funds using the Internet. (Maybe our chapter should try this!) This election was also historic because we have not had a senator win the presidency since 1962. Finally, this election was historic because of the large percentage of people voting. In this election 62% of eligible voters voted. We have not had that kind of turnout since 1962.
Ms. Gilson believed that Hadassah will be helpful to the new President on the important issue of health care because of Hadassah’s experience in health care both in Israel and in the United States. She senses that there is an interest in Israel’s health care system and Hadassah may be involved in advising the President’s staff on this issue.
Also on the issue of health, Ms. Gilson stated that the new President will likely sign an executive order permitting embryonic stem cell research.
Although we live in areas in which our Congressional representatives are supportive on the issues of concern to Hadassah, Ms. Gilson encouraged all of us to become involved in getting to know our Congressional representatives and their staff. Many of the representatives have hired new personnel and it is important to educate them as well. We cannot assume support and we should make our Congressional representatives aware of our opinions.
Ms. Gilson’s talk was entertaining and informative. She has a real Washington “insider’s” view of national politics.
Another great way to get involved and educated is the Machon study group that meets monthly. We have interesting and enlightening conversations about our perceptions of Israel and Zionism.
Marla Gilson’s talk was very informative. It was exciting to be able to ‘touch’ Washington D.C. without having to travel there. I agree completely with Geri Kahn’s interpretation of Ms. Gilson’s speech and am proud that the Hadassah Vallejo Chapter had the experience of enlightening our members.