4.15.2011

Undated: Operation Coffeecup


The American Medical Association launches a campaign against the creation of a government-funded health care program for elderly people. One part of the multimedia strategy -- Operation Coffeecup -- calls on doctors' wives to invite friends over for coffee and help spread the word against legislation then being considered in Congress.

Movie and TV actor Ronald Reagan adds his voice to the effort by recording "Ronald Reagan Speaks Out Against Socialized Medicine," arguing the AMA's case and encouraging listeners to write their senators and representatives.

* Listen to album (from Reagan Foundation): @
* Transcript: @
* Operation Coffeecup materials (accompanying letter dated April 15, 1961): @
* "Operation Coffeecup: Ronald Reagan's Effort to Prevent the Enactment of Medicare" (essay by Social Security historian Larry DeWitt): @
* Passage from "Securing America's Future: A Bold Plan to Preserve and Expand Social Security" (book by Max J. Skidmore): @
* Social Security history (1957-1965, from socialsecurity.gov): @

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