Melissa and I had the exact same random thought today:
Isn't it interesting how a few hundred healthcare reform protesters at town halls across the country are getting nonstop media coverage, but the millions of people who've taken to the streets to protest the invasion of Iraq, before and during the war, have barely ever registered as a blip on the radar?
Had a conversation about healthcare reform with my mom tonight. She said she heard that if it's reformed, it'll be like Canada and care will be rationed. She said that she heard that it's not good for the elderly and they're going to take money from Medicare. I was too tired to fight back. (h/t Kathleen) I just told her she should start watching Rachel Maddow. (h/t Blue Wren)
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Right after I said, "Isn't it amazing that all we see on TV are these protesters of healthcare reform? But we didn't see any of the people who were doing the same thing over the invasion of Iraq?"
Well you can't expect tv to cover dirty hippies.
On the other hand, red-blooded amurkans?
Wolverines!
~
Posted by: ifthethunderdontgetya™³²®© | August 11, 2009 at 11:35 PM
Plus, wingnut protests get violent. That's good tv.
Posted by: zombie rotten mcdonald | August 12, 2009 at 09:38 AM
The Guardian has an article about the Brits becoming steamed about the attacks by the RepuGs on their NHS. Loved the comment from one of the posters, which said, "Why doesn't the Queen fly to the states and kick some arse?"
The Brits love their system, although many think it is underfunded and are willing to pay for it.
Posted by: Paulfromportland | August 12, 2009 at 10:16 AM
Couldn't agree more on the Rachel Maddow heads-up. As left leaning as she is, she's fair. And her five minute set-up speech to open each night's program is about as informative, as thorough, and as enlightening as anyone else's full hour. Notice how often the guest to follow comments on it with something like, "Wow, you've done your homework!" She's been knocking the hell out of who these bastards are, these people behind the "patriotic" movements, who are funded if not actually employed by the insurance and pharmaceutical companies. That's "investigative reporting".
And to add to what your friend above noted, covering the war is not "good TV"... how can something like that compete with these town hall meetings which are now the Jerry Springer Show.
Posted by: scribbler50 | August 12, 2009 at 10:59 AM
Someone once said:
"Democrats will take your money, but Republicans will kill you."
Posted by: Skimmer | August 12, 2009 at 12:57 PM
zombeez are NOBODY's frenz. BG will tell ya.
Posted by: zombie rotten mcdonald | August 12, 2009 at 01:32 PM
I think the saddest thing about the protesters are that they're influencing good, kind, normally intelligent people like your mom and mine with their lies about health insurance care reform. I've had the same sort of conversation with my mom, BG, and she brings up the same thing. She's really afraid. Of course, she gets most of her information from Faux News and CNN, and thinks they're telling her the truth.
Sad. And infuriating.
Posted by: Wren | August 12, 2009 at 08:33 PM
Point out to Mom that healthcare is being rationed now-we just ration it based on the size of your bank account.
Posted by: Michael | August 12, 2009 at 09:36 PM
What is it with Senator Claire cutting Grassley slack on his lying comment about killing the elderly? Professional curtesy, be damned. Rip him Claire.
Posted by: Paulfromportland | August 13, 2009 at 09:40 AM
you go BG!!
I seem to recall there was a pretty massive pro choice demonstration in DC a few years back that didn't receive any media coverage either.
Posted by: Kathleen in Oakland | August 13, 2009 at 04:14 PM
I talked to my Mom about health care too. She was worried about rationing. I told her, healthcare is rationed now. You get healthcare ONLY if you have enough money.
70% of personal bankruptcies are because of healthcare costs
in other words.. first you get sick.. and then you don't even have a house to lay down in and feel bad.
I am rooting for a single payer health plan or at minimum and option for single payer.
Posted by: Sue | August 13, 2009 at 06:00 PM
I spent the evening writing to my reps... I only hope it works. I was alarmed when I read their websites. They seem pro business as usual. ~sigh~
Posted by: Sue | August 14, 2009 at 03:31 AM
I saw this in the comments on Mahablog.com
http://www.sadlyno.com/archives/23988.html/comment-page-1
Posted by: Sue | August 14, 2009 at 11:33 AM