The Hypocrisy of Audacity
Today I saw this Internet ad and I am just disgusted. Incredulous, really. Without getting into who supports what and for what reason, this portrayal of American citizens as a 'mob' should anger anyone who believes in a democratic process. Beyond this video, various Democrat elected officials and spokespersons are callling this astroturfing and worse. Hey, I'm really angry about the health care legislation debacle- where's my check? I want some money right now.
I... I don't know what to say. Well, I don't have TIME to say it. I have seen not one shred of evidence that there is a GOP version of George Soros or the Tides Foundation behind people telling their elected representatives what they think. Hypocrisy comes to mind, too- look at all the groups that have for the last eight years protested in bright, color-coordinated shirts and signs- If there WERE a shadowy Republican group, what's the difference? Seriously- ACORN and others show up in matching shirts with matching signs, and they get a pass while people at Tea Party protests show up in whatever they've got on with hand-made signs or flags or goofy slogans, and this is the same thing?? It makes me angry, it really does.
I don't care where people stand on the issue of this health care legislation, though I think everyone should look at the estimated costs and the results of Massachusetts' health care plan, Hawaii's universal care, or TennCare before they make up their minds. Me, I'm happy with my coverage. I don't want to have to change it (and the bill, as written, virtually guarantees that would happen.) Oddly enough, a large majority of Americans agree.
EDIT: While we're on the subject, can someone explain why the DNC is accusing conservatives of organizing manufactured rage when the office of the President sends out this email:
from President Barack Obama info@barackobama.com
reply-to info@barackobama.com
date Wed, Aug 5, 2009 at 10:21 AM
subject This is the moment
mailed-by bounce.bluestatedigital.com
This is the moment our movement was built for.
For one month, the fight for health insurance reform leaves the backrooms of Washington, D.C., and returns to communities across America. Throughout August, members of Congress are back home, where the hands they shake and the voices they hear will not belong to lobbyists, but to people like you.
Home is where we’re strongest. We didn’t win last year’s election together at a committee hearing in D.C. We won it on the doorsteps and the phone lines, at the softball games and the town meetings, and in every part of this great country where people gather to talk about what matters most. And if you’re willing to step up once again, that’s exactly where we’re going to win this historic campaign for the guaranteed, affordable health insurance that every American deserves.
There are those who profit from the status quo, or see this debate as a political game, and they will stop at nothing to block reform. They are filling the airwaves and the internet with outrageous falsehoods to scare people into opposing change. And some people, not surprisingly, are getting pretty nervous. So we’ve got to get out there, fight lies with truth, and set the record straight.
That’s why Organizing for America is putting together thousands of events this month where you can reach out to neighbors, show your support, and make certain your members of Congress know that you’re counting on them to act.
But these canvasses, town halls, and gatherings only make a difference if you turn up to knock on doors, share your views, and show your support. So here’s what I need from you:
Can you commit to join at least one event in your community this month?
In politics, there’s a rule that says when you ask people to get involved, always tell them it’ll be easy. Well, let’s be honest here: Passing comprehensive health insurance reform will not be easy. Every President since Harry Truman has talked about it, and the most powerful and experienced lobbyists in Washington stand in the way.
But every day we don’t act, Americans watch their premiums rise three times faster than wages, small businesses and families are pushed towards bankruptcy, and 14,000 people lose their coverage entirely. The cost of inaction is simply too much for the people of this nation to bear.
So yes, fixing this crisis will not be easy. Our opponents will attack us every day for daring to try. It will require time, and hard work, and there will be days when we don’t know if we have anything more to give. But there comes a moment when we all have to choose between doing what’s easy, and doing what’s right.
This is one of those times. And moments like this are what this movement was built for. So, are you ready?
Please commit now to taking at least one action in your community this month to build support for health insurance reform:
http://my.barackobama.com/CommitAugust
Let’s seize this moment and win this historic victory for our economy, our health and our families.
Thank you,
President Barack Obama
The DNC accuses conservatives who oppose this health care legislation of 'organizing mobs' and funding protests, yet provides no proof. Meanwhile, the President sends out an email stating that an umbrella organization will put together "thousands of events" to support passage of some kind of bill. I don't care who you support or like or hate, but are these not the same thing?
Someone, please, explain to me how these things are not the same. The loyal opposition here cannot be called uniform or organized by a mastermind (Bonus question: How many Brooks Brothers suits can you count in the crowd?). Contrast that with events featuring ACORN, SEIU, and HCAN.
Above all, this is insulting to Americans who want to exercise their right to petition their elected representatives to express their greivances and desires vis a vis the governance of the nation. Whether individuals, members of small groups, or people organized by a large group, citizens are still entitled to tell their representatives how they want to be represented. If an argument is to be made that people who oppose onerous health care legislation do not have a valid voice, what does that mean for all the members of unions who vote as their union suggests? If motivation by conviction and independent analysis and conclusion is a prerequisite to being represented, then the electoral landscape would be very different indeed.
I... I don't know what to say. Well, I don't have TIME to say it. I have seen not one shred of evidence that there is a GOP version of George Soros or the Tides Foundation behind people telling their elected representatives what they think. Hypocrisy comes to mind, too- look at all the groups that have for the last eight years protested in bright, color-coordinated shirts and signs- If there WERE a shadowy Republican group, what's the difference? Seriously- ACORN and others show up in matching shirts with matching signs, and they get a pass while people at Tea Party protests show up in whatever they've got on with hand-made signs or flags or goofy slogans, and this is the same thing?? It makes me angry, it really does.
I don't care where people stand on the issue of this health care legislation, though I think everyone should look at the estimated costs and the results of Massachusetts' health care plan, Hawaii's universal care, or TennCare before they make up their minds. Me, I'm happy with my coverage. I don't want to have to change it (and the bill, as written, virtually guarantees that would happen.) Oddly enough, a large majority of Americans agree.
EDIT: While we're on the subject, can someone explain why the DNC is accusing conservatives of organizing manufactured rage when the office of the President sends out this email:
from President Barack Obama info@barackobama.com
reply-to info@barackobama.com
date Wed, Aug 5, 2009 at 10:21 AM
subject This is the moment
mailed-by bounce.bluestatedigital.com
This is the moment our movement was built for.
For one month, the fight for health insurance reform leaves the backrooms of Washington, D.C., and returns to communities across America. Throughout August, members of Congress are back home, where the hands they shake and the voices they hear will not belong to lobbyists, but to people like you.
Home is where we’re strongest. We didn’t win last year’s election together at a committee hearing in D.C. We won it on the doorsteps and the phone lines, at the softball games and the town meetings, and in every part of this great country where people gather to talk about what matters most. And if you’re willing to step up once again, that’s exactly where we’re going to win this historic campaign for the guaranteed, affordable health insurance that every American deserves.
There are those who profit from the status quo, or see this debate as a political game, and they will stop at nothing to block reform. They are filling the airwaves and the internet with outrageous falsehoods to scare people into opposing change. And some people, not surprisingly, are getting pretty nervous. So we’ve got to get out there, fight lies with truth, and set the record straight.
That’s why Organizing for America is putting together thousands of events this month where you can reach out to neighbors, show your support, and make certain your members of Congress know that you’re counting on them to act.
But these canvasses, town halls, and gatherings only make a difference if you turn up to knock on doors, share your views, and show your support. So here’s what I need from you:
Can you commit to join at least one event in your community this month?
In politics, there’s a rule that says when you ask people to get involved, always tell them it’ll be easy. Well, let’s be honest here: Passing comprehensive health insurance reform will not be easy. Every President since Harry Truman has talked about it, and the most powerful and experienced lobbyists in Washington stand in the way.
But every day we don’t act, Americans watch their premiums rise three times faster than wages, small businesses and families are pushed towards bankruptcy, and 14,000 people lose their coverage entirely. The cost of inaction is simply too much for the people of this nation to bear.
So yes, fixing this crisis will not be easy. Our opponents will attack us every day for daring to try. It will require time, and hard work, and there will be days when we don’t know if we have anything more to give. But there comes a moment when we all have to choose between doing what’s easy, and doing what’s right.
This is one of those times. And moments like this are what this movement was built for. So, are you ready?
Please commit now to taking at least one action in your community this month to build support for health insurance reform:
http://my.barackobama.com/CommitAugust
Let’s seize this moment and win this historic victory for our economy, our health and our families.
Thank you,
President Barack Obama
The DNC accuses conservatives who oppose this health care legislation of 'organizing mobs' and funding protests, yet provides no proof. Meanwhile, the President sends out an email stating that an umbrella organization will put together "thousands of events" to support passage of some kind of bill. I don't care who you support or like or hate, but are these not the same thing?
Someone, please, explain to me how these things are not the same. The loyal opposition here cannot be called uniform or organized by a mastermind (Bonus question: How many Brooks Brothers suits can you count in the crowd?). Contrast that with events featuring ACORN, SEIU, and HCAN.
Above all, this is insulting to Americans who want to exercise their right to petition their elected representatives to express their greivances and desires vis a vis the governance of the nation. Whether individuals, members of small groups, or people organized by a large group, citizens are still entitled to tell their representatives how they want to be represented. If an argument is to be made that people who oppose onerous health care legislation do not have a valid voice, what does that mean for all the members of unions who vote as their union suggests? If motivation by conviction and independent analysis and conclusion is a prerequisite to being represented, then the electoral landscape would be very different indeed.