Usually, I keep my opinions close to the vest on the crossover at the start of my show when I’m talking to Nancy and Kevin. While I disagree occasionally with what they have to say, I don’t like to storm into the talk studio and start peeing in all the corners like some territorial housecat. I don’t mind giving a little taste of my mind, but it’s been rare that I go all Kevin Youkilis on them.
Except for today. At around 8:57, I had enough of their cartoonish characterizations of those who actually dare to have an opinion about President Obama’s health care plan. They assert there’s a fair amount of coaching involved by the right in an attempt to create a disruptive and embarrassing distraction against the real debate.
I disagree. I think the White House and its minions are actively involved in opinion nuancing.
I wish to introduce you to a fellow named Mitch Stewart who has become my health care pen pal as of late. Good old Mitch is the “director” of Organizing for America. The group’s insignia incorporates President Obama’s campaign logo and the group’s web domain is barackobama.com. Mitch is a master of telling people what to do, but only if they’re on board with the Obama administration. The rest of you are just numbskulls and thugs from Flat Earthia, Pa. who are on the payroll of an insurance company.
I like to call this type of characterization projection. Since that’s what they know as organizers, they can’t believe people are simply emotional and annoyed that they’re being ignored by the omnipotent federal government, which is the answer to all your problems. Just ask them.
Let’s read the email together and try to determine who the real fear mongers are:
Susan --
All throughout August, our members of Congress are back in town. Insurance companies and partisan attack groups are stirring up fear with false rumors about the President's plan, and it's extremely important that folks like you speak up now.
Sadly missing from this paragraph are the ordinary Americans who have legitimate concerns about their health insurance. Shame on Mitch for his disrespect of the people some of us call constituents.
Here’s a stunner:
Across the country, members of Congress who support reform are being shouted down, physically assaulted, hung in effigy, and receiving death threats. We can't let extremists hijack this debate, or confuse Congress about where the people stand.
If anyone who is bothering to read this can send me the name of the member of congress who has been physically assaulted at a town hall meeting, I will apologize profusely for my ignorance here. If anyone can get a hold of Mitch, can they please ask him what the hell he means.
All this week, OFA members like you will be stopping by local congressional offices to show our support for insurance reform. You can have a quick conversation with the local staff, tell your personal story, or even just drop off a customized flyer and say that reform matters to you.
We'll provide everything you need: the address, phone number, and open hours for the office, information about how the health care crisis affects your state for you to drop off (with the option of adding your personal story), and a step-by-step guide for your visit.
Jumpin’ Jack Cheese, Mitch. Are you going to drive us there, stop for lunch and cut up our food for us? Are we going to be allowed to decide between the pot pie and the meatloaf, or are you going to handle that, too?
This is why people are irate, Mr. Stewart. This is why people are concerned with your tactics. The only thing missing from this scenario is a soma tablet and a glass of government Kool Aid to wash it down.
I love this. It’s sooo creepy:
Earlier this week, the President wrote that "this is the moment our movement was built for" and asked us all to commit to join at least one event this month.
“This is the moment our movement was built for.” When I’m driving my son to the ER or getting a checkup, I’m not normally thinking about being part of some cultish movement. I’m thinking that I’d like to get out of the health care system ASAP and get back to living my life. To me, Mitch Stewart and his overlords are not only fear mongers, they’re control freaks.
I said this morning that the unrest you are seeing at town hall meetings is much more than dissatisfaction over meddling in the health care system by people who are just looking to put something in the win column. I’m seeing a referendum on congress itself, they of the lowly approval rating that would earn you an “F” in high school. Unless they stop trying to community organize their way to victory, they’ll be looking for jobs just year like some of our friends and neighbors. They’ll find out that after you’re over a certain age, the road’s a little rocky. And they’ll wonder why they didn’t listen a little more closely to the roar of the crowd instead of the rote mantra of Mitch Stewart and Co.
Corbett
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