Tuesday, June 30, 2009

That Just Makes Me Mad!

You may have seen the ad showing testimonials by a couple of people purporting to be Canadians. They are carping about how terrible the Canadian healthcare system is, even going so far as to say that "Canada doesn't care if people die." As far as I am concerned, that last quote shows how very "American" they are. That kind of hyperbole is something American politicians use all the time, especially when they're trying to pull the wool over our eyes. "The biggest tax increase in history!" "The sky is falling!" etc.

Anyway, these "Canadians" talk about how long people have to wait for emergency surgery, "I had to wait six months (or, a year) and I had terminal cancer. So, I came to the U.S., where the healthcare is the best in the world (more hyperbole). And, on and on. But, you get the picture.

So, would it surprise you to learn that this ad was sponsored by the same group that brought you those Tea Parties? Yes, it did.

Where is the FCC when you need them? Why don't we have any agency who can act as a watchdog for ads full of half truths and outright lies? Is this another result of the widespread de-regulation that came out of the previous administrations?

Is there network executive anywhere who has the balls to look at an ad like this and say, "This doesn't ring true to me. Let's do some research." And, then, when he finds out the truth, will tell them, "We're not going to accept your money and run your ad because it is false advertising." Of course, the networks can only see dollar $igns, so that probably won't happen.

We used to have watchdog groups who surfaced during election campaigns and pointed out the lies and half-truths of the candidates, and their followers. But, they seem to have disappeared, too.

One thing is certain, I think. The healthcare plan our elected officials may not be perfect, and may not completely satisfy everyone, but it will be uniquely "American". We may borrow parts of many plans from other countries, but we will tailor it to our needs. The only thing we have to be concerned about is keeping the insurance companies, the pharmaceuticals, and the AMA from scuttling the whole thing.

Here's my suggestion. When you see an ad on television that you know is untrue, or a gross exaggeration, read the fine print at the bottom of the screen, and see who the sponsors are. Then, raise cain with the television networks for running the ads, and, as always, let your congressmen and senators know about it.

At least, when the dust clears, you can honestly say that you did everything you possibly could to see that we get the kind of healthcare plan we need and deserve.

Stay tuned.

14 comments:

Tincanman said...

Makes me mad, too. Great idea on raising cane with the groups who lie to us on t.v., the stations that broadcast such tripe, and the Senators and Congressfolks who should demand firm and enforceable oversight by the FCC. In addition, try to catch the corporate sponsors with advertisements on either side of the commercial that's lying to us. Tell them you don't appreciate their sponsorship of such garbage.

(climbs down off his soapbox now)
:-)

Karen said...

That pesky old freedom of speech thing again. ;-) I have not seen the commercial to which you refer, but any political group who can pay for the time can put thier opinion forth. I guess it works both way - people go to Canada for the cheap perscriptions and people come to the USA when they can afford the best health care.

I don't know if it is hyperbole or not, but when kings, shieks and those who can afford to be treated anywhere get sick - they come to America for treatment everytime. I certainly hope that is something that is never compromised.

Arkansas Patti said...

But you're our watch dog, aren't you? It is like those half truth political ads. Hopefully it will only sway those all ready leaning away from health care reform.
I watched the movie Sicko and was very impressed that we can change, big time and still have good health care. What if it does cost a bit more?

Looking to the Stars said...

I haven't seen the ad but sounds like someone is frightened that we want healthcare like Canada. I like it when they get frightened because they have used fear on us for decades, now its thier turn :)
Good suggestion about us firing back at the sponsers, I will do it. thanks for keep us informed :)

Betty said...

Tincanman: Stay on that soapbox. Never give up.

Karen: I agree that they are free to put their opinion forth wherever they can, but the networks are also free to say no thanks for the paid advertisement.

As you said, Kings and Sheiks can afford to go anywhere for their care, and when they get here, they can afford the best, which makes them different from people here who can't afford it, and can't afford the insurance.

Arkansas Patti: I haven't seen Sicko. But, I'd like to.

Looking to the Stars: They aren't afraid we'll have healthcare like Canada's. They are afraid we'll have any healthcare reform at all.

Margaret Hall said...

Betty, I am nominating you for the political snoop blogger of Blogspot~!! LOL...I believe that the people that sit around and begin to pull in ads like those should 'find a job'! I have not seen that ad, and if I do, then I shall call our local station as you suggest...Yes, we are going to run into having NOTHING to have for health care if they keep monkeying around with it...
(sigh)..Thanks for the alert...

Dianne said...

I believe absolutrly nothing any more and double check everything

snopes is good for that
so is pfaw

or just googling it to death until you find out who is behind something

Margie's Musings said...

Where is the FCC when you need them? Why don't we have any agency who can act as a watchdog for ads full of half truths and outright lies? Is this another result of the widespread de-regulation that came out of the previous administrations?

"Is there network executive anywhere who has the balls to look at an ad like this and say, "This doesn't ring true to me. Let's do some research." And, then, when he finds out the truth, will tell them, "We're not going to accept your money and run your ad because it is false advertising." Of course, the networks can only see dollar $igns, so that probably won't happen."

All because Capitalism is greed driven. people will look the other way for anything.

Cazzie!!! said...

Yo are right Betty, raising the caine as you said does work if everyone who objects puts it to the station runnign it.

NitWit1 said...

Thanks for visiting my blog. I came over to visit.I see you are on another of my sometimes rantings.

One day I'll blog my opinion and perception of pharmaceutical companies, and believe me, it is not the company line!

Blogging is sometimes fun, but we also can informally exchange ideas and opinions when otherwise in different media we would never be consulted or heard!

Maria said...

What you are saying about that ad makes a great deal of sense. I hate the doom and gloom attitude of the conservatives. No, the sky is not falling. We will make it through this recession and hopefully, an adequate healthcare plan will revolve.

Maria said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Sateash said...

This sounds very familiar. Kind of like the staged town hall meetings Berry has been giving. You are very naive to believe this is all one sided. Just keep drinking your Kool-Aid but I think you have had enough already.

Grayquill said...

Karen is my kinda lady.
She said it well