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larry
--
There's been a lot of media coverage about organized mobs intimidating
lawmakers, disrupting town halls, and silencing real discussion about
the need for real health insurance reform.
The truth is, it's a sham. These "grassroots protests" are
being organized and largely paid for by Washington special interests and
insurance companies who are desperate to block reform. They're trying to
use lies and fear to break the President and his agenda for change.
Health insurance reform is about our lives, our jobs, and our families
-- we can't let distortions and intimidation get in the way. We need to
expose these outrageous tactics, and we're counting on you to help. Can
you read these "5 facts about the anti-reform mobs," then pass
them along to your friends and family?
5 facts about the anti-reform mobs
1. These disruptions are being funded and organized by
out-of-district special-interest groups and insurance companies
who fear that health insurance reform could help Americans, but hurt
their bottom line. A group run by the same folks who made the "Swiftboat"
ads against John Kerry is compiling a list of congressional events in
August to disrupt. An insurance company coalition has stationed
employees in 30 states to track where local lawmakers hold town-hall
meetings.
2. People are scared because they are being fed frightening lies.
These crowds are being riled up by anti-reform lies being spread by
industry front groups that invent smears to tarnish the President's
plan and scare voters. But as the President has repeatedly said,
health insurance reform will create more health care choices for the
American people, not reduce them. If you like your insurance or your
doctor, you can keep them, and there is no "government
takeover" in any part of any plan supported by the President or
Congress.
3. Their actions are getting more extreme. Texas protesters
brought signs displaying a tombstone for Rep. Lloyd Doggett and using
the "SS" symbol to compare President Obama's policies to
Nazism. Maryland Rep. Frank Kratovil was hanged in effigy outside
his district office. Rep. Tim Bishop of New York had to be
escorted to his car by police after an angry few disrupted his town
hall meeting -- and more examples like this come in every day. And
they have gone beyond just trying to derail the President's health
insurance reform plans, they are trying to "break" the
President himself and ruin his Presidency.
4. Their goal is to disrupt and shut down legitimate conversation.
Protesters have routinely shouted down representatives trying to
engage in constructive dialogue with voters, and done everything they
can to intimidate and silence regular people who just want more
information. One attack group has even published a manual instructing
protesters to "stand up and shout" and try to
"rattle" lawmakers to prevent them from talking peacefully
with their constituents.
5. Republican leadership is irresponsibly cheering on the thuggish
crowds. Republican House Minority Leader John Boehner issued a
statement applauding and promoting a video of the disruptions and
looking forward to "a long, hot August for Democrats in
Congress."
It's time to expose this charade, before it gets more dangerous. Please
send these facts to everyone you know. You can also post them on
your website, blog, or Facebook page.
Now, more than ever, we need to stand strong together and defend the
truth.
Thanks,
Jen
Jen O'Malley Dillon
Executive Director
Democratic National Committee
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