Glad to see ABC News is as unbiased as ever. I guess that’s what you get when you have Bill Clinton’s little lapdog as your chief political correspondent.
I’m a liberal and ObamaCare should be buried if it does not include a public option. What we should be implementing is single-payer. It’s a no-brainer.
Posted by: Matt | September 12, 2009, 2:21 pm 2:21 pm
Mr. Bryant I am convinced that they aren’t disagreeing they just don’t know how to fix it and keep adding things to keep the people so confused no one knows who or what to believe.
I think the whole bunch needs to regroup and settle down and not get in such a hurry like they started out running with it and didn’t even have a bill or still don’t have a bill to run with?
Maybe they should have something in writting and let the public vote on it by line item in the November Elections??? OH NO that would be to easy!!
I am in disbelief with how much coverage this group is getting. several years ago I attended a women’s reproductive freedom march in washington. there must have been 250,000 people there, at least, men and women, all races, from across the USA – maybe we got a little blurb on CNN but nowhere near the coverage, the interviews and the media as these white angry folks. as a liberal, and proud of it, I cannot believe the lack of fairness in media attention.
The only thing I see wrong with the sign is they last two words could have been left off and the meaning would have still been there. And would have not offended anyone. But it should have never been posted on the internet in its present form (with kennedy). That in my opinion was wrong to Mr Kennedy and his family.
wow – what’s that sign in front of the kennedy sign? Something about working hard? Wonder why that’s not featured here? Ha ha ha ha – not too hard to figure out.
WE didn’t pull Sen. Kennedy into this fight – Dems and Obama did. And the sign doesn’t say – bury reform. Saying Repubs don’t have ideas or put forth plans just shows stupidity now. Get a clue and get informed! Like all those folks in DC did! Yeah America – great day for our country!
Posted by: kay | September 12, 2009, 2:38 pm 2:38 pm
America is not presentinga unified picture to the rest of the world-we give signs to kids to carry-they have no idea what the signs mean nor could they argue the issue intelligently-America is not a great place to be-and crass people on the extremies have made it clear we have our share of strange people-Canada-here I come!
Posted by: Ron Dernick | September 12, 2009, 2:40 pm 2:40 pm
George, is this sign any more outrageous than Senator Reid saying Kennedy’s death would “help” the Democrats in the healthcare debate? I am truly concerned for our nation if this is what passes for objective journalism.
As a side note: George if you cannot find a way to be objective, why don’t you go to work for the Obama administration officially?
Acorn scandal – silence
Rangel scandal – silence
CBO projections on healthcare – silence
Dodd complicity in fannie and freddie – silence
One sign that is critical of ObamaCare- ABC goes in to full fledge investigative mode. I guess some issues are just more important than others to ABC.
Sorry Mary MacElveen but I don’t understand about healthcare rights?
Can’t they just add: No one turned down because of an existing health problem. And the public option and let the rest stay.
Also if you can’t afford insurance in the first place how are you planing to pay a fine for not paying for it? Does a fine sound like a good ideal?
I am 67 years old and have insurance and don’t have a problem with mine I just don’t understand what the Obama adminstration is wanting to do with 1000 plus pages of changes to what we have now.
How many people know where they are getting the money for the electronic health records system he is having set up as we speak? SSA Just check and you will see that on the SSA website. That is public money to support retirees.
Do folks realize how many people are out there who have worked their whole lives and don’t have health care because they are not 65 and old enough for Medicare? The poor people have coverage through Medicaid, the 65+ have Medicare. It is the people in between those 2 groups who will be helped by additional coverage.
Posted by: Dave Brim | September 12, 2009, 2:48 pm 2:48 pm
One of dumbest signs ever written, to hand it to a child makes even worse.
Posted by: richard in chandler az | September 12, 2009, 2:55 pm 2:55 pm
Oh Stephie—is that all you can say? I know you’re tiny, but be a bigger man.
Republicans demonstrate again and again that they are definitively a party without a sense of decency.
This sign, in the hands of a child at that, is irrefutably offensive and there is no justification to be made for it.
It was obviously professionally printed for distribution. It would be interesting to know exactly which of the astroturf sponsors of this idiocy is responsible for it.
There are a couple mainstream newspaper articles posted today that purport, in no uncertain terms, that the Republican Party has become “the party of the deranged.”
The folks at this gathering seem hell-bent on providing incontrovertible proof of that assertion.
Posted by: Marie | September 12, 2009, 3:13 pm 3:13 pm
ABC needs to get a spine. Take your leads from Fox News.
Nothing on ABC about Van Jones when the story was broke on Friday Evening by glenn Beck on Fox
Nothing on Acorn when the story broke on Thursday on Fox.
Where is the coverage of the march on Washington today, Oh I forgot I have to watch Fox for that. Have you seen their ratings???????????????
You people at ABC are pathetic
Republican parents prefer to teach their kids to become hateful and insensitive than to practice the “family values” they’re always preaching about.
Hateful hypocrits define the GOP.
Posted by: Kelly | September 12, 2009, 3:18 pm 3:18 pm
So….what exactly is Obamacare anyway”..If can’t be any worse than the current health care system…
Mary and others- you mention how dumb it is to be able to have a gun but not healthcare. I think that the real question is how is it paid for and by whom. I personally don’t think that health care is a right to be supplied by the gov’t. Is it an unalienable right to be serviced and hopefully brought back to perfect health? yes -I think that it is but not at the expense of the the whole nation and generations to come.It is a small percent of americans(legal) who don’t have coverage. There must be other ways to go about this reform w/o turning our nation upside down and putting us “6 feet under”
Posted by: TERRY | September 12, 2009, 4:10 pm 4:10 pm
Apparently these people have never lost a job,or gotten sick and come from families with priviliged lifestyles.A child doesn’t get to choose what insurance plan is going to protect them when they our born to an impoverished life.Do these people think they’re asking for it?
My parents taught me that liberalism is a disease. lol I’m seeing as an Adult that it’s really true. Thankfully, they only make up a very small portion of the country. I almost hope they try to jam through health care, because that means they’ll be out of power for the next 20 years.
Posted by: William | September 12, 2009, 4:17 pm 4:17 pm
Hey George, Media people like yourself were only too eager to “use” Kennedy to promote Obamacare, so now he’s fair game. Remember, liberals believed once Palin made a reference to her children all manner of slurs and lies about her were fair game.
Obviously, liberals can’t take their own medicine.
how did we do it before health insurance? I hate to think of it but if I can’t afford insurance or care and I end up dying…..I’m ready to go and meet my maker instead of putting the burden on my fellow “Americans” and their children and childrens’ children.
Posted by: terry | September 12, 2009, 4:29 pm 4:29 pm
It’s a 12 yr old girl holding the sign – so she’s not even a voter. The FACT is she is neither Democrat nor Republican. Come on George, report fact – PLEASE!!!!
My son and his wife are struggling financially. They are a family of 3. They have no health insurance. While she was pregnant she had medicaid, but she had a miscarriage and medicaid ceased for her.
They were on food stamps, but now can’t get them because I was helping them out by paying for my grandson’s daycare and my son took a part time job (in addition to his full time $8.50/hr job). The part time job is on Friday and Saturday evening.
If it weren’t for some help from his mother, his sisters, and me this family of three might well be homeless.
There are many more like them.
Posted by: George | September 12, 2009, 4:36 pm 4:36 pm
With the overwhelming turnout, there was sure to be a couple off color signs. Not to worry, we knew you would find them. Glad this wasn’t an Seiu/Acorn/liberal protest….the fights, the mess, the biting off of fingers….terrible. MSM didn’t let us down again, as the expectations are so low.
but you know that 12 year old girl ( if she is as informed as some of the children I know) probably is astonished at how stupid our politicians can be. It’s not hard to understand that it costs alot to put multi-trillion dollar bill in motion and then expect the government to manage it. Our children are smarter than people given them credit for.
Posted by: terry | September 12, 2009, 4:38 pm 4:38 pm
george you always seem to gravitate towards sensationalism and negativity for purposes of ratings…
why not earn some credibility by reporting something of substance and stop this rag jouranlism approach?
Get a clue people! This is NOT about the Democrats or Republicans, this is about out of control government! Those in congress want to waste more of our tax dollars on a program that like the post office, railways, and everything else they have in effect DOES NOT WORK!
..that picture has been altered, I do graphic manipulation on my computer all the time, and therefore I know what to look for, if you look around the girls fingers you will see a darker color that is not consistent with a shadow that is from her hand on the bottom of where it seems to be lighter, trust me that has been altered..
Posted by: Robert R Smith | September 12, 2009, 5:00 pm 5:00 pm
How did we do it before health insurance?
I was born in 1939. Cost of my birth was around $300.00. My dad was making about $2000.00 annually before taxes. That’s 15% of his annual pay.
In 1969 when my daughter was born, the cost was $4,000.00. (Granted it was a c-section, she was a month early, had to spend a week under the lights for jaundice). Our annual income before taxes was $7000.00. That’s 57% of our annual pay.
That’s a 42% difference in the ratio between cost of birth and income before taxes. In order for the birth cost for my daughter to be 15% of my income I would either have to have had a salary of $27,000 or the cost of my daughters birth would have had to be $1,050.00.
In other words the cost of medical care went up at a great rate than did salaries in that 30 year period. Insurance is a way of pooling funds to even out the cost to each person. Insurance became a necessity.
Posted by: George | September 12, 2009, 5:05 pm 5:05 pm
Lets all agree to do nothing and let it ride and see where it gets us all and i mean all.
There is a source from within that wants this country to die. When that happens and the streets are filled with blood. Then and only then will people want to truly sit down and do something about this mess, and even then i am not so sure
Posted by: mike | September 12, 2009, 5:09 pm 5:09 pm
How typical that ABC News is accused of being biased for actually showing a sign that a conservative made.
Those calling ABC state controlled, biased and unfair are simply unwilling to acknowledge that a fringe group of the GOP are behaving in an unacceptable fashion.
Instead of insisting the media is unfair why not actually hold party members accountable for their actions?
The whole myth of the liberal media is the GOP’s constant calling card.
George, Did I somehow miss your indignation over anti-Bush Posters such as “Bush: World’s #1 Terrorist”. I’m guessing it doesn’t exist.
In your thinking this young girl, no doubt, is more radical and extremist, than group like Code Pink.
Indeed. These people have lost all respect for tho office of the President, sure GWB had some of this, but not this bad.
Do these people even think? I am not so sure.
An event sponsoered by Freedomworks, a lobby shop.. i bet most at this event dont even realize they are being laughed at by big pharma and insurance.
Posted by: John | September 12, 2009, 5:47 pm 5:47 pm
I know coverage of these folks is all good fun for the MSM, but really it is serving no purpose but to continue to obscure the discussion we should be having neighbor to neighbor, conservative to liberal, American to American about one of the most pressing issues to threaten our prosperity or lack thereof in the future. Simply put, if we do not address and solve a comprehensive way to insure everybody in this country for medical emergencies and preventative care it will bankrupt us as a nation. We are not there yet, but this path of no change to the status quo is driving us – all of us my conservative Uncle and my very liberal Aunt, my neighbor and yours. Please, take a moment to step back and look to what we are and what we could be as a country. If we only stop shouting at each other and begin actually talking with each other.
The photo of the girl with the sign is a perfect symbol of the tea-baggers: show up because they’re told to and protest things they are clueless about.
“…the post office does not work…”
Let’s see. I can send a letter to (erm) Alaska for the cost of a first-class stamp (44 cents). If I want to send the same letter through FedEx or UPS, what is the cost?
Doesn’t work? That’s a Reagan-inspired lie courtesy of the greedheads who want to take your money for themselves.
Does anyone…left or right not see how this is wrong? No matter the issue? It makes me cry. Disgusting to demean anyone this way in death. Shame on her parents…I will pray for this child.
Having a child desensitize death is like the indoctrination of Germany’s children during the Nazi years. It’s like the indoctrination of hate groups here in America treating hatred to there children. It is a very, very slippery lope when you indoctrination children with such propaganda themes. Get a clue people. Stop be lambs that will cause our Country to implode.
I was expecting it to be a one-off hand written sign but that – how many of those are there? I guess the right is trying to out do the hippies who hated Bush at this point.
I just don’t understand people. Do they not WANT the protection of not being rejected from insurance for preexisting conditions? Of not losing health insurance every time you change jobs? Of limited deductibles? Of no annual or lifetime max on insurance? Are they content to watch thousands die early for being denied medical care? Do they enjoy knowing that they’re only one surgery away from bankruptcy? We at long last are on the threshold of giving all of our citizens access to all the care they need. Why would we pass on that?
Posted by: Larry Thelen | September 12, 2009, 8:11 pm 8:11 pm
uhmm.. excuse me… the link that led here said there were pictures:
“Carrying signs depicting President Obama as Adolf Hitler and the Joker,”…
What gives?? If you don’t have the proof, don’t make the accusation… that is why the people scream “bias” by mainstream media…
Insurance is gambling, we pay for a service we never hope to use? The way to teach about single payer (as assurance) is to expose lobbying as the corruption that funds propaganda. The CARE issue must address lobbying to regain a healthy political process.
I heard Larry King today refer to Ted Kennedy as a “class act” then go on to sneer at the current group of “do as I say, not as I do” corrupt politicians. Who do these people think layed the groundwork for “do as I say, not as I do” politicians? Jeez, open your damn eyes!
I am not going to attack anyone or party anymore. Can’t we all stop doing this? It’s only dividing our super country. I am having a hard time wrapping my head around such hate.
Posted by: Shi | September 12, 2009, 9:10 pm 9:10 pm
The blind hatred of Obama is fueling all of this. Republicans and Blue Dog democrats in Congress are no different than the bullies and haters that showed up at the US Capitol today.
I don’t care for the sign at all. No it’s not classy but it is not a news commentators job to tell us what is classy or not.
All posters on this site are hypocrites to varying degrees – I haven’t met a human who is not including myself.
I am a fiscal conservative and a social worker who very much agrees in healthcare reform in stages but no government run public option. I managed an indigent healthcare clinic for 7 years – patients paid according to their ability and the rest is supported by federal, state, and couty grants. These clinics exist throughout the country and cost a fraction of what is being proposed. There needs to be competition among the insurance company’s because in many states it is as if they are monopolies. Try paying $12,000. out of pocket deductibles for a family with insurance for 1 year. And so far this year it is $4,000. How does anyone think we can pay these prices for 45 million uninsured. They sure can’t pay the copays we pay along with the 1,000 – 2,500. deductibles. I have worked for various programs for the government and no all to well how inefficient they are. When we go to a doctors office before we receive services we should have a price list of services. I REALLY WANT TO SEE BETTER COMPETITION IN THE INSURANCE BUSINESS! We need to start education more FNP’s, ANP’s and PA’s to staff clinics under the direction of Medical Directors at our county Health Dept. They are wonderful at managing chronic care conditions. This problem should have been hammered out long ago and I blame Republicans and Democrats for the mess we are in fiscally – I think they have all forgotten how to add and subtract! I like the sign that eludes to Going Green – Git Rid of Congress.
NEWS FLASH: Sales of white sheets and tin foil for hats reached record level today in Washington D.C.!
Posted by: R. Wood | September 12, 2009, 11:05 pm 11:05 pm
This is all you have to say about the rally George? Out of about a million protesters you pick THAT particular sign to focus on? Most people would not agree with that poster .. no matter WHICH side of the political aisle you are on. THIS is why ABC’s ratings are falling. We are tired of this type of ‘reporting’. If these were people who WANT government run healthcare you would have a lot MORE to say and you would be saying that these people need to be heard and that the president is really beginning to pick up momentum and blah blah blah … your bias is evident .. and that is disappointing … but quite predictable.
Posted by: Teri | September 12, 2009, 11:23 pm 11:23 pm
Wow George how many signs were there today?
You just picked the one that matched your Faux Outrage over Healthcare. Today’s 9/12 march was not about healthcare but taking back the direction of the country.
Joe
Posted by: Joe Smith | September 12, 2009, 11:29 pm 11:29 pm
If the GOP say they have the best ideas for health care reform, why didn’t they implement it the last eight years?
They’d rather sent 120000 troops and send $1 trillion to “liberate” Iraqis, but do not have money to help Americans without health care, is the life of an Iraqi more valuable than American? May to the GOP it is.
Posted by: jay | September 12, 2009, 11:32 pm 11:32 pm
No, what is offensive is a socialist taking yours and my tax dollars and wasting it on government run health care. Tell me ONE thing the government has ever run that wasn’t filled with waste, corruption and often fraud. Obamacare means an end to choice when all businesses find it’s the lower cost option and private insurance goes out of business. Watch and see it happen if his plan wins. I’m for health care for all but not run by the government. Offensive is taking tax dollars from hard working Americans and throwing it away on wasteful spending.
Yeah, George, that’s so unfair and biased of you to point out that a bunch of hateful, ignorant bigots who don’t even know what the health care reform debate is about are out there on the streets putting their idiocy on display.
You should be ‘objective’ like the rest of the mainstream media and pretend that they’re just plain folks and it’s all justified outrage about a “government takeover.”
Posted by: jimb | September 13, 2009, 12:05 am 12:05 am
Don’t be hypocrites.
There was an 11 yr. old girl arrested for pro-obamacare protesting and her picture was published in the protest and yet it hasn’t even been mentioned.
Posted by: common sense | September 13, 2009, 12:53 am 12:53 am
Gee ABC News, after suggesting 70,000 people were “carrying signs depicting President Obama as Adolf Hitler and the Joker”, you could have at least shown us a picture of ONE person carrying such a sign. No wonder everyone is going to FOX News.
Posted by: Vieux Charles | September 13, 2009, 12:54 am 12:54 am
Well Paul, if we spent as much on healthcare as you do we couldn’t afford all those neat weapons systems that help keep you free to be flush in socialist healthcare.
As a side-note, before we throw away anymore freedoms, we might just be smart enough as a nation to consider holding people accountable for undermining our current system before we decide to make the system over again and increase the size of the bureaucracy so that we then have several thousand MORE people who we will not hold accountable when the lie,cheat and steal from us.
Posted by: common sense | September 13, 2009, 1:19 am 1:19 am
How many adults at this protest?
Do those kids know what it is that they protest? Does that child even know who Kennedy is? Does a child know the implications of no Health Care? Does she uinderstand what the term Obamacare mean?
Just asking
Posted by: Thinking | September 13, 2009, 1:41 am 1:41 am
You’re so right George. Thank you for calling it as you see it. When people are outrageous in their behavior, higher minded people must be forethright and truthful about it.
Posted by: AngieJ | September 13, 2009, 1:51 am 1:51 am
There could (and should) be reasoned discussion of the issues. But this cannot happen as long as Faux Newz and the right continue to stir the pot. They are like terrorists who thrive on partisan bickering. It is the only was they can feel powerful.
Posted by: LREKing | September 13, 2009, 1:51 am 1:51 am
Why get angry?
At the end of the day, people will believe what they want to believe.
Don’t worry, the truth will not stand in the way.
I promise you that hundreds of years of history prove that much.
So relax.
It’s all good here.
Peace.
Posted by: common sense | September 13, 2009, 1:56 am 1:56 am
How about if it was just 1 man?
What if he got international press as well.
And a “beer summit” with the president?
And an apology from a police officer?
And the press coverage lasted for about a week?
Worth more press than 70,000 people at a ‘tea party’?
Your sense of proportion is different than mine.
Posted by: common sense | September 13, 2009, 2:44 am 2:44 am
The focus should be on health care providers to cut rates by 30%. The largest share in expenses is computer services. It is time to begin zero based budgeting and work from the bottom up.
Posted by: A concerned viewer | September 13, 2009, 2:48 am 2:48 am
Better sign maybe?
“In memory of Ted Kennedy,
Drown ObamaCare.”
Posted by: Mitch | September 13, 2009, 2:57 am 2:57 am
To remember Teddy,
Sink Obamacare.
Posted by: Michelle | September 13, 2009, 2:58 am 2:58 am
I think it’s obvious that the news value of the story is the “man bites dog” surprise of seeing the faction that has often represented so many very civil people resorting to such shocking language and tactics. Many of us are old enough to remember a better time when the Right showed taste rather than vulgarity, and respect for elected authority rather anger that elections in a democracy have consequences.
Posted by: Stuart Prentice | September 13, 2009, 3:13 am 3:13 am
I think that the quality of candidates being a little higher back then might have had something to do with it.
Posted by: common sense | September 13, 2009, 3:15 am 3:15 am
I’m a Republican, and these tea party people make me ashamed to be. This is not the “crazy” sentiment of all of us. I disassociate myself with these whackos. I’m for low taxes, moral laws, a strong defense, and a strong dollar. This unfocused and insane march just took our Republican cause back 4 years. Monday, all the major media outlets will only be showing the racist, grammtically incorrect, and hateful signs you held up. Thanks idiots!
Posted by: AngryRepublican | September 13, 2009, 3:54 am 3:54 am
The radical right is simply out of control and their actions are beyond the pale. Their disrespect for the office of President is the manifestation of their deep resentment of a man of color holding the office.
I have never seen their hate and anger matched during my lifetime by either the right or the left. If the Republican leadership does not take the lead in returning civility to public discourse I fear violence is the inevitable outcome.
In years past when the left criticized our government the right was fond of telling them if they didn’t like then they should leave the country. Today the angry right is fond of talking secession and carrying guns.
Posted by: Darrell in Iowa | September 13, 2009, 6:42 am 6:42 am
People need to start taking responsibility for their own care by eating right and exercising. They must stop smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol. We could save a lot of money and lives that way.
Posted by: Rock | September 13, 2009, 6:51 am 6:51 am
Marie, you are completely right.
This sign is so utterly tasteless and I am shocked to see it in the hands of a child.
There is nothing wrong in difference of opinion but things like that are just plain disgusting.
Posted by: Truth Wins | September 13, 2009, 7:32 am 7:32 am
Oops, I referred to Marie on the first page of the comments (3.13 pm)…
Posted by: Truth Wins | September 13, 2009, 7:36 am 7:36 am
It has become clear to me also that the Republican party is not interested in compromise or cooperation. They are only interested in regaining power even if it means opposing something that is good for the country as a whole. Mark my word, once we get past the “public option” hurdle the Republican party will waste no time identifying some other element of health care reform to railroad comprehensive overhaul of the U. S. health care system. Think about it, a success for President Obama does not help their cause to regain power. So why cooperate or compromise on policies which benefit the incumbent if your goal is to remove the incumbent from office? President Obama has the potential go do some real good for this country. If he is allowed to succeed it would prolong the return of the Republican party to power. So don’t look for any cooperation from the Republican party .The only thing we can expect from the Republican party is continued opposition. Democratic party need’s to do what’s best for the country and forget about bipartisanship the Republican party as a weapon anyway to stop health care from passing.
The problem right now isn’t with the President, it’s with the people and the GOP!
Posted by: Brendett NC | September 13, 2009, 8:10 am 8:10 am
Why not DEBATE IT PUBLICLY?
Why is it the the only time we see the two dominant political parties go head-to-head on issues on national television with no talking-head “mediation” is during elections?
The most HONEST and UNDERSTANDABLE way to appreciate all sides of this issue is by having representatives of each side answer the same question and then debate each others responses.
ABC, you want to stand out as a responsible news organization?
SPONSOR A DEBATE NOW!!!
Posted by: Philip Avon St. Cyr | September 13, 2009, 8:45 am 8:45 am
Could it possibly be that these people have nothing better to do than disrupt progress? I would like to know what percentage of this crowd knows why they are protesting. Certainly that kid with the sign wouldn’t be able to discuss our health care problems intelligently. I doubt that most of this manipulated crowd could utter any comments outside of their bumper sticker slogans.
Posted by: mmeflutterbye | September 13, 2009, 8:46 am 8:46 am
In 2007 The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality estimated that the percentage of uninsured Americans under age 65 represented 27 percent of the population. That number has grown recently due to the increase of the unemployed.
According to the World Health Organization, 20 percent of Guatemala’s people lack regular access to health services.
How can the U.S. remain a leader in the world if it is the same situation as a poor, underdeveloped country?
It is simply unacceptable that a wealthy country with so many resources does not provide basic health care to a quarter of it’s population. As Ted Kennedy said it is definitely a moral issue and defines the character of our country.
Posted by: zinnia | September 13, 2009, 9:22 am 9:22 am
There is no doubt there must be healthcare reform. There are too many people that fear the loss of a job through which they receive health care not to mention the many that simply do not have any health care coverage.
The way to real reform is through the unification of health care forms. Each health care provider (including medicare and medicaid and the Veterans Administration) all use different forms that must be completed by non essential medical personnel. Should we add another layer to this red tape? If so, it is the duty of our government to work with all providers to come up with one single form for all to use.
The difficulty with this is that each has its’ own legacy systems which will be rendered ineffective and must have a new software application to support the new unified reporting system. The government will have to help subsidize those conversions.
This is only one part of the necessary reform but it will save millions of dollars as well as increase efficiencies that will enable universal reporting for all companies as a person goes in and out of different health care provider’s chain.
Posted by: Pat | September 13, 2009, 10:24 am 10:24 am
The demonstrations weren’t jsut about helath care. They were also about “Cap and Trade”, diminishing the CIA and the Military, ACORN and all the other Adminsitration attempts to diminish America in everyway possible.
Even communists and Socialists don’t try and diminish the power of the country (even if that is what happens). That leaves the Presidents desire to engage with Iran, Cuba, North Korea, Syria, Cuba, Hamas and Hizbullah while disngaging from fellow democracies.
Posted by: Jan P | September 13, 2009, 10:25 am 10:25 am
First of all the girl looks to be 15 years or older. People this age have well developed minds and should be encouraged to form opinions. Democrates have been indoctrinating, the youth, with their brand of altruism, and getting them out to protest for decades, so why are they complaining? My only complaint is the opinions on both sides are indoctrinated not thought out.
As for health care. It isn’t a right because, to make it a right you must take rights away from the providers…that is slavery. Besides has everyone forgotten that medicare and medicaid will be broke ina few years…and that wasn’t supposed to be able to happen. Government run programs cannot work.
Posted by: Joe | September 13, 2009, 10:53 am 10:53 am
Wow — these commentators equate showing the sign with “media bias.” So, I guess they know the sign makes them look bad. It’s printed, so there was more than one of these out there, I’m sure. And this girl’s parent probably kept her home so she wouldn’t hear Obama’s “propaganda” about staying in school and trying hard. Jeez.
Posted by: Laura | September 13, 2009, 11:07 am 11:07 am
Mr. president, do not let these evil people stop you from working for poor people.Keep fighting for our sake.
Posted by: shugi | September 13, 2009, 11:15 am 11:15 am
Why has the debate been framed as “Health Care Reform”? It seems to me that it should be called “Health Insurance reform”
Perhaps because lots of people make money off of other people’s illnesses. Doctors, insurance companies.
We frown on War Profiteering, But when did become acceptable to profit from someone’s tragic illness?
Posted by: John | September 13, 2009, 11:21 am 11:21 am
Speaking of profiting off of the misfortune of others, why can no one explain the reason that ‘big pharma’ is backing the takeover?
You think they see this as a golden opportunity to lose money?
I bet not!
Posted by: common sense | September 13, 2009, 11:26 am 11:26 am
Proponents of the healthcare bill put a great amount of trust in the government’s ability to pay for the plan by stopping “waste, fraud and abuse”. As Grandpa says “trust, but verify”, so let’s build that trust.
It does not take a reform plan to go after “waste, fraud and abuse”. Secretary Sebelius gave the Pfizer sting operation as a prime example. So let’s just back off this rush to impose some 1018 pages of legislation that is dividing our nation and let the government demonstrate that it can do something right.
I propose that we give the government six months to a year to demonstrate that it can save money by going after “waste, fraud and abuse”. At the end of the period there will be no speculation, we will have hard data as to whether Obama’s claims are “truth or fiction”. The taxpayers of America deserve no less?
I am sending this message to my senators and congressman, are you?
Posted by: Ed Taylor | September 13, 2009, 11:40 am 11:40 am
People get so easily offended when the view is the opposite of theirs.
Health care reform is fine, but no public option.
Everyone can get insurance and health care without a public option. Lets see which is more important to the Democrats, health insurance for all, better health care, or the public option and politics.
has nothing to do with the lack of objectivity or George’s political leanings…he is calling out the pure absurdity and downright callousness of this message. If the message here is too much government spending, I guess you have to read between the appalling lines.
The Republican Party over the last 20 years has divested itself of small government advocates, fiscal conservatives, and foreign policy hawks (like myself) who do not give pride of place to some rather narrow-minded and hateful social views.
What’s left are the angry and bitter folks who, like wave crests reinforcing one another in the absence of other forces, amplify their anger and ignorance by feeding off one another. This is the new Repugnican Party.
Were the Democrats not so incompetent and prone to fratricide, the GOP would never win another national election until they overthrew their so-called “base.”
When you use a Corpse to try and SELL Socialized medicine, dont be surprised when people do the vice/versa.
It was not as classy as “Leave Obamacare suffocating in a submerged Buick” but it was pithy.
Buck, the republican tea party protesters are Vampires and Werewolves. They want to drink our blood and make us like them — scary thyroid diseased with too much hair growth and big teeth. The ugliness of the Republican Party has really arrived under the full moon. Are there cures for Vampiritis and Werewolvitis?
Posted by: Elle | September 13, 2009, 1:38 pm 1:38 pm
Wrong Buck. Did you know that many Republican private run businesses get government grants to fund their electronic scan of medical records program? Did you? I know since I have set up many of these businesses with these programs, and many are from Arizona who are Republican private businesses. So, please, do better fact checks since business individuals like myself are living proof Republicans are takers of government grants just like any other business. Republicans, please get your facts straight before making loud noises again like your fallen hero Joe Wilson. “He lied” really means, “You didn’t fact check first” therefore, you are setting up false assumptions that will fail you big time in the end. Congress, please reprimand Joe Wilson for his misbehavior in your hall of law. Otherwise, this propaganda will continue on and on without remorse. The forgiveness phase of Joe Wilson didn’t show any remorse, therefore, Joe Wilson is an abusive person, meaning, Republicans are abusive verbally, physically, mentally, and emotionally. They are harmful to society as a whole, inflicting their Communistic tactics upon America with their intimidations, manipulations, yes sir nor sir non interaction communications, and their cult like attitudes of keeping information from the masses. Pass Health Care Reform Fall 2009. Be There!
Posted by: Elle | September 13, 2009, 1:47 pm 1:47 pm
Distasteful.
Disrespectful.
Ignorant.
Full of anger and not a whole lot of solutions.
Posted by: Luke Liem | September 13, 2009, 2:23 pm 2:23 pm
Ok America… were does the constituion say anything about the government will support personal heaith care?? thats right it doesnt…..OO what has the government ran democrats or republicans that has worked right??? none…
Posted by: chris | September 13, 2009, 3:06 pm 3:06 pm
That picture says it all. Republicans don’t have a heart.
This is what passes for “Reporting and Analysis” from ABC. And from the “ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent”, no less.
Posted by: Eric | September 13, 2009, 4:52 pm 4:52 pm
George… Really, do you need to pick on the little girl? 1150 days until the next Presidential election. I for one can’t wait.
Posted by: James | September 13, 2009, 6:03 pm 6:03 pm
I heard there was some news about ACORN and prostitutes or something. I can’t seem to find any “news” on this. Can someone direct me to where I can find out more info?
Posted by: jr | September 13, 2009, 6:24 pm 6:24 pm
While the far right (now known as the mainstream GOP) has no problems with treating political discourse with all of the intelligence and sensitivity of professional wrestling, it is amazing how much their bravado turns into schoolyard whining when it comes to the way they are portrayed in the press. mmm, what on earth is there is misunderstand about their threatening, racist signs, their relentless lies about citizenship, czars, naziism, socialism…and on and on… Instead of discussing socialism, maybe we should be discussing the term, sociopath, which would aptly describe the right wing’s mindset and tactics. Cowards.
This is a classic example of how ignorance and hate are taught to children.I doubt whether this kid even understands what it means to have a “public option” or not. This is the same group of misguided folks who so vehemently protested Obama speaking to school kids last week;yet they are okay with letting their kids carry around these kinds of completely repugnant and utterly ridiculous messages. If this is who wants any power back (like somebody took it from them in the first place) we need to be very afraid.
Posted by: Kara | September 13, 2009, 7:47 pm 7:47 pm
republicans are like scared dogs they so fearful they wont be fed and loved they will turn on you and bite your head off they complain all democrats did the same thing they are doing now during the Bush admin that Bush screwed this country for 8 long years well guess what we didn’t have to make things up Bush did it for us and we had legit complaints bush was the worst president in the history of our nation and the republicans are trying to do to Obama what we did to Bush the only problem is Obama is trying to change this country for the better unlike Bush who did the opposite. they are grabbing at straws cause thats all they got and they know it hense the fear mongering the chicken little theory that the sky is falling but we are a lot better off today than we were a yr ago at this time the economy is getting better health care reform is on the brink of becoming a reality and we have a president who knows the difference between a verb and a pronoun
Amazing.
And the “jobless recovery” is a viable possibility too right?
I understand being mad at Bush.
But this is like being mad at Hitler and running into the arms of Stalin!
But as I stated previously, people will believe what they want to believe.
Keep drinkin’ the koolaid.
Posted by: common sense | September 13, 2009, 8:13 pm 8:13 pm
Very nice sign! Makes a point. They tried to use Kennedy’s death to pass this huge power grab — they ought to be ashamed.
There is nothing unclassy about this sign.. it makes a point, which is, Kennedy is gone and so should Obamacare be!
Even if a grown adult man was holding that sign it would be suspect……but a young girl holding it makes it downright “offensive”! and ill-timed!!
Senator Kennedy devoted his life to “public service” something the neo-cons cannot grasp. Regardless of his politics, all our public servants deserve to be treated with respect.
This is almost as “offensive” as Sean Delonas’ NY Post cartoon depicting President Obama as a chimp being “shot” for a policy disagreement!!
Enough of this childishness!!
It amazes me that of all the thousands of signs at this rally ABC picks this one. I was there and 99% of the signs were hand made. No crazies,just a bunch of concerned citizens against the big government that this administration has produced. Czars belong in Russia not the USA. Leave our freedoms alone.
Posted by: md | September 14, 2009, 6:56 am 6:56 am
hahaha i agree!!! BURY OBAMACARE with KENNEDY!
Where can I get a T-Shirt with that on it???
Posted by: fdsadsa | September 14, 2009, 10:40 am 10:40 am
In referring to the Health Care plan, when Senator Reid said “Kennedy’s death would help the Democrats in the health care debate”. That was OK, no one complained about using the Kennedy name then…….. Truly is there a difference? I personally would not of carried that sign, but there is not a difference. Point is that the media has to find one thing to point out and talk about. Did they not see all the TONS of other signs. Of course not. ABC NBC CBS are so biased.
Again, main street media does not get it. Did main street media cover the protest objectively, did they see all the swastikas as they previously have reported. As a whole, by and large this was a peaceful effective protest.
We are sick of working and being told that our tax dollar will go to pay for illegal immigrants health care, people on welfare using money to buy drugs, for Acorn workers to advise how to scam IRS, for all the CZAR’s who have more power than the house and senate.
Take a look at medicare and social security, both “Government run” and failing. We do not need anymore government run programs. We need to protect our constitution. End this track to socialism.
Obama needs to pass government controlled healthcare NOW before these people take over. Only the government can make sure I get my healthcare for FREE.
Posted by: Ron | September 14, 2009, 1:46 pm 1:46 pm
You really think that you will get something for free?
How remarkably parasitic.
NOTHING is free.
Someone has to pay for it.
Your kids and grandkids will be paying for the bankster bailouts long after you are dirt-napping. And the same will be true of government taking control over health care.
So it therefore appears to me that your legendary liberal compassion for others is but a smokescreen for a deep-seated desire for a socialist utopia.
Posted by: common sense | September 14, 2009, 2:01 pm 2:01 pm
At least the person who created that sign or the young lady holding it probably never KILLED somebody like Kennedy did!
Posted by: Bernard M. Russelman | September 14, 2009, 2:59 pm 2:59 pm
I was there Saturday and there were HUNDREDS of ADULTS with this sign…Of COURSE ABC CHOSE the young lady holding the sign as the photo to run with…just so liberals can be even more incensed in their “righteous anger”!!! HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!
Posted by: Bernard M. Russelman | September 14, 2009, 3:03 pm 3:03 pm
This is exactly the kind of bias left wing reporting from our main stream news Agencies that will PROPEL Sarah Palin right into the White House if they don’t start reporting the facts rather than their obvious bias opinions.
keep it up guys not only are you making complete fools out of yourselves you are destroying the American Confidence you once had.
Posted by: Tal Simmons | September 14, 2009, 3:35 pm 3:35 pm
Folks don’t be too hard on the republicans, We need them to pay for our Government programs, after all they do pay a lot of Taxes so many of us can get free welfare, free schools, free housing, free transportation and we will certainly need them to pay for our free medical. So lighten Up !!! if everyone became a democrat who would create jobs and pay taxes !!!
Posted by: Tal Simmons | September 14, 2009, 3:43 pm 3:43 pm
Stephanopoulos: There there, have a good cry…
Posted by: Bernard M. Russelman | September 14, 2009, 3:44 pm 3:44 pm
Wow. I can’t believe someone would even create that sign, and then a kid is given the sign to hold?!?!? Does the kid even know what the sign shows?
The GOP really is pathetic- still bitter about losing so many seats in Congress and the Presidency. They know they can’t pass anything so they are just trying to stall everything and bicker and fight. No new ideas.
And the tea party protest? More sheep following the GOP who don’t really understand that, you know, we have to pay taxes to, I don’t know, have a country? Nah, everything in life is free. By the way, nice turnout in DC for the “tea party protests.” 100,000? 1 million? I don’t think so. Lets say 1 million, out of 300 million Americans. A very, very low percentage of Americans, and I bet most of them don’t even know what they are doing there. Nice job GOP, dragging them out.
Posted by: Dan | September 15, 2009, 8:23 am 8:23 am
It was a mistake to vote for Obama. I was at the march on Washington as were an estimated 1.7 million other Americans concerned about the rush of Obama and the likes of Pelosi, Reid and Waxman to expand big government and spend our children’s children’s incomes for generations into the future, all while destroying freedom and liberty. And what does ABC “report”? It shows one stupid sign. It does not report the real issues or true size and scope of the massive grass roots protest. 1.7 million people participated! One of the biggest events ever to hit Washington! Shame on you ABC.
Posted by: Alice in Wonderland | September 15, 2009, 9:48 am 9:48 am
I have noticed on this site that the socialists and communists (leftists) purport to “know” that the Washington protesters were all stupid and didn’t understand the issues. They totally understand that we have a rotten administration whose “change” is socialism or worse. The fact is that the protesters actually read the health care bills and know that Obama is lying publicly. It is Obama who is anti-American. What he says publicly doesn’t even remotely match what is actually in the bills. Get hold of one and read it for yourself. Then comment. Google “Obama Bill Ayers”. Google “Obama Van Jones”. Google “Obama ACORN”. Google “Obama socialism”. Of course, those of you who are socialists or communists are already lost. This message isn’t for you you. I’m speaking to the rest of the group who can think for themselves and know that above all else, America is based on personal freedom and liberty.
Posted by: Alice in Wonderland | September 15, 2009, 11:38 am 11:38 am
This is just hateful. This shows the lack of compassion and completely un-Christian like behavior of the right. This is only the tip of the iceberg on their signs. I went to a pro-healthcare rally and all of the signs focused on the positive and helping the least among us.
The comment about Kennedy is inappropriate. However, did you see the ABCnews.com blogs the day that Jesse Helms, former Republican senator died? There was page after page of Democrats wishing him into hell.
Posted by: Dougbh48 | September 16, 2009, 7:03 am 7:03 am
“Think about this for a moment: In this country one has the right to own a gun, but so far no rights to healthcare. Dumb, dumb, dumb!”
Nowhere in the Constitution is “healthcare” mentioned as an inalienable right. That arguement is silly & moot.
Having lived in a country with a basically single payor system (Canada) I have to tell you it stinks. Being told you have to wait 18 months for a child’s placement of ear tubes because it isn’t “emergent” and it is “voluntary” is no fun. Having to schedule yearly exams 1-2 years in advance is ludicrious. And heaven’s help you if your situation has changed & you can’t make the appointment.
No healthcare option is perfect, but expecting a government who can’t even run it’s current system (Medicare/Medicaid) to expand to cover everyone is totally unrealistic. And given that other current government departments can’t be efficiently run do you really expect the cost to be what Obama estimates and that the service will be there? Get real folks! I work with Medicare/Medicaid everyday (administration in a nursing home) the current system is a gargantuan cluster & barely works – doesn’t reimburse realistically – and it’s prime beneficiaries don’t understand how to work within the system & cause as much grief as provide medical care.
I don’t want the government running something as huge as this with their substandard record.
Besides with all the talk of what’s going to or not going to be offered no one has any plan for infrastructure that they are willing to put out to us.
Before they pass ANYTHING they better have exactly how it is going to work & how it is going to be run. Otherwise they have no business passing any legislation on this matter.
Posted by: Sdarling | September 16, 2009, 8:34 am 8:34 am
Does Charlie Gibson know about this? He doesn’t keep up with them web pages.
Posted by: MikeC | September 16, 2009, 10:39 am 10:39 am
I think all parties can agree on this:
Politics = poli + tics.
Poli = many
tics = blood sucking insects.
Vote out the lot of them!!!
Posted by: robert | September 16, 2009, 5:13 pm 5:13 pm
You know what is ‘irrefutably offensive’ is that fact that Kennedy remained in the Senate an additional 40+yrs and is remembered (by your main stream media & the Democratic party) for ANYTHING other than killing Mary Jo Kopechne on the night of July 18, 1969.
Kennedy drove his car off a bridge and into a pond on Chappaquiddick Island on Martha’s Vineyard. He swam to safety leaving 28-year-old Mary Jo Kopechne, a campaign worker on brother Robert Kennedy’s campaign. Her body was found in the submerged car 10 hours later.
Sen Kennedy told the police that he was driving Kopechne to the ferry after a party on the island when his car left the unfamiliar road.
But his failure to report the accident dogged his subsequent attempts to run for the American presidency.
A judge found that there probable cause to believe that Kennedy operated his motor vehicle negligently … and that such operation appears to have contributed to the death of Mary Jo Kopechne.”
And the Republicans demonstrate again and again that they are definitively a party without a sense of decency??? Which party is deranged. Give me a break JUPAW!
Bush is a nazi – that’s freedom of expression. Obamacare should be buried – that’s racism. Isn’t it convenient that when liberals can’t argue the merits, they resort to name-calling! Looks like Obamacare’s on life support right now and Carter and his ilk are trying voodoo to resuscitate it!
Posted by: RB in DB | September 16, 2009, 10:02 pm 10:02 pm
The cowardly lion of the senate was a drunkard who killed a women. He should have been in jail, not the senate. Yes, bury this turkey with him.
Posted by: Joe Bamola | September 17, 2009, 4:29 am 4:29 am
I agree with “Bury Obamacare with Kennedy.”
Posted by: BRENDA | September 17, 2009, 9:39 am 9:39 am
A great man has died yet the hate lives on. Despicable. Shameless.
George Stephanopoulos is anchor of ABC's "Good Morning America" and "This Week." He is also the network's chief political correspondent, reporting on political and policy stories for all ABC News broadcasts and platforms.
Email
Sen. DeMint: GOP Race Could Go Until Convention 
Obama Avoids Questions on Contraception Rule
Shows the country how unsubstantial and hateful the GOP really are.
Posted by: Republicans are Hateful | September 12, 2009, 2:10 pm 2:10 pm
I don’t know or care about Republicans or any other party but do wish Obama would get his ObamaCare buried.
Posted by: Buck | September 12, 2009, 2:14 pm 2:14 pm
Glad to see ABC News is as unbiased as ever. I guess that’s what you get when you have Bill Clinton’s little lapdog as your chief political correspondent.
Posted by: CH | September 12, 2009, 2:18 pm 2:18 pm
I’m a liberal and ObamaCare should be buried if it does not include a public option. What we should be implementing is single-payer. It’s a no-brainer.
Posted by: Matt | September 12, 2009, 2:21 pm 2:21 pm
Mr. Bryant I am convinced that they aren’t disagreeing they just don’t know how to fix it and keep adding things to keep the people so confused no one knows who or what to believe.
I think the whole bunch needs to regroup and settle down and not get in such a hurry like they started out running with it and didn’t even have a bill or still don’t have a bill to run with?
Maybe they should have something in writting and let the public vote on it by line item in the November Elections??? OH NO that would be to easy!!
Posted by: Buck | September 12, 2009, 2:23 pm 2:23 pm
I am in disbelief with how much coverage this group is getting. several years ago I attended a women’s reproductive freedom march in washington. there must have been 250,000 people there, at least, men and women, all races, from across the USA – maybe we got a little blurb on CNN but nowhere near the coverage, the interviews and the media as these white angry folks. as a liberal, and proud of it, I cannot believe the lack of fairness in media attention.
Posted by: md | September 12, 2009, 2:26 pm 2:26 pm
Think about this for a moment: In this country one has the right to own a gun, but so far no rights to healthcare. Dumb, dumb, dumb!
Posted by: Mary MacElveen | September 12, 2009, 2:27 pm 2:27 pm
Actually all the media outlets keep saying they are none bias! But 99% of the stories seen on the news it really comes out one way or the other.
Posted by: Buck | September 12, 2009, 2:31 pm 2:31 pm
The only thing I see wrong with the sign is they last two words could have been left off and the meaning would have still been there. And would have not offended anyone. But it should have never been posted on the internet in its present form (with kennedy). That in my opinion was wrong to Mr Kennedy and his family.
Posted by: Buck | September 12, 2009, 2:35 pm 2:35 pm
wow – what’s that sign in front of the kennedy sign? Something about working hard? Wonder why that’s not featured here? Ha ha ha ha – not too hard to figure out.
WE didn’t pull Sen. Kennedy into this fight – Dems and Obama did. And the sign doesn’t say – bury reform. Saying Repubs don’t have ideas or put forth plans just shows stupidity now. Get a clue and get informed! Like all those folks in DC did! Yeah America – great day for our country!
Posted by: kay | September 12, 2009, 2:38 pm 2:38 pm
America is not presentinga unified picture to the rest of the world-we give signs to kids to carry-they have no idea what the signs mean nor could they argue the issue intelligently-America is not a great place to be-and crass people on the extremies have made it clear we have our share of strange people-Canada-here I come!
Posted by: Ron Dernick | September 12, 2009, 2:40 pm 2:40 pm
George, is this sign any more outrageous than Senator Reid saying Kennedy’s death would “help” the Democrats in the healthcare debate? I am truly concerned for our nation if this is what passes for objective journalism.
As a side note: George if you cannot find a way to be objective, why don’t you go to work for the Obama administration officially?
Acorn scandal – silence
Rangel scandal – silence
CBO projections on healthcare – silence
Dodd complicity in fannie and freddie – silence
One sign that is critical of ObamaCare- ABC goes in to full fledge investigative mode. I guess some issues are just more important than others to ABC.
Posted by: Jenny | September 12, 2009, 2:41 pm 2:41 pm
That is pathetic.But that is what these creatures are..Pathetic. They are Bigots period.
Posted by: James | September 12, 2009, 2:44 pm 2:44 pm
This kind of journalistic bias will in the end put Sarah Palin in the whitehouse in 2012.
Posted by: Jerri | September 12, 2009, 2:45 pm 2:45 pm
Sorry Mary MacElveen but I don’t understand about healthcare rights?
Can’t they just add: No one turned down because of an existing health problem. And the public option and let the rest stay.
Also if you can’t afford insurance in the first place how are you planing to pay a fine for not paying for it? Does a fine sound like a good ideal?
I am 67 years old and have insurance and don’t have a problem with mine I just don’t understand what the Obama adminstration is wanting to do with 1000 plus pages of changes to what we have now.
How many people know where they are getting the money for the electronic health records system he is having set up as we speak? SSA Just check and you will see that on the SSA website. That is public money to support retirees.
Posted by: Buck | September 12, 2009, 2:45 pm 2:45 pm
Failed ideas = GOP
Posted by: Patriot Majority | September 12, 2009, 2:48 pm 2:48 pm
Do folks realize how many people are out there who have worked their whole lives and don’t have health care because they are not 65 and old enough for Medicare? The poor people have coverage through Medicaid, the 65+ have Medicare. It is the people in between those 2 groups who will be helped by additional coverage.
Posted by: Dave Brim | September 12, 2009, 2:48 pm 2:48 pm
One of dumbest signs ever written, to hand it to a child makes even worse.
Posted by: richard in chandler az | September 12, 2009, 2:55 pm 2:55 pm
Oh Stephie—is that all you can say? I know you’re tiny, but be a bigger man.
Posted by: yerp | September 12, 2009, 3:01 pm 3:01 pm
OOOH… the SANCTIMONY!!!/
George… that’s the best you can do?
Posted by: katy | September 12, 2009, 3:05 pm 3:05 pm
That sign’s about as classy as Ted Kennedy himself.
Posted by: tony | September 12, 2009, 3:05 pm 3:05 pm
Jeez George, at least make a pretense on objectivity. You know, you want folks to believe you’re a straight shooter. You must try harder.
Posted by: GCM | September 12, 2009, 3:06 pm 3:06 pm
And these are the folks Talking about President Obama indoctrinating a child? They need to look in the mirror. Sick!
Posted by: texan | September 12, 2009, 3:07 pm 3:07 pm
ABC just stay away. You are state controlled and we don’t care about your ‘reports”.
Posted by: JUPAW | September 12, 2009, 3:07 pm 3:07 pm
Republicans demonstrate again and again that they are definitively a party without a sense of decency.
This sign, in the hands of a child at that, is irrefutably offensive and there is no justification to be made for it.
It was obviously professionally printed for distribution. It would be interesting to know exactly which of the astroturf sponsors of this idiocy is responsible for it.
There are a couple mainstream newspaper articles posted today that purport, in no uncertain terms, that the Republican Party has become “the party of the deranged.”
The folks at this gathering seem hell-bent on providing incontrovertible proof of that assertion.
Posted by: Marie | September 12, 2009, 3:13 pm 3:13 pm
ABC needs to get a spine. Take your leads from Fox News.
Nothing on ABC about Van Jones when the story was broke on Friday Evening by glenn Beck on Fox
Nothing on Acorn when the story broke on Thursday on Fox.
Where is the coverage of the march on Washington today, Oh I forgot I have to watch Fox for that. Have you seen their ratings???????????????
You people at ABC are pathetic
Posted by: Sandra Keller | September 12, 2009, 3:17 pm 3:17 pm
Republican parents prefer to teach their kids to become hateful and insensitive than to practice the “family values” they’re always preaching about.
Hateful hypocrits define the GOP.
Posted by: Kelly | September 12, 2009, 3:18 pm 3:18 pm
So….what exactly is Obamacare anyway”..If can’t be any worse than the current health care system…
Posted by: indy_voter | September 12, 2009, 3:33 pm 3:33 pm
I see the wingnuts are out in force on the sites today. Enjoy your fantasies, guys, and stay classy.
Posted by: teachend | September 12, 2009, 3:38 pm 3:38 pm
Mary and others- you mention how dumb it is to be able to have a gun but not healthcare. I think that the real question is how is it paid for and by whom. I personally don’t think that health care is a right to be supplied by the gov’t. Is it an unalienable right to be serviced and hopefully brought back to perfect health? yes -I think that it is but not at the expense of the the whole nation and generations to come.It is a small percent of americans(legal) who don’t have coverage. There must be other ways to go about this reform w/o turning our nation upside down and putting us “6 feet under”
Posted by: TERRY | September 12, 2009, 4:10 pm 4:10 pm
Apparently these people have never lost a job,or gotten sick and come from families with priviliged lifestyles.A child doesn’t get to choose what insurance plan is going to protect them when they our born to an impoverished life.Do these people think they’re asking for it?
Posted by: Vanessa Chavez | September 12, 2009, 4:11 pm 4:11 pm
My parents taught me that liberalism is a disease. lol I’m seeing as an Adult that it’s really true. Thankfully, they only make up a very small portion of the country. I almost hope they try to jam through health care, because that means they’ll be out of power for the next 20 years.
Posted by: William | September 12, 2009, 4:17 pm 4:17 pm
Hey George, Media people like yourself were only too eager to “use” Kennedy to promote Obamacare, so now he’s fair game. Remember, liberals believed once Palin made a reference to her children all manner of slurs and lies about her were fair game.
Obviously, liberals can’t take their own medicine.
Posted by: keys2truth | September 12, 2009, 4:24 pm 4:24 pm
how did we do it before health insurance? I hate to think of it but if I can’t afford insurance or care and I end up dying…..I’m ready to go and meet my maker instead of putting the burden on my fellow “Americans” and their children and childrens’ children.
Posted by: terry | September 12, 2009, 4:29 pm 4:29 pm
It’s a 12 yr old girl holding the sign – so she’s not even a voter. The FACT is she is neither Democrat nor Republican. Come on George, report fact – PLEASE!!!!
Posted by: Mounties72 | September 12, 2009, 4:31 pm 4:31 pm
My son and his wife are struggling financially. They are a family of 3. They have no health insurance. While she was pregnant she had medicaid, but she had a miscarriage and medicaid ceased for her.
They were on food stamps, but now can’t get them because I was helping them out by paying for my grandson’s daycare and my son took a part time job (in addition to his full time $8.50/hr job). The part time job is on Friday and Saturday evening.
If it weren’t for some help from his mother, his sisters, and me this family of three might well be homeless.
There are many more like them.
Posted by: George | September 12, 2009, 4:36 pm 4:36 pm
With the overwhelming turnout, there was sure to be a couple off color signs. Not to worry, we knew you would find them. Glad this wasn’t an Seiu/Acorn/liberal protest….the fights, the mess, the biting off of fingers….terrible. MSM didn’t let us down again, as the expectations are so low.
Posted by: MiddleAmerica | September 12, 2009, 4:36 pm 4:36 pm
but you know that 12 year old girl ( if she is as informed as some of the children I know) probably is astonished at how stupid our politicians can be. It’s not hard to understand that it costs alot to put multi-trillion dollar bill in motion and then expect the government to manage it. Our children are smarter than people given them credit for.
Posted by: terry | September 12, 2009, 4:38 pm 4:38 pm
george you always seem to gravitate towards sensationalism and negativity for purposes of ratings…
why not earn some credibility by reporting something of substance and stop this rag jouranlism approach?
Posted by: karenhammer | September 12, 2009, 4:43 pm 4:43 pm
Get a clue people! This is NOT about the Democrats or Republicans, this is about out of control government! Those in congress want to waste more of our tax dollars on a program that like the post office, railways, and everything else they have in effect DOES NOT WORK!
Posted by: Lou | September 12, 2009, 4:54 pm 4:54 pm
..that picture has been altered, I do graphic manipulation on my computer all the time, and therefore I know what to look for, if you look around the girls fingers you will see a darker color that is not consistent with a shadow that is from her hand on the bottom of where it seems to be lighter, trust me that has been altered..
Posted by: Robert R Smith | September 12, 2009, 5:00 pm 5:00 pm
How did we do it before health insurance?
I was born in 1939. Cost of my birth was around $300.00. My dad was making about $2000.00 annually before taxes. That’s 15% of his annual pay.
In 1969 when my daughter was born, the cost was $4,000.00. (Granted it was a c-section, she was a month early, had to spend a week under the lights for jaundice). Our annual income before taxes was $7000.00. That’s 57% of our annual pay.
That’s a 42% difference in the ratio between cost of birth and income before taxes. In order for the birth cost for my daughter to be 15% of my income I would either have to have had a salary of $27,000 or the cost of my daughters birth would have had to be $1,050.00.
In other words the cost of medical care went up at a great rate than did salaries in that 30 year period. Insurance is a way of pooling funds to even out the cost to each person. Insurance became a necessity.
Posted by: George | September 12, 2009, 5:05 pm 5:05 pm
Lets all agree to do nothing and let it ride and see where it gets us all and i mean all.
There is a source from within that wants this country to die. When that happens and the streets are filled with blood. Then and only then will people want to truly sit down and do something about this mess, and even then i am not so sure
Posted by: mike | September 12, 2009, 5:09 pm 5:09 pm
How typical that ABC News is accused of being biased for actually showing a sign that a conservative made.
Those calling ABC state controlled, biased and unfair are simply unwilling to acknowledge that a fringe group of the GOP are behaving in an unacceptable fashion.
Instead of insisting the media is unfair why not actually hold party members accountable for their actions?
The whole myth of the liberal media is the GOP’s constant calling card.
Posted by: Kavan | September 12, 2009, 5:21 pm 5:21 pm
George, Did I somehow miss your indignation over anti-Bush Posters such as “Bush: World’s #1 Terrorist”. I’m guessing it doesn’t exist.
In your thinking this young girl, no doubt, is more radical and extremist, than group like Code Pink.
Posted by: keys2truth | September 12, 2009, 5:36 pm 5:36 pm
Indeed. These people have lost all respect for tho office of the President, sure GWB had some of this, but not this bad.
Do these people even think? I am not so sure.
An event sponsoered by Freedomworks, a lobby shop.. i bet most at this event dont even realize they are being laughed at by big pharma and insurance.
Posted by: John | September 12, 2009, 5:47 pm 5:47 pm
I know coverage of these folks is all good fun for the MSM, but really it is serving no purpose but to continue to obscure the discussion we should be having neighbor to neighbor, conservative to liberal, American to American about one of the most pressing issues to threaten our prosperity or lack thereof in the future. Simply put, if we do not address and solve a comprehensive way to insure everybody in this country for medical emergencies and preventative care it will bankrupt us as a nation. We are not there yet, but this path of no change to the status quo is driving us – all of us my conservative Uncle and my very liberal Aunt, my neighbor and yours. Please, take a moment to step back and look to what we are and what we could be as a country. If we only stop shouting at each other and begin actually talking with each other.
Posted by: rvgaqs | September 12, 2009, 6:06 pm 6:06 pm
The photo of the girl with the sign is a perfect symbol of the tea-baggers: show up because they’re told to and protest things they are clueless about.
Posted by: LREKing | September 12, 2009, 6:17 pm 6:17 pm
“My parents taught me that liberalism is a disease.”
That is truly, deeply, sad.
Posted by: LREKing | September 12, 2009, 6:21 pm 6:21 pm
“…the post office does not work…”
Let’s see. I can send a letter to (erm) Alaska for the cost of a first-class stamp (44 cents). If I want to send the same letter through FedEx or UPS, what is the cost?
Doesn’t work? That’s a Reagan-inspired lie courtesy of the greedheads who want to take your money for themselves.
Posted by: LREKing | September 12, 2009, 6:25 pm 6:25 pm
Does anyone…left or right not see how this is wrong? No matter the issue? It makes me cry. Disgusting to demean anyone this way in death. Shame on her parents…I will pray for this child.
Posted by: RMG | September 12, 2009, 7:21 pm 7:21 pm
Having a child desensitize death is like the indoctrination of Germany’s children during the Nazi years. It’s like the indoctrination of hate groups here in America treating hatred to there children. It is a very, very slippery lope when you indoctrination children with such propaganda themes. Get a clue people. Stop be lambs that will cause our Country to implode.
Posted by: Gwilsing | September 12, 2009, 7:31 pm 7:31 pm
I was expecting it to be a one-off hand written sign but that – how many of those are there? I guess the right is trying to out do the hippies who hated Bush at this point.
Posted by: jhw539 | September 12, 2009, 7:38 pm 7:38 pm
I just don’t understand people. Do they not WANT the protection of not being rejected from insurance for preexisting conditions? Of not losing health insurance every time you change jobs? Of limited deductibles? Of no annual or lifetime max on insurance? Are they content to watch thousands die early for being denied medical care? Do they enjoy knowing that they’re only one surgery away from bankruptcy? We at long last are on the threshold of giving all of our citizens access to all the care they need. Why would we pass on that?
Posted by: Larry Thelen | September 12, 2009, 8:11 pm 8:11 pm
uhmm.. excuse me… the link that led here said there were pictures:
“Carrying signs depicting President Obama as Adolf Hitler and the Joker,”…
What gives?? If you don’t have the proof, don’t make the accusation… that is why the people scream “bias” by mainstream media…
Posted by: kjbtruth | September 12, 2009, 8:14 pm 8:14 pm
I’m still looking….
Posted by: kjbtruth | September 12, 2009, 8:18 pm 8:18 pm
Insurance is gambling, we pay for a service we never hope to use? The way to teach about single payer (as assurance) is to expose lobbying as the corruption that funds propaganda. The CARE issue must address lobbying to regain a healthy political process.
Posted by: Bradford | September 12, 2009, 8:21 pm 8:21 pm
George,
A one-word summary of a smarmy plea for news coverage is perfect. You are classy.
Thanks
Posted by: Jo Smithn | September 12, 2009, 8:47 pm 8:47 pm
Nice job George. As if this is representative of the other million signs there. You are just as partisan as your president.
Posted by: ctmom | September 12, 2009, 8:59 pm 8:59 pm
I heard Larry King today refer to Ted Kennedy as a “class act” then go on to sneer at the current group of “do as I say, not as I do” corrupt politicians. Who do these people think layed the groundwork for “do as I say, not as I do” politicians? Jeez, open your damn eyes!
Posted by: ctmom | September 12, 2009, 9:02 pm 9:02 pm
I am not going to attack anyone or party anymore. Can’t we all stop doing this? It’s only dividing our super country. I am having a hard time wrapping my head around such hate.
Posted by: Shi | September 12, 2009, 9:10 pm 9:10 pm
The blind hatred of Obama is fueling all of this. Republicans and Blue Dog democrats in Congress are no different than the bullies and haters that showed up at the US Capitol today.
Posted by: bob10001 | September 12, 2009, 10:12 pm 10:12 pm
I don’t care for the sign at all. No it’s not classy but it is not a news commentators job to tell us what is classy or not.
All posters on this site are hypocrites to varying degrees – I haven’t met a human who is not including myself.
I am a fiscal conservative and a social worker who very much agrees in healthcare reform in stages but no government run public option. I managed an indigent healthcare clinic for 7 years – patients paid according to their ability and the rest is supported by federal, state, and couty grants. These clinics exist throughout the country and cost a fraction of what is being proposed. There needs to be competition among the insurance company’s because in many states it is as if they are monopolies. Try paying $12,000. out of pocket deductibles for a family with insurance for 1 year. And so far this year it is $4,000. How does anyone think we can pay these prices for 45 million uninsured. They sure can’t pay the copays we pay along with the 1,000 – 2,500. deductibles. I have worked for various programs for the government and no all to well how inefficient they are. When we go to a doctors office before we receive services we should have a price list of services. I REALLY WANT TO SEE BETTER COMPETITION IN THE INSURANCE BUSINESS! We need to start education more FNP’s, ANP’s and PA’s to staff clinics under the direction of Medical Directors at our county Health Dept. They are wonderful at managing chronic care conditions. This problem should have been hammered out long ago and I blame Republicans and Democrats for the mess we are in fiscally – I think they have all forgotten how to add and subtract! I like the sign that eludes to Going Green – Git Rid of Congress.
Posted by: Mel | September 12, 2009, 10:55 pm 10:55 pm
NEWS FLASH: Sales of white sheets and tin foil for hats reached record level today in Washington D.C.!
Posted by: R. Wood | September 12, 2009, 11:05 pm 11:05 pm
This is all you have to say about the rally George? Out of about a million protesters you pick THAT particular sign to focus on? Most people would not agree with that poster .. no matter WHICH side of the political aisle you are on. THIS is why ABC’s ratings are falling. We are tired of this type of ‘reporting’. If these were people who WANT government run healthcare you would have a lot MORE to say and you would be saying that these people need to be heard and that the president is really beginning to pick up momentum and blah blah blah … your bias is evident .. and that is disappointing … but quite predictable.
Posted by: Teri | September 12, 2009, 11:23 pm 11:23 pm
Wow George how many signs were there today?
You just picked the one that matched your Faux Outrage over Healthcare. Today’s 9/12 march was not about healthcare but taking back the direction of the country.
Joe
Posted by: Joe Smith | September 12, 2009, 11:29 pm 11:29 pm
If the GOP say they have the best ideas for health care reform, why didn’t they implement it the last eight years?
They’d rather sent 120000 troops and send $1 trillion to “liberate” Iraqis, but do not have money to help Americans without health care, is the life of an Iraqi more valuable than American? May to the GOP it is.
Posted by: jay | September 12, 2009, 11:32 pm 11:32 pm
No, what is offensive is a socialist taking yours and my tax dollars and wasting it on government run health care. Tell me ONE thing the government has ever run that wasn’t filled with waste, corruption and often fraud. Obamacare means an end to choice when all businesses find it’s the lower cost option and private insurance goes out of business. Watch and see it happen if his plan wins. I’m for health care for all but not run by the government. Offensive is taking tax dollars from hard working Americans and throwing it away on wasteful spending.
Posted by: Oregonian | September 12, 2009, 11:45 pm 11:45 pm
Yeah, George, that’s so unfair and biased of you to point out that a bunch of hateful, ignorant bigots who don’t even know what the health care reform debate is about are out there on the streets putting their idiocy on display.
You should be ‘objective’ like the rest of the mainstream media and pretend that they’re just plain folks and it’s all justified outrage about a “government takeover.”
Posted by: jimb | September 13, 2009, 12:05 am 12:05 am
Don’t be hypocrites.
There was an 11 yr. old girl arrested for pro-obamacare protesting and her picture was published in the protest and yet it hasn’t even been mentioned.
Posted by: common sense | September 13, 2009, 12:53 am 12:53 am
Gee ABC News, after suggesting 70,000 people were “carrying signs depicting President Obama as Adolf Hitler and the Joker”, you could have at least shown us a picture of ONE person carrying such a sign. No wonder everyone is going to FOX News.
Posted by: Vieux Charles | September 13, 2009, 12:54 am 12:54 am
Well Paul, if we spent as much on healthcare as you do we couldn’t afford all those neat weapons systems that help keep you free to be flush in socialist healthcare.
As a side-note, before we throw away anymore freedoms, we might just be smart enough as a nation to consider holding people accountable for undermining our current system before we decide to make the system over again and increase the size of the bureaucracy so that we then have several thousand MORE people who we will not hold accountable when the lie,cheat and steal from us.
Posted by: common sense | September 13, 2009, 1:19 am 1:19 am
How many adults at this protest?
Do those kids know what it is that they protest? Does that child even know who Kennedy is? Does a child know the implications of no Health Care? Does she uinderstand what the term Obamacare mean?
Just asking
Posted by: Thinking | September 13, 2009, 1:41 am 1:41 am
You’re so right George. Thank you for calling it as you see it. When people are outrageous in their behavior, higher minded people must be forethright and truthful about it.
Posted by: AngieJ | September 13, 2009, 1:51 am 1:51 am
There could (and should) be reasoned discussion of the issues. But this cannot happen as long as Faux Newz and the right continue to stir the pot. They are like terrorists who thrive on partisan bickering. It is the only was they can feel powerful.
Posted by: LREKing | September 13, 2009, 1:51 am 1:51 am
Why get angry?
At the end of the day, people will believe what they want to believe.
Don’t worry, the truth will not stand in the way.
I promise you that hundreds of years of history prove that much.
So relax.
It’s all good here.
Peace.
Posted by: common sense | September 13, 2009, 1:56 am 1:56 am
How about if it was just 1 man?
What if he got international press as well.
And a “beer summit” with the president?
And an apology from a police officer?
And the press coverage lasted for about a week?
Worth more press than 70,000 people at a ‘tea party’?
Your sense of proportion is different than mine.
Posted by: common sense | September 13, 2009, 2:44 am 2:44 am
The focus should be on health care providers to cut rates by 30%. The largest share in expenses is computer services. It is time to begin zero based budgeting and work from the bottom up.
Posted by: A concerned viewer | September 13, 2009, 2:48 am 2:48 am
Better sign maybe?
“In memory of Ted Kennedy,
Drown ObamaCare.”
Posted by: Mitch | September 13, 2009, 2:57 am 2:57 am
To remember Teddy,
Sink Obamacare.
Posted by: Michelle | September 13, 2009, 2:58 am 2:58 am
I think it’s obvious that the news value of the story is the “man bites dog” surprise of seeing the faction that has often represented so many very civil people resorting to such shocking language and tactics. Many of us are old enough to remember a better time when the Right showed taste rather than vulgarity, and respect for elected authority rather anger that elections in a democracy have consequences.
Posted by: Stuart Prentice | September 13, 2009, 3:13 am 3:13 am
I think that the quality of candidates being a little higher back then might have had something to do with it.
Posted by: common sense | September 13, 2009, 3:15 am 3:15 am
I’m a Republican, and these tea party people make me ashamed to be. This is not the “crazy” sentiment of all of us. I disassociate myself with these whackos. I’m for low taxes, moral laws, a strong defense, and a strong dollar. This unfocused and insane march just took our Republican cause back 4 years. Monday, all the major media outlets will only be showing the racist, grammtically incorrect, and hateful signs you held up. Thanks idiots!
Posted by: AngryRepublican | September 13, 2009, 3:54 am 3:54 am
The radical right is simply out of control and their actions are beyond the pale. Their disrespect for the office of President is the manifestation of their deep resentment of a man of color holding the office.
I have never seen their hate and anger matched during my lifetime by either the right or the left. If the Republican leadership does not take the lead in returning civility to public discourse I fear violence is the inevitable outcome.
In years past when the left criticized our government the right was fond of telling them if they didn’t like then they should leave the country. Today the angry right is fond of talking secession and carrying guns.
Posted by: Darrell in Iowa | September 13, 2009, 6:42 am 6:42 am
People need to start taking responsibility for their own care by eating right and exercising. They must stop smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol. We could save a lot of money and lives that way.
Posted by: Rock | September 13, 2009, 6:51 am 6:51 am
Marie, you are completely right.
This sign is so utterly tasteless and I am shocked to see it in the hands of a child.
There is nothing wrong in difference of opinion but things like that are just plain disgusting.
Posted by: Truth Wins | September 13, 2009, 7:32 am 7:32 am
Oops, I referred to Marie on the first page of the comments (3.13 pm)…
Posted by: Truth Wins | September 13, 2009, 7:36 am 7:36 am
It has become clear to me also that the Republican party is not interested in compromise or cooperation. They are only interested in regaining power even if it means opposing something that is good for the country as a whole. Mark my word, once we get past the “public option” hurdle the Republican party will waste no time identifying some other element of health care reform to railroad comprehensive overhaul of the U. S. health care system. Think about it, a success for President Obama does not help their cause to regain power. So why cooperate or compromise on policies which benefit the incumbent if your goal is to remove the incumbent from office? President Obama has the potential go do some real good for this country. If he is allowed to succeed it would prolong the return of the Republican party to power. So don’t look for any cooperation from the Republican party .The only thing we can expect from the Republican party is continued opposition. Democratic party need’s to do what’s best for the country and forget about bipartisanship the Republican party as a weapon anyway to stop health care from passing.
The problem right now isn’t with the President, it’s with the people and the GOP!
Posted by: Brendett NC | September 13, 2009, 8:10 am 8:10 am
Why not DEBATE IT PUBLICLY?
Why is it the the only time we see the two dominant political parties go head-to-head on issues on national television with no talking-head “mediation” is during elections?
The most HONEST and UNDERSTANDABLE way to appreciate all sides of this issue is by having representatives of each side answer the same question and then debate each others responses.
ABC, you want to stand out as a responsible news organization?
SPONSOR A DEBATE NOW!!!
Posted by: Philip Avon St. Cyr | September 13, 2009, 8:45 am 8:45 am
Could it possibly be that these people have nothing better to do than disrupt progress? I would like to know what percentage of this crowd knows why they are protesting. Certainly that kid with the sign wouldn’t be able to discuss our health care problems intelligently. I doubt that most of this manipulated crowd could utter any comments outside of their bumper sticker slogans.
Posted by: mmeflutterbye | September 13, 2009, 8:46 am 8:46 am
In 2007 The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality estimated that the percentage of uninsured Americans under age 65 represented 27 percent of the population. That number has grown recently due to the increase of the unemployed.
According to the World Health Organization, 20 percent of Guatemala’s people lack regular access to health services.
How can the U.S. remain a leader in the world if it is the same situation as a poor, underdeveloped country?
It is simply unacceptable that a wealthy country with so many resources does not provide basic health care to a quarter of it’s population. As Ted Kennedy said it is definitely a moral issue and defines the character of our country.
Posted by: zinnia | September 13, 2009, 9:22 am 9:22 am
There is no doubt there must be healthcare reform. There are too many people that fear the loss of a job through which they receive health care not to mention the many that simply do not have any health care coverage.
The way to real reform is through the unification of health care forms. Each health care provider (including medicare and medicaid and the Veterans Administration) all use different forms that must be completed by non essential medical personnel. Should we add another layer to this red tape? If so, it is the duty of our government to work with all providers to come up with one single form for all to use.
The difficulty with this is that each has its’ own legacy systems which will be rendered ineffective and must have a new software application to support the new unified reporting system. The government will have to help subsidize those conversions.
This is only one part of the necessary reform but it will save millions of dollars as well as increase efficiencies that will enable universal reporting for all companies as a person goes in and out of different health care provider’s chain.
Posted by: Pat | September 13, 2009, 10:24 am 10:24 am
The demonstrations weren’t jsut about helath care. They were also about “Cap and Trade”, diminishing the CIA and the Military, ACORN and all the other Adminsitration attempts to diminish America in everyway possible.
Even communists and Socialists don’t try and diminish the power of the country (even if that is what happens). That leaves the Presidents desire to engage with Iran, Cuba, North Korea, Syria, Cuba, Hamas and Hizbullah while disngaging from fellow democracies.
Posted by: Jan P | September 13, 2009, 10:25 am 10:25 am
First of all the girl looks to be 15 years or older. People this age have well developed minds and should be encouraged to form opinions. Democrates have been indoctrinating, the youth, with their brand of altruism, and getting them out to protest for decades, so why are they complaining? My only complaint is the opinions on both sides are indoctrinated not thought out.
As for health care. It isn’t a right because, to make it a right you must take rights away from the providers…that is slavery. Besides has everyone forgotten that medicare and medicaid will be broke ina few years…and that wasn’t supposed to be able to happen. Government run programs cannot work.
Posted by: Joe | September 13, 2009, 10:53 am 10:53 am
Wow — these commentators equate showing the sign with “media bias.” So, I guess they know the sign makes them look bad. It’s printed, so there was more than one of these out there, I’m sure. And this girl’s parent probably kept her home so she wouldn’t hear Obama’s “propaganda” about staying in school and trying hard. Jeez.
Posted by: Laura | September 13, 2009, 11:07 am 11:07 am
Mr. president, do not let these evil people stop you from working for poor people.Keep fighting for our sake.
Posted by: shugi | September 13, 2009, 11:15 am 11:15 am
Why has the debate been framed as “Health Care Reform”? It seems to me that it should be called “Health Insurance reform”
Perhaps because lots of people make money off of other people’s illnesses. Doctors, insurance companies.
We frown on War Profiteering, But when did become acceptable to profit from someone’s tragic illness?
Posted by: John | September 13, 2009, 11:21 am 11:21 am
Speaking of profiting off of the misfortune of others, why can no one explain the reason that ‘big pharma’ is backing the takeover?
You think they see this as a golden opportunity to lose money?
I bet not!
Posted by: common sense | September 13, 2009, 11:26 am 11:26 am
Proponents of the healthcare bill put a great amount of trust in the government’s ability to pay for the plan by stopping “waste, fraud and abuse”. As Grandpa says “trust, but verify”, so let’s build that trust.
It does not take a reform plan to go after “waste, fraud and abuse”. Secretary Sebelius gave the Pfizer sting operation as a prime example. So let’s just back off this rush to impose some 1018 pages of legislation that is dividing our nation and let the government demonstrate that it can do something right.
I propose that we give the government six months to a year to demonstrate that it can save money by going after “waste, fraud and abuse”. At the end of the period there will be no speculation, we will have hard data as to whether Obama’s claims are “truth or fiction”. The taxpayers of America deserve no less?
I am sending this message to my senators and congressman, are you?
Posted by: Ed Taylor | September 13, 2009, 11:40 am 11:40 am
People get so easily offended when the view is the opposite of theirs.
Health care reform is fine, but no public option.
Everyone can get insurance and health care without a public option. Lets see which is more important to the Democrats, health insurance for all, better health care, or the public option and politics.
Posted by: winz | September 13, 2009, 12:25 pm 12:25 pm
has nothing to do with the lack of objectivity or George’s political leanings…he is calling out the pure absurdity and downright callousness of this message. If the message here is too much government spending, I guess you have to read between the appalling lines.
Posted by: Caryn | September 13, 2009, 12:40 pm 12:40 pm
The Republican Party over the last 20 years has divested itself of small government advocates, fiscal conservatives, and foreign policy hawks (like myself) who do not give pride of place to some rather narrow-minded and hateful social views.
What’s left are the angry and bitter folks who, like wave crests reinforcing one another in the absence of other forces, amplify their anger and ignorance by feeding off one another. This is the new Repugnican Party.
Were the Democrats not so incompetent and prone to fratricide, the GOP would never win another national election until they overthrew their so-called “base.”
Posted by: Eisenhower Republican | September 13, 2009, 1:17 pm 1:17 pm
When you use a Corpse to try and SELL Socialized medicine, dont be surprised when people do the vice/versa.
It was not as classy as “Leave Obamacare suffocating in a submerged Buick” but it was pithy.
Posted by: Ted | September 13, 2009, 1:34 pm 1:34 pm
Buck, the republican tea party protesters are Vampires and Werewolves. They want to drink our blood and make us like them — scary thyroid diseased with too much hair growth and big teeth. The ugliness of the Republican Party has really arrived under the full moon. Are there cures for Vampiritis and Werewolvitis?
Posted by: Elle | September 13, 2009, 1:38 pm 1:38 pm
Wrong Buck. Did you know that many Republican private run businesses get government grants to fund their electronic scan of medical records program? Did you? I know since I have set up many of these businesses with these programs, and many are from Arizona who are Republican private businesses. So, please, do better fact checks since business individuals like myself are living proof Republicans are takers of government grants just like any other business. Republicans, please get your facts straight before making loud noises again like your fallen hero Joe Wilson. “He lied” really means, “You didn’t fact check first” therefore, you are setting up false assumptions that will fail you big time in the end. Congress, please reprimand Joe Wilson for his misbehavior in your hall of law. Otherwise, this propaganda will continue on and on without remorse. The forgiveness phase of Joe Wilson didn’t show any remorse, therefore, Joe Wilson is an abusive person, meaning, Republicans are abusive verbally, physically, mentally, and emotionally. They are harmful to society as a whole, inflicting their Communistic tactics upon America with their intimidations, manipulations, yes sir nor sir non interaction communications, and their cult like attitudes of keeping information from the masses. Pass Health Care Reform Fall 2009. Be There!
Posted by: Elle | September 13, 2009, 1:47 pm 1:47 pm
Distasteful.
Disrespectful.
Ignorant.
Full of anger and not a whole lot of solutions.
Posted by: Luke Liem | September 13, 2009, 2:23 pm 2:23 pm
Ok America… were does the constituion say anything about the government will support personal heaith care?? thats right it doesnt…..OO what has the government ran democrats or republicans that has worked right??? none…
Posted by: chris | September 13, 2009, 3:06 pm 3:06 pm
That picture says it all. Republicans don’t have a heart.
Posted by: Ruth | September 13, 2009, 3:49 pm 3:49 pm
This is what passes for “Reporting and Analysis” from ABC. And from the “ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent”, no less.
Posted by: Eric | September 13, 2009, 4:52 pm 4:52 pm
George… Really, do you need to pick on the little girl? 1150 days until the next Presidential election. I for one can’t wait.
Posted by: James | September 13, 2009, 6:03 pm 6:03 pm
I heard there was some news about ACORN and prostitutes or something. I can’t seem to find any “news” on this. Can someone direct me to where I can find out more info?
Posted by: jr | September 13, 2009, 6:24 pm 6:24 pm
While the far right (now known as the mainstream GOP) has no problems with treating political discourse with all of the intelligence and sensitivity of professional wrestling, it is amazing how much their bravado turns into schoolyard whining when it comes to the way they are portrayed in the press. mmm, what on earth is there is misunderstand about their threatening, racist signs, their relentless lies about citizenship, czars, naziism, socialism…and on and on… Instead of discussing socialism, maybe we should be discussing the term, sociopath, which would aptly describe the right wing’s mindset and tactics. Cowards.
Posted by: tdub | September 13, 2009, 6:32 pm 6:32 pm
This is a classic example of how ignorance and hate are taught to children.I doubt whether this kid even understands what it means to have a “public option” or not. This is the same group of misguided folks who so vehemently protested Obama speaking to school kids last week;yet they are okay with letting their kids carry around these kinds of completely repugnant and utterly ridiculous messages. If this is who wants any power back (like somebody took it from them in the first place) we need to be very afraid.
Posted by: Kara | September 13, 2009, 7:47 pm 7:47 pm
republicans are like scared dogs they so fearful they wont be fed and loved they will turn on you and bite your head off they complain all democrats did the same thing they are doing now during the Bush admin that Bush screwed this country for 8 long years well guess what we didn’t have to make things up Bush did it for us and we had legit complaints bush was the worst president in the history of our nation and the republicans are trying to do to Obama what we did to Bush the only problem is Obama is trying to change this country for the better unlike Bush who did the opposite. they are grabbing at straws cause thats all they got and they know it hense the fear mongering the chicken little theory that the sky is falling but we are a lot better off today than we were a yr ago at this time the economy is getting better health care reform is on the brink of becoming a reality and we have a president who knows the difference between a verb and a pronoun
Posted by: camelbackcomic | September 13, 2009, 8:07 pm 8:07 pm
Amazing.
And the “jobless recovery” is a viable possibility too right?
I understand being mad at Bush.
But this is like being mad at Hitler and running into the arms of Stalin!
But as I stated previously, people will believe what they want to believe.
Keep drinkin’ the koolaid.
Posted by: common sense | September 13, 2009, 8:13 pm 8:13 pm
Very nice sign! Makes a point. They tried to use Kennedy’s death to pass this huge power grab — they ought to be ashamed.
There is nothing unclassy about this sign.. it makes a point, which is, Kennedy is gone and so should Obamacare be!
Posted by: NH | September 13, 2009, 8:18 pm 8:18 pm
Even if a grown adult man was holding that sign it would be suspect……but a young girl holding it makes it downright “offensive”! and ill-timed!!
Senator Kennedy devoted his life to “public service” something the neo-cons cannot grasp. Regardless of his politics, all our public servants deserve to be treated with respect.
This is almost as “offensive” as Sean Delonas’ NY Post cartoon depicting President Obama as a chimp being “shot” for a policy disagreement!!
Enough of this childishness!!
Posted by: Rich | September 13, 2009, 8:40 pm 8:40 pm
Well Rich, childishness is spouting off how great you booze-hound kennedy was.
Why don’t you go for a swim in the Chappaquiddick?
Posted by: common sense | September 13, 2009, 8:51 pm 8:51 pm
Not only are these people embarrassingly dumb, they are disgusting.
Posted by: Liz | September 13, 2009, 11:23 pm 11:23 pm
It amazes me that of all the thousands of signs at this rally ABC picks this one. I was there and 99% of the signs were hand made. No crazies,just a bunch of concerned citizens against the big government that this administration has produced. Czars belong in Russia not the USA. Leave our freedoms alone.
Posted by: md | September 14, 2009, 6:56 am 6:56 am
hahaha i agree!!! BURY OBAMACARE with KENNEDY!
Where can I get a T-Shirt with that on it???
Posted by: fdsadsa | September 14, 2009, 10:40 am 10:40 am
In referring to the Health Care plan, when Senator Reid said “Kennedy’s death would help the Democrats in the health care debate”. That was OK, no one complained about using the Kennedy name then…….. Truly is there a difference? I personally would not of carried that sign, but there is not a difference. Point is that the media has to find one thing to point out and talk about. Did they not see all the TONS of other signs. Of course not. ABC NBC CBS are so biased.
Again, main street media does not get it. Did main street media cover the protest objectively, did they see all the swastikas as they previously have reported. As a whole, by and large this was a peaceful effective protest.
We are sick of working and being told that our tax dollar will go to pay for illegal immigrants health care, people on welfare using money to buy drugs, for Acorn workers to advise how to scam IRS, for all the CZAR’s who have more power than the house and senate.
Take a look at medicare and social security, both “Government run” and failing. We do not need anymore government run programs. We need to protect our constitution. End this track to socialism.
Posted by: Rhonda | September 14, 2009, 12:41 pm 12:41 pm
Obama needs to pass government controlled healthcare NOW before these people take over. Only the government can make sure I get my healthcare for FREE.
Posted by: Ron | September 14, 2009, 1:46 pm 1:46 pm
You really think that you will get something for free?
How remarkably parasitic.
NOTHING is free.
Someone has to pay for it.
Your kids and grandkids will be paying for the bankster bailouts long after you are dirt-napping. And the same will be true of government taking control over health care.
So it therefore appears to me that your legendary liberal compassion for others is but a smokescreen for a deep-seated desire for a socialist utopia.
Posted by: common sense | September 14, 2009, 2:01 pm 2:01 pm
At least the person who created that sign or the young lady holding it probably never KILLED somebody like Kennedy did!
Posted by: Bernard M. Russelman | September 14, 2009, 2:59 pm 2:59 pm
I was there Saturday and there were HUNDREDS of ADULTS with this sign…Of COURSE ABC CHOSE the young lady holding the sign as the photo to run with…just so liberals can be even more incensed in their “righteous anger”!!! HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!
Posted by: Bernard M. Russelman | September 14, 2009, 3:03 pm 3:03 pm
This is exactly the kind of bias left wing reporting from our main stream news Agencies that will PROPEL Sarah Palin right into the White House if they don’t start reporting the facts rather than their obvious bias opinions.
keep it up guys not only are you making complete fools out of yourselves you are destroying the American Confidence you once had.
Posted by: Tal Simmons | September 14, 2009, 3:35 pm 3:35 pm
Folks don’t be too hard on the republicans, We need them to pay for our Government programs, after all they do pay a lot of Taxes so many of us can get free welfare, free schools, free housing, free transportation and we will certainly need them to pay for our free medical. So lighten Up !!! if everyone became a democrat who would create jobs and pay taxes !!!
Posted by: Tal Simmons | September 14, 2009, 3:43 pm 3:43 pm
Stephanopoulos: There there, have a good cry…
Posted by: Bernard M. Russelman | September 14, 2009, 3:44 pm 3:44 pm
Wow. I can’t believe someone would even create that sign, and then a kid is given the sign to hold?!?!? Does the kid even know what the sign shows?
The GOP really is pathetic- still bitter about losing so many seats in Congress and the Presidency. They know they can’t pass anything so they are just trying to stall everything and bicker and fight. No new ideas.
And the tea party protest? More sheep following the GOP who don’t really understand that, you know, we have to pay taxes to, I don’t know, have a country? Nah, everything in life is free. By the way, nice turnout in DC for the “tea party protests.” 100,000? 1 million? I don’t think so. Lets say 1 million, out of 300 million Americans. A very, very low percentage of Americans, and I bet most of them don’t even know what they are doing there. Nice job GOP, dragging them out.
Posted by: Dan | September 15, 2009, 8:23 am 8:23 am
It was a mistake to vote for Obama. I was at the march on Washington as were an estimated 1.7 million other Americans concerned about the rush of Obama and the likes of Pelosi, Reid and Waxman to expand big government and spend our children’s children’s incomes for generations into the future, all while destroying freedom and liberty. And what does ABC “report”? It shows one stupid sign. It does not report the real issues or true size and scope of the massive grass roots protest. 1.7 million people participated! One of the biggest events ever to hit Washington! Shame on you ABC.
Posted by: Alice in Wonderland | September 15, 2009, 9:48 am 9:48 am
I have noticed on this site that the socialists and communists (leftists) purport to “know” that the Washington protesters were all stupid and didn’t understand the issues. They totally understand that we have a rotten administration whose “change” is socialism or worse. The fact is that the protesters actually read the health care bills and know that Obama is lying publicly. It is Obama who is anti-American. What he says publicly doesn’t even remotely match what is actually in the bills. Get hold of one and read it for yourself. Then comment. Google “Obama Bill Ayers”. Google “Obama Van Jones”. Google “Obama ACORN”. Google “Obama socialism”. Of course, those of you who are socialists or communists are already lost. This message isn’t for you you. I’m speaking to the rest of the group who can think for themselves and know that above all else, America is based on personal freedom and liberty.
Posted by: Alice in Wonderland | September 15, 2009, 11:38 am 11:38 am
This is just hateful. This shows the lack of compassion and completely un-Christian like behavior of the right. This is only the tip of the iceberg on their signs. I went to a pro-healthcare rally and all of the signs focused on the positive and helping the least among us.
Posted by: Shana | September 15, 2009, 1:23 pm 1:23 pm
The comment about Kennedy is inappropriate. However, did you see the ABCnews.com blogs the day that Jesse Helms, former Republican senator died? There was page after page of Democrats wishing him into hell.
Posted by: Dougbh48 | September 16, 2009, 7:03 am 7:03 am
“Think about this for a moment: In this country one has the right to own a gun, but so far no rights to healthcare. Dumb, dumb, dumb!”
Nowhere in the Constitution is “healthcare” mentioned as an inalienable right. That arguement is silly & moot.
Having lived in a country with a basically single payor system (Canada) I have to tell you it stinks. Being told you have to wait 18 months for a child’s placement of ear tubes because it isn’t “emergent” and it is “voluntary” is no fun. Having to schedule yearly exams 1-2 years in advance is ludicrious. And heaven’s help you if your situation has changed & you can’t make the appointment.
No healthcare option is perfect, but expecting a government who can’t even run it’s current system (Medicare/Medicaid) to expand to cover everyone is totally unrealistic. And given that other current government departments can’t be efficiently run do you really expect the cost to be what Obama estimates and that the service will be there? Get real folks! I work with Medicare/Medicaid everyday (administration in a nursing home) the current system is a gargantuan cluster & barely works – doesn’t reimburse realistically – and it’s prime beneficiaries don’t understand how to work within the system & cause as much grief as provide medical care.
I don’t want the government running something as huge as this with their substandard record.
Besides with all the talk of what’s going to or not going to be offered no one has any plan for infrastructure that they are willing to put out to us.
Before they pass ANYTHING they better have exactly how it is going to work & how it is going to be run. Otherwise they have no business passing any legislation on this matter.
Posted by: Sdarling | September 16, 2009, 8:34 am 8:34 am
Does Charlie Gibson know about this? He doesn’t keep up with them web pages.
Posted by: MikeC | September 16, 2009, 10:39 am 10:39 am
I think all parties can agree on this:
Politics = poli + tics.
Poli = many
tics = blood sucking insects.
Vote out the lot of them!!!
Posted by: robert | September 16, 2009, 5:13 pm 5:13 pm
You know what is ‘irrefutably offensive’ is that fact that Kennedy remained in the Senate an additional 40+yrs and is remembered (by your main stream media & the Democratic party) for ANYTHING other than killing Mary Jo Kopechne on the night of July 18, 1969.
Kennedy drove his car off a bridge and into a pond on Chappaquiddick Island on Martha’s Vineyard. He swam to safety leaving 28-year-old Mary Jo Kopechne, a campaign worker on brother Robert Kennedy’s campaign. Her body was found in the submerged car 10 hours later.
Sen Kennedy told the police that he was driving Kopechne to the ferry after a party on the island when his car left the unfamiliar road.
But his failure to report the accident dogged his subsequent attempts to run for the American presidency.
A judge found that there probable cause to believe that Kennedy operated his motor vehicle negligently … and that such operation appears to have contributed to the death of Mary Jo Kopechne.”
And the Republicans demonstrate again and again that they are definitively a party without a sense of decency??? Which party is deranged. Give me a break JUPAW!
Posted by: suz | September 16, 2009, 9:16 pm 9:16 pm
Bush is a nazi – that’s freedom of expression. Obamacare should be buried – that’s racism. Isn’t it convenient that when liberals can’t argue the merits, they resort to name-calling! Looks like Obamacare’s on life support right now and Carter and his ilk are trying voodoo to resuscitate it!
Posted by: RB in DB | September 16, 2009, 10:02 pm 10:02 pm
The cowardly lion of the senate was a drunkard who killed a women. He should have been in jail, not the senate. Yes, bury this turkey with him.
Posted by: Joe Bamola | September 17, 2009, 4:29 am 4:29 am
I agree with “Bury Obamacare with Kennedy.”
Posted by: BRENDA | September 17, 2009, 9:39 am 9:39 am
A great man has died yet the hate lives on. Despicable. Shameless.
Posted by: Marvin | September 17, 2009, 10:40 pm 10:40 pm