Democrats fight back on healthcare, town halls

[cal04]

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/democrats-fight-back-on-healthcare-town-halls-2009-08-10.html


After a week on the defensive, Democrats on Monday stepped up their response to what they consider to be a contrived harassment campaign against their healthcare plan.

The coordinated efforts came from the White House, House Democratic leaders and allied groups, and suggested Democrats see some political gain by going on the attack.

Organizing for America, the successor to President Obama's grassroots campaign organization, sought to counter confrontations at town halls by asking members to visit their lawmaker’s offices to show support for the health legislation.

The White House set up a website to debunk opponents' claims, including one that the bill would lead to euthanasia. (http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/)

House leaders, worried about attacks on their members in conservative districts, set up a “war room,” to answer lawmakers’ policy questions and help them prepare for disruptions at town hall meetings.

Outside groups that support the healthcare overhaul also revved up their efforts. A coalition of religious groups is airing a television advertisement supporting the overhaul, holding “in-district” prayer events in the districts of key lawmakers, and will host a national teleconference Aug. 19 that will feature Obama.


Obama turns to Web to boost health overhaul
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32362243/ns/politics-white_house/

The White House on Monday turned to its favorite tool — the Internet — to bolster President Barack Obama's push for health care overhaul and challenge misconceptions about Democratic plans.

The Web site (http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/) seeks to disprove several claims made by critics, including that proposed changes would result in rationing of care, euthanasia or end Medicare. As lawmakers return home for their August recess and faced wary constituents, the White House sought to calm fears and brace for a barrage of accusations.

Organizing for America
http://www.barackobama.com/index.php

[Arkana]

1. About fucking time.

Wait for it--the freaks doing the harassing will leap back in mock fear and go "WAAAAAGGHHHH YOU CAN'T FIGHT BACK YOU'RE OPPRESSING OUR FREE SPEECH WAAAAGGGGGH".

[kelly1mm]

2. Way to go! Let the real debate begin

instead of trying to out thug the astroturfers. We don't need to use their tactics.

[Wednesdays]

3. K&R

:kick: