Store-Bought Indignant Protests

[Marshal Murat]

I have to say after thinking about it, most of these protests seem to be the "real deals" for me, if only because I can empathize with those protesting. These protesters sometimes seem those who would most benefit from any healthcare reform, yet they're acting up against this bill? The Democrats say "corporate bought-mobs" who are ravaging the American Town-Hall.

I say it's people who feel under- or mis-represented by their government, people who are frustrated with a political process that hasn't replied to their needs or when the government has replied it has been inept and ineffective. Taking a list of polls from Real Clear Politics, a majority of Americans disapprove of the job Congress is doing. Another RCP Poll list identifies how a slight majority disapproves of where this country is going.

Combining a mistrust of the Legislative Branch who hasn't really helped this process at all by leaving many Americans in the dark (unless you hear something fishy) with a sense that this country is headed on the wrong track; you get opposition to almost any widespread reform of the system. While the Republicans can no doubt elucidate their opposition better with another plan, it's far easier and expends less political capital when the Democrats explode with paranoid "well-dressed protesters", "swastika carrying", "astro-turf" accusations that sound ridiculous and haven't been confirmed yet. If the Democrats can catch an astro-turfer, then the Republicans will die very quickly.

Until then, this stuff is real anger and frustration at a political system that many Americans don't trust and one that seems to be heading down the wrong course.

Edit- The Republicans also have very little incentive to come up with an "alternate plan", simply because the Democrats will destroy the Bill in birth and ridicule the attempt and deflect attention away from their bill, and not contribute to the real attempt at healthcare reform which is so difficult right now.

[a completely inoffensive name]

If the Democrats can catch an astro-turfer, then the Republicans will die very quickly.

They did: http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2...al.php?ref=fpa

Edit- The Republicans also have very little incentive to come up with an "alternate plan", simply because the Democrats will destroy the Bill in birth and ridicule the attempt and deflect attention away from their bill, and not contribute to the real attempt at healthcare reform which is so difficult right now.

They have little incentive for their current constituents who are crazy birthers.

It would actually be great for them politically in the big picture. They introduce a comprehensive plan to fix health care, they can now claim they are no longer defending the status quo and wish to make health care affordable to 47 million Americans. The Democrats shoot it down quickly, the Republicans if they play their cards right can now accuse the Democrats of playing politics instead of actually trying to solve the current crisis. There have been much, much greater comebacks then that, all they really need is to rally around a guy with such a plan then get working with a good PR man.