That purity list keeps getting shorter and shorter

And we're all the better for it. Representative Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) changed his stance on the health care bill today to announce that he will be voting for passage.

Here's a quote from the congressman:

"I know I have to make a decision, not on the bill as I would like to see it, but as it is."

Now, here's a clip:

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"Death Panels" meets "Death Sentence"?

How is Moore's claim of a "Death Sentence" any more constructive than rightwing shouts of "Death Panels"?

There's a reason why I've stopped watching cable news as of late. Hyperbole has long been a habit of the networks and last night was no different. The problem is when such hyperbole leads to misinformation or, even worse, disinformation. And though the hyperbole from the Right has been increasingly destructive and, at times, violent, there is also a good amount of hyperbole from the Left as well.

I give you Mr. Michael Moore and his introduction of two talking-points: "4 years" and "Death Sentence."

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President Obama's Weekly Address (3/6/10)

This Year . . .

After calling on Congress for a straight up-or-down vote on health care legislation, President Obama took time to outline the immediate benefits consumers can expect from pending health care reform in this week's video address. You might notice that this is the second time the President has used his Weekly Address to list the benefits that will take place this year under health reform legislation. The President first outlined immediate protections on January 9, 2010 after the Senate passed its version of the reform bill. You can view that post here.

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President Obama's Weekly Address (2/27/10)

President likes bipartisanship, but makes it clear . . . reform can’t wait

President Obama used the Olympic spirit to not only congratulate U.S. athletes, but also remind everyone that the country can overcome large obstacles when we come together despite our differences. Segueing into politics, the President applauded a bipartisan 406-19 vote in the House of Representatives that removed antitrust exemption from health insurance companies.

via The Washington Post:

by Perry Bacon Jr.

The House voted Wednesday to strip health insurance companies of their exemption from federal antitrust laws, a Democratic measure that could resonate with public concerns about insurers but that has an uncertain future in the Senate.

The provision passed on a 406 to 19 vote, with most Republicans joining all the House Democrats in voting for the measure.

President Obama has said he favors the idea of repealing the exemption, and House Democrats say doing so would add scrutiny to the practices of health insurers. "The American people want and need this protection," said Rep. Peter A. DeFazio (D-Ore.)

The President also praised this week’s health summit as an opportunity to move forward after both sides were given an opportunity to publicly state their likes, dislikes and ideas regarding the current legislation. But make no mistake about it, the President was clear to remind the public that, despite desires for bipartisanship, the American people can no longer wait for health reform to take effect.

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President Obama's Weekly Address (1/9/10)

President Obama responds to unemployment numbers, lists immediate protections/benefits anticipated under health reform

In this week’s address, the President reacted to jobs numbers that saw the country's unemployment rate remain at 10% with a loss of 85,000 jobs in December (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Citing mixed reports over the past couple of months, the President said,

"We learned that, in November, our economy saw it's first month of job gains in nearly two years. But, last month we lost more than we gained. Now, we know that no single month makes a trend, and job losses for the final quarter of 2009 were one-tenth of what they were in the first quarter. But, until we see a trend of good, sustainable job creation, we will be relentless in our efforts to put America back to work."

The President also focused on health care protections that will immediately kick in upon being signed into law in 2010. Claiming dozens of immediate protections and benefits, President Obama highlighted the following list:

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Weekly Presidential Address (12/19/09)

President Obama calls for "Up or Down" vote on health care insurance reform

Facing opposition from the political right and the left, President Obama pushed back, decrying parliamentary stall tactics and reminding the American people that the current bill promises to enact principles Democrats fought for a decade ago.

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