FreedomWorks: 501(c)(3) Front for Big Pharma?
Health care. Say the words and they naturally incite deep-seeded emotions. Whether through personal experience or those of loved ones, we have all had some interaction with the system. So, it should be no surprise that when large, sweeping change to the American healthcare system is on the table, both positive and negative feelings will erupt, including hope, fear, and hate.
With so much apparently at stake, members of Congress have headed back to their constituents to explain the contents of the bill and hear about their hopes and fears of the plan. Unfortunately, meaningful dialogue has been impeded by an organized “shouting down” of congressional Democrats at these town hall-style meetings. While I am all for protesting and public displays of dissent, meaningful debate is clearly not the intent of these groups (Note: I use the term “groups” here, not “mobs”, which I feel is being inaccurately used as a Democratic talking point to build support for the healthcare bill) and it’s unfortunate questions can’t be answered in the forum. These individuals come to the meetings with the impression that they know all they need to know about the proposed reforms. Principally, they believe this bill will result in a single-payer system and ultimately, is just more big government intrusion into the lives of citizens.
But who’s informing and organizing these groups? Clearly, this can’t be a random gathering of concerned citizens, right? Last night, Chris Matthews had on a representative from FreedomWorks, the principal group behind these shouting-sessions:
Then, the next question is, who’s really behind this “non-profit, non-partisan” organization? With former Republican House Majority Leader Dick Armey running Freedomworks, Rachel Maddow tracked down the link between his other role as Senior Policy Advisor for DLI Piper and a large pharmaceutical company, The Medicines Company:
Surprised? If these protesters are scared or angry over what may be in the health care bill, then I applaud them for trying to be heard. But if they are being fed inaccurate talking points from a company with a vested interest in stopping health care reform that would bring competition to the industry, then that is a problem.
Take from it what you will, but in every national debate, remember to follow the money.
- Matt
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