Right Wing's Century-Old Battle Against Healthcare

This article by a political journalist shows that the battle for healthcare has been a long one in the world and in the United States. Some countries like Britain and Germany were successful in passing legislation that insured all citizens. Those reforms are still successful and active today, in one shape or form.

The battle for universal healthcare in the United States was just that: a battle—and a lost one at that. Early in the 20th century, there was no room for dialogue when those who were willing and eager to pass such legislation were faced with demagoguery that even Rush Limbaugh would envy. But whether his vitriol is a match or not for that of the fear-mongering right-wingers during the days of WWI and the Russian Revolution, it's at the very least clear that he speaks the same language today.

When David Brooks is Right

It doesn't happen often, but he did it twice today on Meet the Press:

In calling Limbaugh's fear- and hate-inciting rhetoric 'insane,'

... and in calling Sarah Palin's latest assessment of the healthcare plan 'crazy.'

I also happen to think those qualifiers describe the original speakers, not just what they said.

Rushed Bigotry

The great values defended by that huge megaphone of conservatism... all within the space of two days:

Homophobia (there's no ambiguity he's targeting gays here more than any other group):

Racism (black man subverting white establishment):

Sexism (this one needs no explaining):

Rushed conclusions

A few weeks ago, Rush Limbaugh told his deranged listeners that the cost of healthcare was driven up by 'those of [us] that regularly exercise,' 'all [us] exercise freaks, [we]'re the one putting stress on the healthcare system.' On the other side, those who are inactive probably don't even know their doctor's name.

Well, today the New York Times published this article saying that it is precisely the obese that spend more and money on healthcare and, I will dare say, are more likely to know their doctor's name, as a result.

Below is the only video I could find of Rush spewing that nonsense.