Anti-Health Care Reform Group Pulls Ads, Citing Respect For Kennedy

One of the most vociferous opponents of Democratic health care legislation, led by former hospital executive Rick Scott, has pulled its anti-health care ads, saying that it wanted to respect the death of Edward Kennedy.

The well-funded group, Conservatives for Patients' Rights, has been a polarizing force in the debate. Its most recent ads mocked President Obama for going on vacation.

"With the sad news of Senator Kennedy's passing Conservatives for Patients Rights is immediately suspending our ad campaign for health care reform out of respect to the Kennedy family as well as the Senator's colleagues and supporters, to whom we extend our condolences," said Scott in a statement.

The move may have not just be about class, since it also saves the group a chunk of money it can deploy in the fall.

Kennedy's passing has the potential to lower the temperature of the health care debate, which heated up in August at town halls and has descended into dueling conference calls, with both parties accusing the other of negotiating in bad faith. (One party, however, admits to negotiating in bad faith, so at least one of the charges is fair.)

The reprieve may be brief, but gives the administration a chance to catch its breath. Scott, whose hospital chain was convicted of defrauding the government, won't stay down for long, however.

"We know the debate will continue -- a debate Senator Kennedy embraced with vigor -- and we look forward to engaging in the debate in the months ahead," he said. "But now is a time for respect, reflection and remembrance. Senator Kennedy's lifetime of dedicated public service transcended multiple generations. His devotion to many issues and his relentless passion made him a hero to his supporters and worthy adversary to his opponents. His voice and presence will be missed."

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Comments

[ztck5356]

06:06 PM on 08/27/2009

You mean they actually respect something?

[Ducksworthy]

05:08 PM on 08/27/2009

Rick Scott is offering Calcuttacare- the ultimate free market solution.

[creolechild]

05:03 PM on 08/27/2009

If you are concerned about receiving "real" health care reform in this country, please take the time to watch a video on our current system. The video was created by Oregon physicians who are advocating for the single-payer option. The video is very informative and helped me to gain a better understanding of various aspect of health care, as we know now it.

https://www.madashelldoctorstour.com/Mad_as_Hell_Video.html

These Oregon physicians are in the process of organizing a caravan designed to inform the public about the benefits of the single-payer option. At last count they will be stopping in approximately 23 states, on their way to demonstrate in Washington. They need volunteers and our support. Please spread the word.

[Technoid]

03:15 PM on 08/27/2009

If too much is made about Teddy and his role in wanting healthcare reform aren't those pushing for it admitting the worth of, one, human life. This same value for, one, human life is what is driving much of the opposition to what Teddy was part of pushing on the American people. At this time of loss those that are for Obamacare can think more clearly, hopefully, on the importance of each patient and how that one life is so important to those who love that person. Rationing of care that will undoubtably come with any Obama plan does not run in agreement with this type of care and concern over just one person's life.

[jasev01]

02:27 PM on 08/27/2009

I am glad to see someone is respectful and has integrity. Kudos to them

[factotem]

01:11 PM on 08/27/2009

Wow, republitoon greed-bags still have one tiny moral left?

[spinns17]

12:57 PM on 08/27/2009

get it done america.if we can find a way to bailout wall street ,banks ,and two wars.we can get healthcare for all.we can call it kennedy medacare for all.

[Teritt]

12:20 PM on 08/27/2009

They still have my Congressman - Rep John Mica-R - spreading their lies at his meetings around our district. He's still telling people that the reform bill will 'provide coverage to illegal immigrants, cut medicare and hurt small business'.

http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/Business/Headlines/bizBIZ01082709.htm

[ReElectNoOne]

12:02 PM on 08/27/2009

I just visited their web site...they are a joke.

http://www.cprights.org

They have a way to listen to their propaganda but no means to reply.

They have a link to a "Blog" but it is not a blog at all because no one can sign up to participate or comment. It is only about what they want to say and nothing about anyone else being permitted to comment.

There is a contact form well hidden if you want it. I suggest everyone ask them why they don't suspend in honor of the 22,000 who are expected to die this year due to lack of health care.

http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2009/aug/20/bill-pascrell/pascrell-says-22000-americans-die-yearly-because-t/

http://www.cprights.org/contact.php

[webwriter]

01:56 PM on 08/27/2009

"I suggest everyone ask them why they don't suspend in honor of the 22,000 who are expected to die this year due to lack of health care."
Excellent suggestion -- and one I'm sure the late Sen. Kennedy would endorse.

[Sharcon]

11:43 AM on 08/27/2009

Good riddance to bad rubbish. Even if it's for a little while.

[jemborg]

11:31 AM on 08/27/2009

Wow! I'm a freedom loving Aussie and I find this paranoia over decent pubic health care amazing.

We've had it for almost 30 years.

I've expounded on this in many of Huffo's threads but let me simply say... America you deserve better, do not believe the Conservative lies.

NB: It took two goes in my country to get universal Medicare established. The Conservatives got rid of it when they got voted back in. The Labor Party re-established it at the next election after that. And although they have undermined it every time they got back into power the Conservatives don't dare try to get rid of it again. What I am getting at here is you have to push HARD for it- it's NOT going to happen through bi-partisanship.

[rlkinny]

11:39 AM on 08/27/2009

Good post. Thanks! I'm afraid you're right -- Conservatives are not going to compromise on this. It's too much a part of their DNA. Considering that the Republican Party is little more than Conservatives, it's time for Democrats and Independents to move forward on their own and get a good Health Care bill passed. That's what we were expecting when we voted in the last election.

[jws2346]

03:28 PM on 08/27/2009

Thank you my man, a great post
You aren't the only one waiting for them to wake up and realize that the bipartisan bull poop is like the mythical unicorn creature that was mentioned in another article. Too bad sickness and death is not mythical, but reality.

[DestinationsUnknown]

11:27 AM on 08/27/2009

THEY PROMOTE THIS- this what they like

2003-WWW.USDOJ.GOV - HCA INVESTIGATION - LARGEST HEALTH CARE FRAUD CASE IN U.S. HISTORY SETTLED

CEO-Rick Scott

[CalDemo]

11:05 AM on 08/27/2009

Maybe they just realized the "debate" has been drowned out by the republican party machine, which has fallen so off the track that it is becoming a national joke and an embarassment to anyone associated with the vile, unpatriotic, tenor of the opposition. The unAmerican activities promoted by the conservatives and the Faux propaganda network talking heads may make it easier to justify health care reform if that's all the oposition has in its arsenol.

[BlueDog1]

11:02 AM on 08/27/2009

Rick it don't matter we are going to run over you and Blue Cross. So get out of the way my man..........

[PresidentRobertBooth]

10:49 AM on 08/27/2009

What they mean to say is "We'll keep lying about public healthcare.....when Kennedy's death blows over in the news"