Feds Use Intimidation To Silence Critics On Health Care Reform

McConnell's remarks just in from the Hill. They'll eventually be posted here. More background from the WSJ.

Do these people even know the country they are supposed to be governing in? You can't just shut down speech because it disagrees with you. And when the government does it it's as danerous as can be. What an appalling abuse of power and intrusion of control into the private sector yet once again.

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor Tuesday regarding free speech in the health care debate:

 “I rise to call my colleagues’ attention to a disturbing development in the health care debate.

“A colleague of ours has called for an investigation into a major health care company because this company informed its customers of its concerns about health care legislation that this colleague of ours introduced. 

“As a result, the federal government has now told all companies that provide Medicare Advantage to seniors to stop communicating with their clients about the effects of that legislation — even telling them what they can and cannot post on their websites. This gag order, enforced through an agency of the federal government at the request of a Senator, is wrong.

“It started when a company based in my hometown of Louisville —  Humana — had the temerity, in the eyes of some of our colleagues, to explain to its customers that if Medicare Advantage is cut, as the chairman’s mark requires, it may have to reduce benefits, which, of course, is a common sense conclusion.

“Mr. President, this is America: Citizens, either as individuals or grouped together in companies, have a fundamental right to talk about legislation they favor or oppose.  That is the core of the First Amendment’s protections on speech.  Unfortunately, this is part of a troubling trend of efforts to dismiss the concerns raised by the American people over the past few months.

“Over the summer, we saw American citizens who raised concerns about the health care proposals before Congress dismissed as ‘un-American’ by leaders in Congress. That’s bad enough, but using the full weight of the federal government’s enforcement powers to stifle free speech should trouble all Americans — and all of us — even more.

“We cannot allow government officials to target individuals or companies because they do not like what they have to say. 

“This latest effort to squelch free speech raises several serious questions:

“Is this what we have come to as a country — that an individual or company can no longer factually advocate their position on an incredibly important public policy issue? 

“Shouldn’t customers have a right to know the potential impact of a Congressional action?

“Is this what we believe as a Senate — that this body should debate a trillion-dollar health care bill that affects every American while using the powerful arm of government to shut down speech?

“Is this how citizens and companies can expect to be treated if health reform passes?  That any health provider that disagrees with a powerful Senator will be subject to an investigation and a gag order?
 
“How is this any different than what the Washington Post and New York Times have done in lobbying for a reporter shield law? Would we stand by if the Judiciary Committee asked the FBI to investigate the media for taking positions on pending legislation we don’t agree with? Of course not.

“Humana is headquartered in my hometown of Louisville, and yes, I care deeply about its 8,000 employees in Kentucky. But this gag order now applies to all Medicare Advantage providers.

“I would remind my colleagues that I have spent my career defending the First Amendment rights of people to criticize their elected officials, including me.  I would make the same argument if this were a company based in San Francisco or Helena or Chicago. 

“The right to free speech is at the core of our democracy. Free citizens have a First Amendment right to petition their government for a redress of grievances. This gag order on companies like Humana and those in all our states, in my view, is a clear violation of that right. It’s wrong.

“Employers that warn their customers about the effects of legislation aren’t the ones who should be getting warnings here. Senators who threaten Americans’ First Amendment rights are.”

Comments

[sorry]

Make no mistake about it: The Nazi Gestapo running our government will not put up with dissent, in any form they can control with their appointed offices.

They're burning the Constitution they swore to uphold; and until Americans are willing to take back their country, we'll only see more of this, until it is too late.

[chris]

AARP which works through United Healthcare is one of the biggest beneficiaries of Medicare Advantage. They were not required to give up their First Amendment rights despite being very vocal in communicating to members about Obamacare. They support it so their political speech is protected.

From the AARP website:
"Discover AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, insured by United Healthcare Insurance Company, providing coverage for eligible AARP members."

[rrpjr]

So, is Humana going to fight back? That's the question. Fighting back is all that matters these days.

[Terry W. Gilmour]

Excellent point, and one that desparately needs to be pursued to the fullest extent of the law. When addressed by the Supreme Court as to the freedoms of our founding documents, Americans will be greatly empowered with the strength and backing of the principles therein. It will also discourage those who would repeatedly push the limits to which encroachment of our liberties and freedoms are tolerated.

Fear tactics should not be used against the American people to silence the voice of opposition -- not now or ever. The freedoms we have been granted by virtue of this republic make America's strength unmatched, and We the People will protect our liberty over tyranny.

Stand firm, fight with all strength and honor to presereve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America.

[Rich K]

Did all the libs secretly move to Montana and elect this tool Baucus when the good citizens weren't looking or what?
And the point about AARP compared to Humana is right on point. My folks just today got a packet from AARP explianing how wonderbar the new plan is gonna be.
BTW, United Health is a lousy company to have as they attest to everytime they have stuff done.Their Medicare coverege is better at paying than UH in most cases.

[Ad rem]

United Health sucks.....I have to resubmit and argue over every single claim I file!

[x11b1p]

wow and they (dems) call conservatives the fascists

[someguy]

The Associated Press notes dryly that, of course, Obama is lying about his plans to decimate the Medicare program that elderly voters depend on:

"Congress' chief budget officer is contradicting President Barack Obama's oft-stated claim that seniors wouldn't see their Medicare benefits cut under a health care overhaul.

The head of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, Douglas Elmendorf, told senators Tuesday that seniors in Medicare's managed care plans would see reduced benefits under a bill in the Finance Committee.

The bill would cut payments to the Medicare Advantage plans by more than $100 billion over 10 years.

Elmendorf said the changes would reduce the extra benefits that would be made available to beneficiaries."

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gJK9ly3ovzfflxGjV-dxk2sLILKgD9ASKCQG2

[jr]

My God! Why must a politician go on and on saying everything three or four times? The whole thing loses its impact because it's so long. What's wrong with "this is flat-out illegal and they damn well better stop it!"?