In case you haven’t noticed, America doesn’t want government taking over its health care – not even a little bit.
And while the mood of the country is indeed pervasive, Washington State Marine veteran David William Hedrick turned it up a notch last week at a town hall meeting held by Democratic Rep. Brian Baird …
Whoa! Check out Hedrick kiss his wife after his rant, too! Right on, brother …
Here’s Hedrick’s recap of his speech:
I, David William Hedrick, a member of the silent majority, decided that I was not going to be silent anymore. So, I let U.S. Congressman Brian Baird have it. I was one questioner out of 38, that was called at random from an audience that started at 3,000 earlier in the evening. Not expecting to be called on, I quickly scratched what I wanted to say on a borrowed piece of paper and with a pen that I borrowed from someone else in the audience minutes before I spoke. So much for the planned talking points of the right wing conspiracy.
Now, it can certainly be argued that Hedrick should have shown the Congressman a little bit more respect, but we would argue (much more persuasively) that it is the Congressman and his cronies who should show the people more respect.
Until they do, they should expect to get yelled at … and hopefully booted from office sooner rather than later.
By P.W. August 24, 2009 at 12:52 am
This is hilarious. So let me get this straight, a Veteran (who has health care paid for by my tax dollars by the way) is pissed off at his Congressman for trying to provide me (a small business owner with no insurance) and other Americans the option to have health care like this guy does?
This is what makes this whole argument against health insurance reform so comical. Old people on Medicare (government run program), Veterans (a government run program), and members of Congress (Government run health care) are all up in arms about how bad “Government run health care” is going to be? They need to get a life and I need to get some affordable health insurance!
By jed August 24, 2009 at 12:54 am
I’m all for everyone, military personnel included (and maybe especially) having equal say in a participatory government, but this guy was a total douche. Whether you agree with the speaker or not, when you’re at a forum for discussion, you don’t just get up shout out your opinions, turn your back to the speaker, and walk away — that’s what cowards do. Without getting into the actual arguments themselves, pro or con, that is just not the way you treat anyone, much less a congressman.
Imagine that exact same attitude five years ago if he’d been a veteran here in SC talking to one of our congressmen telling them that they were Nazis for their actions in the Middle East. He would have been called a traitor and you would have been leading the lynch mob.
But to the content of his speech — just because “Nazi” stood for National Socialism does not (NOT) mean that they were socialists — far from it. Fascism ? Socialism. And if he’s unclear about the difference between words in a dictionary and words in political usage, maybe he should ask the humble residents of the Democratic Republic of North Korea.
By you know who August 24, 2009 at 1:24 am
He served our country, ergo, he earned his medical care to be complimentary, if you will. However, I am compelled to mention that the National Socialist German Workers Party was not socialist, but indeed fascist, according to every historical text ever printed. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Nevertheless, I sympathize with this Marine’s overall sentiment: thank you for letting us make our own personal medical choices.
By Karla M. McGowan August 24, 2009 at 2:26 am
I agree with P.W. and JED. Everytime I see one of those “Town Hall Meetings” where everyone yells about Socialism and Government takeover of health care most of these people are old enough to be on Medicare (and probably are). I want all Republcans, especally Jm Demented to state they will do away with Medicare, Veterans Benefits, Social Security and all government programs these morons depend on to live or SHUT UP.
By Red Bank Bar August 24, 2009 at 6:59 am
Just like the rest of the winger dumbarses. “I’ve got my gummint healthcare, so screw you”. He was a coward and afraid his simple-minded ideas would be challenged by reality.
This is one more reason why civilian control of the military is important.
By Huh? August 24, 2009 at 7:59 am
If it were up to me, I’d require at least 4 years of military service or some form of public service as a requirement for citizenship.
By ryan August 24, 2009 at 9:48 am
P.W. and Jed, when was the last time you waited 4 hours in line at the VA for your sinus infection?
By mylittlehadji August 24, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Many high-brow lefties here are assuming the Marine is using the VA for his medical care – chances are he is not. They also mistakenly claim if you don’t support obama you want to get rid of medicare/Medicaid – wrong bozos. Fix them first and leave the rest alone.
outside the VA, military personnel must retire first before being eligible for a Tri-care healtcare plan, which is not free. Just being a 2-4 year vet does qualify you for this.
Remember, more than 80% of Americans are satisfied with their health care. Majority rules, lefties just don’t like it.
By stephen August 24, 2009 at 1:55 pm
I respect the guy for serving our country.
But he’s a moron. A misguided, misinformed moron.
By Ric August 24, 2009 at 1:58 pm
This Man clearly stated he had his own health care through private industry.
As a Vet myself, you do not use the VA system unless you have no choice. period. The VA is a great example of govt run heath care. of what is wrong with it anyway.
Only in America are our Heros scorned and ridiculed.
PW Karla et al enjoy your freedom to disagree. Brother Hendrick and millions like him gave all so that you can voice your ignorance.
By nolin August 24, 2009 at 2:51 pm
PW- Sounds like Sen. Jim DeMint’s health care plan would personally benefit you.
By old bike dude August 24, 2009 at 6:07 pm
Hedrick is full of crap. I had more time saluting colors than this sea lawyer had in uniform. And now he wants to be a playa. Sorry but I’m throwing the bullshit flag on his lame ass.
And while I’m on a rant please let me mention the abortion of a “town hall meeting” Joe Wilson held here in Beaufort on Saturday. Nothing more than a republican political rally. Fielded a total of 6 softball questions. Can’t wait to see the spin. Of course he couldn’t top Sen Jim freakin DeMints 8am “town hall meeting” at the Daniel Island club at $12.50 per seat/300 max with Daniel Is residents preferred. Would love to see Demint and Wilson take their bullshitpalooza tour to Orangeburg or Fairfax, or Estill,…freakin cowards.
By daryl August 24, 2009 at 6:52 pm
Orangeburg, Fairfax, Estill…glorious examples of what happens when
“Gubmint” pays generations of Americans to sit on their backsides in exchange for their votes…
the Democrats still have the keys to the Plantation…
nothing much changes…
By ronnie August 24, 2009 at 7:15 pm
Daryl and Biker speak of Orangeburg, Fairfax and Estill… what gives?
Just know that our elitist president could give a rat’s cloaca about poor Lowcountry South Carolinians.
When was the last time you spent $35,000 for a weekend at the Vineyard?
In the midst of two concurrent wars…
I hope Obama gets some good golf time at Martha’s, ’cause the rest of the USA is just hoping they get to keep their jobs…
By vance August 24, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Perhaps Obama will pen yet another multi-million dollar “autobiography” during his “Martha” experience.
May I suggest the title?
How about the “Audacity of Arrogance?”
By old bike dude August 24, 2009 at 8:43 pm
Yep, jus keep hatin’ on the black man.
By Bigg August 25, 2009 at 12:43 am
Where were these hotheads when the country was being lied into a war? The results have been over 1 million dead, at least according to some sources, including the British medical journal Lancet. The Patriot Act, the shredding of the Constitution and warrantless wiretaps of people who weren’t even making overseas phone calls weren’t objected to by these hotheads. Where were these people when it mattered? War in Iraq which had nothing to do with 9/11 and a crippled economy and thousands of dead US soldiers and other military personnel caused no outcry from these people.
Comes now healthcare for the American people and these people come out of the woodwork. Maybe the VA is the last choice for those who have to use it, but it’s better than no choice. It’s a shame for anyone to have to use it if it doesn’t work well. Perhaps the leaders who are busy surveilling everything and everyone could concentrate their efforts on providing healthcare for veterans and helping make healthcare good for others as well.
No average person questions the sacrifice and work that veterans have had to serve under. The lot of the military is a heavy one and anyone has to respect that. There are, however, chickenhawk elitists who really believe that once a troop is out of service, the trooper is owed nothing by the government. They sincerely believe that the time spent in uniform and working for the nation are only to be taken care of so long as the troop is in uniform and under military service. These people who think like this often have enough money that they’ll never have to worry about not having coverage or a mansion in which to live. Why people fight against their own self-interest is beyond me. Oh, I know why. Because Fox News is busy telling them how good war and surveillance is and how bad anything like healthcare for the people would be. The masses get their marching orders from Australian Rupert Murdoch.
Do you think that if the VA was properly staffed and funded it might work better? If so, then maybe more funding could be found for it and less for Xe, formerly known as Blackwater and other independent and patriotic contractors.
By Interloper August 25, 2009 at 4:23 am
Jeez! What a wacko! Only about 30 and he claims to be disabled. I’ll wager its psychological.
By funny August 25, 2009 at 6:25 am
Sometimes I think those in Washington forget who they work for – US. We hired them to go to Washington to be our voices – yet the only voice they seem to find when they get there is their own or the voice of whomever pays them more (lobbyist).
IF, as most of those opinions here, want national health care – put it to a national vote.
Its funny how the tables get turned – a few years ago the debate was on gay marriage – and a lot of people stood up and shouted at town hall meetings in favor of gay marriage yet they werent labled “brown shirts”.
So if a “left” idea is presented and people argue against it – they are called “brown shirts” yet a “right” idea is presented and those who argue against are called “americans using their right of protest”, what does that teach the kids? Where is the “equality” both parties talk about?
By rick August 25, 2009 at 9:15 am
Hey Bigg, thats right, the first thing Obama did was repeal the Patriot Act…Not, the second was warrentless wiretaps…not, 2 wars were finished and troops returned to barracks….not. go onkeep hating Bush….in case your momma didn’t teach you, 2 wrongs don’t make a right….and as far as that Marine is concerned, OOOORAH Brother, tell it.
As far as health care….you EARN it by working for it, you want it for free…f*ck ya die.
By ionia8222 August 25, 2009 at 12:21 pm
These wackjobs keep screaming about members of Congress violating the Constitution because they support a government run option. Can someone please tell me what part of the constitution they’re referring to?
By Hmmmmm August 25, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Do we get free cheese with our free healthcare and maybe soon all housing will belong to the Federal government so that we will all be living in subsidized housing. Hmmmm with Czars, “free” healthcare, “free” cheese, “free” housing, maybe Russia aka USSR DID win the cold war after all.
Where’s Regan when we need him???? Ohh yes – he died like our values and soon our country.
By Bob August 25, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Hey Rick you little b*tch, why don’t you tell that to my girlfriend who works 40 hours a week but can’t get health insurance due to childhood diabetes. Did she earn that?
By Bob August 25, 2009 at 4:11 pm
David William Hedrick is an ignorant fool. He has no facts and the ones he does present are false.
By isaak August 26, 2009 at 2:29 am
Rick: people have a right to receive medical treatment. People have a right to be able to walk the streets without having to worry about someone stealing from or killing them. You don’t “earn” police protection. You have a right to it. To all those people who keep saying things like “free” healthcare, “free” cheese and all that nonsense, don’t worry. It’s doubtful you will ever get it.
There is no “free” healthcare. The healthcare is paid for out of public funds. The police are funded by public monies. All these services are funded by public monies. It doesn’t seem right to charge so much that a family is financially ruined because of a medical bill. Any other “modern” country has medical care for the people.
How can you earn healthcare when you have a lack of economic opportunity? If you work at a low wage job, you can’t afford too much insurance. The economy is in the toilet and a lot of people don’t even have the opportunity to find work, but they’re supposed to pay for their insurance when they can’t pay for food and shelter.
The health care debate is possibly smoke and mirrors. It’s a thing to satisfy those who would want anything that might be good for all, like social security. After it fails, they can all stand back and say it wouldn’t work because the affluent oppose it. Maybe they never really wanted it in the first place.
I invite all those who oppose health care reform to refuse their social security checks, Medicare and any other government aid they receive. If you’re really opposed to healthcare, don’t take anything from the government. If you don’t want to receive anything, just don’t take it.
Think for yourself for a change. Stop letting those who have a good job and job security influence your anti-social attitude.
No one said anything about hating any person. It’s not wrong to oppose things that are wrong. It’s not wrong to disagree or, in your limited vocabulary “hate” things that are wrong. The fact that the wars and the surveillance hasn’t stopped should tell you something if you are paying any attention. Figure it out for yourself.
Try to spend a little more time learning how to communicate clearly and stop playing with a keyboard to talk about something you don’t know anything about. Let’s try to be a little more civil on this board.
When you feed someone they call you a saint. When you ask why people are hungry, they call you a communist. How dare people try to do something to help their neighbor! Christian nation without christian values.
If the people don’t want any help, maybe they shouldn’t get it. If those who can’t afford to eat or pay rent don’t want any help, let there be a national vote on this thing and see if the heartless sociopaths are the majority. If they are, let it be.
By rick September 2, 2009 at 7:27 am
Bob, what does she work at? Whats her career path? What does she have to do to earn more money or increase her benefits? Does her career track allow her to move into government service? Will she be willing to move to improve her opportunities? Before you blame me…Look at yourself and your actions! Quit whinnnnnnning about not having something when its your fault for not using you’re freedom to make the necessary adjustments to gain what you so seemingly need.
Isaak: Police are paid out of our taxes. The citizenry of this nation made a decision years ago that for the greater good, a method of maintaining order was necessary. No people don’t have a right to health care except that which they procure for themselves. As far as medicare, SSI and the rest, I like the working public have been mandated to contribute for at least the past 44 years….your damn right I’m going to access this….not because I need it, but because I’ve been forced to contribute to it. If that hurts your feelings..Tough Shit! Public Funds…you stupid bastard, the only public funds are the ones that taxpayers provide to the government. Public Funds don’t magically appear out of nowhere, working men and women pay them instead of buying food, putting a roof over their childrens heads or clothes on their back. All the while pieces of floating shit keep crying for more benefits, more tax money for this and that. To follow you’re thesis, you’re also owed food and shelter and whatever else you choose not to gain for yourself and family. As with all Americans, we have to make decisions and sacrifices to gain those things that matter to us. And you Sir, don’t matter to me…Die off and allow the rest of us the opportunities you’ve failed to grasp.
By Jason September 17, 2009 at 8:12 am
So does it change anyones opinions that there will be no publicly funded insurance? Or that we will now be mandated to buy PRIVATE insurance at whatever rates the companies want to charge? I am certain of course that insurance companies( all run by altruistic, good hearted people of course) will lower rates and improve coverage to insure that insurance is affordable to ALL people. Right?