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Satirical new video reminds Americans what rationing is all about
By: Barbara Hollingsworth
Local Opinion Editor
07/16/09 2:34 PM EDT
The Chicago-based Sam Adams Alliance, a 501(c)3 organization that trains civic activists to use new media tools to advance economic freedom and individual liberty, today released a satirical YouTube video called “Health Rations and You!” that should be viewed by every American during the health care debate. (http://healthadministrationbureau.com/)
Communications director Paul Miller said the black and white, 1940s newsreel style video, featuring a zippy mid-century soundtrack and gushing narrator, was chosen to evoke propaganda films during World War II, when the government imposed widespread rationing on the civilian population.
“After private insurance mysteriously went bankrupt, Congress in 2010 created the Health Administration Bureau to provide universal health care,” the video begins. This mythical new bureaucracy determines who gets health care – and how much.
“Citizens like you have embraced the chance to give a lot and take a little,” the cheery narrator says. “Americans understand that sacrificing for the Health Administration Bureau is the utmost priority ... a patriotic victory over personal responsibility.”
The video shows smiling patients who are all too happy to give up dentist visits, cardiac treatment and even another baby to keep government health care costs down. “Families are given 15 minutes of health management a month, moving patients through hospitals in record speed,” the narrator gushes.
One patient who goes to a Dr. Frank Fleming with a sore throat is told that his family already used their rationed minutes. “But what’s this? Your grandma died last week, giving you a 30 second bonus. Talk fast,” the narrator laughingly says.
But when you have a sick parent or child and bureaucratic rationing of life-saving care has become a reality, it won’t be very funny at all.
The website also has downloadable posters featuring:
Rosie the Riveter: “Yes We Can...make health rations work.”
Uncle Sam: “I Want You...to pay my bills.”
A Smiling GI: “Do with less- so they’ll have enough! Rationing gives him your fair share.”
They’ll make you smile...and maybe even call your congressman and senators.
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