It’s hard to know where to begin discussing Rock the Vote’s video about health care advocacy, “F the Vote.” Before you click on that link, those of you who take offense easily should be aware that the “F” in the title doesn’t stand for funny.
What you’ll find is a nearly three minute video spreading misinformation about health insurance companies and mocking those who oppose congressional Democrats’ health care reform legislaton. And this is all amidst a barrage of profane and terrible jokes about how you won’t get any, ahem, nookie from insufferably sanctimonious liberals if you’re not down with tax increases and the nanny state screwing up health care more than they already have. Somehow this is supposed to be considered a threat.
Then when you think the flaming dirigible of PSAs couldn’t possibly get any worse, the smug yuk-fest devolves to the point where Susan Sarandon’s daughter (of all people) leads the viewer in grievously serious, hand-over-your-heart pledge you’re supposed to recite in support of health care reform. Let me be clear: If you pledge your “mind, body and spirit” — it actually says that! — in support of a piece of legislation you are an idiot of the highest order. Watching this video didn’t make me feel dirty; it made me feel like I had just taken a sponge bath in the toilet of a bus station bathroom.
I find it highly curious that an organization devoted to youth issues seems oblivious to the fact the Democrats’ health care legislation contains a provision mandating health insurance premiums for senior citizens be no more than double those for younger and healthier folks. If that constitutes health care reform, Rock the Vote’s target audience — and by that I mean “young people” rather than the lobotomized turnspits that focus grouped the above celluloid abortion — are going to be on the hook for much, much higher insurance premiums. It seems like a poor return on your investment when you’re being asked to sell your soul. That’s because AARP was out strong-arming legislators to take care of number one while Rock the Vote was out making videos contemptuous of the basic intelligence and decency of those they seek to persuade.
Meanwhile, I will note that on the website of Rock the Vote — an organization that originally promoted a mostly inoffensive agenda relating to political awareness and voter registration drives — it says:
Rock the Vote is a nonpartisan organization. This means that we do not support or endorse candidates nor do we participate in any activities that could benefit one party over another. There are many laws governing our work as a nonpartisan organization and we take our non partisanship seriously. We cannot approve use of our logo for any partisan effort.
Could have fooled me. If this kind of issue and approach really is the best way to engage young voters, I think I’ll go hike up my pants and play some shuffleboard to pass the time until the republic crumbles.
