“You Lie”, Racism, and health care reform

Today as we drove through Colorado, Brian and I listened to NPR. Brian isn’t the biggest NPR fan, but there aren’t that many clear stations as you drive through the Rocky mountains so you take what you can get. I generally like NPR. I like the calming music, I like the random “cultured” topics, and I like the way the reporters sound, however, with all that being said there is one thing I do not like about NPR, I do not like that at times NPR leans just as far to the left as Glenn Beck leans to the right. I want something that is actually “fair and balanced”. As I listened today I was once again disappointed.

Today NPR focused on Congressman Joe Wilson’s comments during the President’s recent health care speech. While I was shocked that the congressman made that comment on national television, and while I was a little irritated that he was unable to control his emotions, I am even more shocked that one week later this is still being discussed on the floor of the hours, and in the mainstream media. Democratic leadership is calling for the congressman to issue a formal apology on the floor of the house… why, he apologized to all concerned parties now we need to build a bridge and get over it., but instead of doing that Congress continues to debate, discuss, and devote time this non issue. Why? I thought that health care was too important not to pass RIGHT THIS SECOND, why are we wasting time on this? Oh wait… we have to shift the focus to further discredit the republicans so when health care reform is passed the democrats can continue to tell their constituents that they are the only politicians that care about the important issues. I love that politicians have so little respect for the american people..

On a related note, not only did NPR focus on Congressman Wilson’s comments, but they also focused on the idea that racism still runs rampant in american society. While I agree that racism continues in America, I disagree that it is quite as prevalent or directed as at the President as many liberal commentators would like me to believe.  Seriously when are we going to discuss and address actual issues.