As lawmakers prepare for the August recess and a trip back to their home districts, Republican Senator John Thune is taking his case against Democrat plans for healthcare reform to the Internet. In announcing the Healthcare Freedom Blog, Thune said “the blog will serve as a forum for South Dakotans and citizens around the country to post their views and will be continually updated with the latest news and developments in the Congressional debate over how to reform healthcare.”
On the site, Thune lays out the principles he believes are critical to reforming healthcare - notably absent is a public option insurance plan and notably included is tort reform. The featured story on the homepage, titled Obama vs. The Facts, cleverly lists the President’s promises on healthcare reform and uses media sources, such as the New York Times and the Associated Press, to debunk them. Also featured on the blog is an online petition that simply reads:
Yes, Senator Thune, I join you in supporting real healthcare reform that will lower costs while protecting my freedom to make healthcare decisions without interference from committees of politicians. I stand with you in opposing a government takeover of my healthcare decisions.
As the chairman of the Republican Policy Committee, Thune is considered the fourth most powerful Republican in the Senate and his blog promises to provide insight into the thinking of the party leadership as committee meetings and press conferences give way to town hall meetings and conference calls over the summer break.
Tags: Associated Press, Barack Obama, Healthcare Freedom Blog, John Thune, New York Times, Republican Policy Committee
