As if it wasn't clear enough that racism was playing a roll in the rejection of a big, ambitious effort to spread health insurance coverage to more Americans, Rep. Paul Broun of Georgia made it more explicit when he said the following:
If Obamacare passes, that free insurance card that's in people's pockets is going to be as worthless as a Confederate dollar after the war between the states -- the Great War of Yankee Aggression.
Firstly, what free health-insurance card? I want one! Secondly, I thought the War Between the States was enough of a Southern code for folks to know which side he'd be on in the Civil War, but invoking Yankee aggression bolsters it even more. I forgot during this whole health-care debate that the mostly white people packing the Tea Party rallies were the only people who are actually oppressed in this country. Thanks for reminding me, Broun.
-- Monica Potts
