Question: Any advice on discussing HCR with friends, family, etc?

[Zenlitened]

Now that it's a done deal, one of our tasks (IMO) is to help get control of the "narrative," to put it in Beltway-speak.

Translated into human being-speak, I think it means: How do we talk about this with the people in our lives in a way that encourages them to feel they are a part of the progressive community. And/or that their goals/wants/needs and progressive goals really do mesh?

Because I think we can all admit they need some convincing. The Dems completely dropped the ball on "managing the narrative" on health care reform. That's just an undeniable fact.

And I've found it helpful to simply concede that point in conversations, rather than browbeating people that they're wrongwrongwrong! or justdontgetit! I find it opens the door to conversation.

But how should that conversation proceed now? The people I meet range from liberals who favor a Medicare For All approach (as do I) to victims of the right wing, who get their info filtered through Boston-area talk radio but haven't completely drowned in the Kool-Aid. (The drowning victims, I don't waste my time trying to convince.)

Any advice? How do we simply, plainly describe what's good in this law? How do we credibly, concisely discuss what can be done to improve it?

Thanks in advance.

[Atman]

1. Yeah...

Don't.

.

[treestar]

I would refer them to a good source of information

With a few comments on how the M$M does not give full information and misleads. Honest people will then check for real information. Even the WH web page - point out they only get both sides if they read what the President has to say.

Of course if they are right wingnuts they will not do that but claim the media is liberal, then ask them for facts so they can see that they don't really know any.

[Zenlitened]

11. I'm thinking more in terms of conversation, rather than a link to click on.

Thanks.

[FSogol]

2. Here's a little chart from USA Today.

What it does:

• Covers an additional 32 million Americans by expanding Medicaid and providing federal subsidies

• Requires most American citizens and legal residents to buy health insurance

• Creates a health care exchange, a marketplace where uninsured individuals and small businesses can comparison shop for insurance policies

• Fines employers with 50 or more employees if any full-time workers qualify for health care subsidies

• Increases Medicare payroll tax and expands it to include investment income

• Prohibits insurers from denying coverage for pre-existing medical conditions

• Reduces out-of-pocket prescription expenses for seniors on Medicare
What's next:

• President Obama signs the Senate health care bill once the House passes it.

• The Senate must approve separate legislation, also scheduled to be approved by the House on Sunday night, that makes changes to the Senate health bill.

Source: USA TODAY research http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2010-03-21-health-vote_N.htm

Also keeps young adults covered on their parents insurance until age 26.

[Zenlitened]

12. Good info. Thanks. - n/t

[SPedigrees]

3. For the liberals I'd use FSogol's talking points. For teabaggers

just point out that medicare, VA Health care, schools, roads, social security, etc all are socialized, govt run programs. After un-demonizing socialism, I'd bring up the fact that this bill is not in any way the govt run medicare-like bill we all would like. I would not dismiss these people as a lost cause because changing their minds really only involves the debunking of a lie, whereas removal of rosey-colored glasses of naive idealism from the liberals is not as easy.

[Clio the Leo]

4. Straight from the source....

... and the good thing is the WH is about to make messaging the issue a LOT easier. Expect a big roll out campaign to start Thursday.

[Zenlitened]

10. Do you have a direct link? My eyes can't make out the text...

... and I couldn't find the PDF on the OFA site. Thanks.

[Jennicut]

5. Hmmm, not going there with my conservative parents. Let them be ignorant.

They will never change. Not at 62.

[SPedigrees]

6. Good lord, 62! My hubby is 64 and I'm 60, and we voted for CHANGE!

Age 62 does not predispose one to play ostrich.

[Jennicut]

7. I know, but for conservatives I think the older they get, they more stuck they become.

I just wish I could get through to them. But I pretty much have given up and pick and choose when to talk about politics with them.

[rainbow4321]

8. I tried to have a meaningful conversation

With a few co workers today and got uninterested blank stares. To be honest, I got the impression they had no clue about what happened yesterday.

[Dappleganger]

9. You should probably give them some time to cool down.

Wait until after it's completely ratified by the Senate and the President.

[Zenlitened]

13. Totally agree. Now's not the time to say...

..."shut up an eat yer vegetables" to folks who've had a steady diet of nonsense and lies throughout this whole health care debate.

The problem with this legislation (okay, one of the MANY problems) is that it's never been easy to explain it in a sentence or two.

That's partly because the thing seemed to morph on a daily basis. Partly because it was such a Rube Goldberg contraption from the start. :D