TV ad NBC won't run is now online (against Bush's "Tort Reform")

[Eric J in MN]

To watch the video discussed in this article, click one of the links below:
USAction ad for Civil Justice in Windows Media format or Quicktime format.

Ad for fast food - yes.

Ad for beer - yes.

Ad for civil justice - no.

USAction is a group which believes everyone has a right to fair day in court.

They made an ad they wanted shown before Bush's State of the Union speech Wednesday night, in which Bush is expected to propose limiting that right ("4 Networks Reject Ad Opposing Bush on Lawsuits" by Robert Pear, Feb. 1, 2005),

Mr. Bush has proposed strict limits on medical malpractice litigation, including caps on damages for pain and suffering, as part of a campaign for sweeping changes in the nation's civil justice system.

In the television advertisement (responding to these Bush proposals), Dylan Malone of Everett, Washington says his son Ian suffered severe brain damage at birth, as a result of "medical errors," and died before his fifth birthday.

"President Bush is siding with the insurance, H.M.O. and drug companies, trying to end what they call frivolous lawsuits, while 100,000 Americans like Ian die each year because of medical errors," Mr. Malone says in the spot. "Mr. President, let's fix the health care mess, but please stop blaming the victims. My son's life was not frivolous."

NBC, ABC, CBS, and Fox Broadcasting have all refused to run the ad.

CNN will run the tv ad critical of Bush's "tort reform" plan.

I appreciate CNN's decision on this matter.

We need more examination of public policy on tv. Not more BUY-BUY-BUY.

More at:
http://www.moveleft.com/moveleft_essay_2005_02_02_tv_ads_criticizing_bushs_tort_reform_plan_refused_by_nbc_abc_cbs_.and_fox_broadcasting.asp

[Cats Against Frist]

1. I love the First Amendment and all

I just want to point out how ironic it is that in another thread, we're defending their right to air what they wish, while they're shoving a foot in our ass with this commerical thing.

Who the fuck came up with banning controversial commercials? What a lame ass policy. And it always seems to be hurting the Dems.

I guess the pukes don't need to do it, because every "buy this shit you don't need and you'll think you're cool," and "eat this fattening shit," and "dumb yourself down with more television," commercial is an advertisement for the GOP.

[rabid_nerd]

2. Dylan Malone

http://www.usaction.org/ as you linked, of course

http://www.babyian.com
http://www.algore-08.com

A good guy and friend. He's done all the talking heads about the issue as well.

[AlGore-08.com]

5. Yup, that's our very own Dylan... and his late son Ian

[Eric J in MN]

7. Do you mean that Dylan Malone posts at DU? nt

nt

[AlGore-08.com]

8. Not in a long time. By "our" I meant "AlGore-08.com"

Dylan's very active in WA State and national politics, it doesn't leave him time to visit the boards, unfortunately.

[ncrainbowgrrl]

3. I saw it on CNN tonight.

Wow. This is so moving, powerful, and done in a very easy- to-grasp format. I love this ad.

[Eric J in MN]

12. I appreciate CNN for running it (nt)

nt

[buddysmellgood]

4. Good God! They can't air that piece! What would people think?

That man is all emotional. He's not thinking clearly. If only he would look at Bush's plan he would see that what's best for everyone is if we just shrug and suck it up when our children die at the hands of morons or careless, greedy fucks. Anything else is unAmerican.

[AP]

6. I can't believe the country I live in. That someone has to pay to get...

...these truths in front of the eyes of the American public is crazy. And that for-profit TV stations won't even accept money and air these commercials...

Man.

[Liberty Belle]

9. I forwarded it Olbermann & asked HIM run this clip,

since the networks' refusal to air the ad has now made censorship a bonafide news story.

Then send it to some other newscasters, too. Maybe one will have a shred of conscience and actually run the clip.

:kick:

[Eric J in MN]

10. OK, I just emailed him.

with the form at:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6241426/

I included a link to:

http://www.moveleft.com/moveleft_essay_2005_02_02_tv_ads_criticizing_bushs_tort_reform_plan_refused_by_nbc_abc_cbs_.and_fox_broadcasting.asp

NOTE: to send someone the link above, you must right-click it and choose "copy link location."

[Eric J in MN]

11. Please email the press (nt)

nt

[Eric J in MN]

13. Thanks, I hope he plays it. (nt)

nt

[OhioChick]

14. I Saw This the Other Night.......

Very moving, to say the least.

[Eric J in MN]

15. On CNN? nt

nt

[OhioChick]

16. Not Sure if it was on CNN

Or a local channel here.