Rejected by CNN's Dr. Gupta blog, I still feel like being heard.
When I read Dr. Gupta’s impenitent response to his "factually erred" hit piece on Michael Moore’s movie Sicko, I tried to leave a comment on Dr. Gupta’s blog.
http://www.cnn.com/...
It never appeared.
While CNN is under no obligation to post my or anyone else’s comments, I just felt stifled. I can hear Blitzer’s voice in my head "Leave your comments on our newly redesigned website", "Your most trusted news source". Ya right.
Dr. Gupta’s blog response was posted on Wednesday July 11th.
Comments came fast and furiously over the next 2 days and then suddenly stopped at 216 comments. On Monday afternoon a few more comments squeaked out and as it stands now, comments have remained stuck at 236.
I know it’s late, but in an effort to at least make myself feel better I would like to re-post (how can it be a re-post if it was never posted?) my response to Dr. Gupta’s lame rebuttal.
btw, thank you for this free flowing forum and your indulgence.
my rejected comment:
I'm afraid Dr. Gupta that you have done more harm than you know. By stating on "the Most Trusted Name In News" in your "Reality Check" segment that "But no matter how much Moore Fudged the Facts, and he did Fudge some Facts..." you have powerfully enabled those who profit from America's ignorance. Because your reputation carries (carried) weight, others will not see this movie and will not learn of the better, humane and civilized way health care is delivered in civilized countries.
Saying Moore Fudged the Facts is tantamount to calling him a liar and this will dissuade people from listening. His data is sound and I hope you can brush off your ego and review your "Reality Check" to hear what you have done. Hiding behind the pseudo noble parsing of "get the facts absolutely right" is your offense/defensive response which only further clouds the entire mission of enlightening the people about how horrible the American system is and how there are better and cheaper ways to provide healthcare.
18,000 Americans died because they were under-insured or not-insured. That's 2 dead every hour. That's more important than a bruised ego. And if next year the system isn't Universal, then how many more thousands will die? When will this change and what will inspire that change? (knowledge perhaps?)
P.s. A hint (IMHO) on why Michael may have taken issue with your reporting on Iraq.
a: It was great TV. Reporter/Doctor jumps into the fray, helps those saving brave soldiers. Very cool (hmm...maybe war is cool?)
b: You are now a Reporter. As such you have the obligation of context in your reports (means asking tough questions, like why are we here in Iraq in this war? Why do all these un-cool wounds exist?)
c: You just smeared his integrity and his movie which was researched diligently (as he knows the profiteers will attack) and which is intended to help stop the needless deaths of 18,000/year. (he was not pleased)
Note: I'm sure you are a very intelligent man and have done (and will continue to do) many wonderful things for others. I only hope you focus your efforts in reporting with greater context in the future.
Note: Everyone knows Universal Health Care is not literally FREE. But when you rush to the hospital because your father has had a 2nd stroke, and the entire system is there and is only working for your father and your family, ... then you know it is FREE. (get it now?)
All the best
Dr. Gupta’s blog
brd & @}-;--s