Grab and Keel

As a force to be reckoned with, the California Nurses Association (CNA) is formidable. Ask Arnold.  The organization advocates universal healthcare, based on a single payer system, and improved and expanded Medicare. These are all nicely progressive ideas with which, as a Democrat, I agree, although Obama does not.

In addition, they are actively campaigning for a similar solution: HR 676 in Congress, and SB 840 in California.

I understand therefore, their desire to promote their stance, and that this will be against McCain. However, I strongly disagree with their methodology in the YouTube ad that has been released in six battleground states: OH, WI, MI, MN, CO, and MO.

Using health and actuarial information in a misleading way is ageist and wrong. There is NO report from Bragg Associates, indicating a one in four chance of McCain dying in office during the first term. The report refers to the possibility of illness within a two-term presidency. It was based on actuarial tables, and does not include factors like the superior care any president would receive. Neither of the candidates was examined and only their known records were used. Since Obama has not abstained from smoking 12 months and has a history of cancer in his family, his life expectancy is somewhat lowered as well.

Both men are reported in excellent health.

This report is not available on Bragg, Associates website, so it can only have been conducted or released by or for the CNA, or another client. That means the report is not fully transparent. so it is unlikely to be truly non-partisan.

I am amazed that the fear over Palin has caused the CNA to present misleading and disproved material. The inference that Sarah Palin is unqualified, or will not represent CNA’s interest is debatable.  So why not present those points in the ad?

Right now all anyone wants is for THIS election to be completed. SwiftBoat tactics must not prevail! Make an ad about the truth! CNA, shame on you!

THERE IS NO UPPER AGE LIMIT TO BE PRESIDENT!!!

If you want one, vote on it! You will have to show that at a certain age humans are incompetent. This is different from being physically incapable, like say firefighters. Otherwise, STF up!