the rachel maddow show, transcript 08/24/09 - health care appliances

Guest host Alison Stewart: Good evening, Keith.
Thank you very much.
Unfortunately, Rachel is officially in the weather tonight.
So, we will try our best to keep the candle burning.
In fact, we have a loading show about a big news day with some big names.
Senator Shelton Whitehouse will join us in giving some insight on the release of the CIA report. Dr.
Howard Dean is here to discuss RNC's latest medical reform attempt.
Congressman and senior MP Joe Sestak will help us in the latest-
The myth of reform in veterans health care.
But we started tonight with the release of the so-called Grand kahuna, a 2004 CIA report detailing the misuse of interrogation techniques, including torture of American prisoners. S. custody.
After months of delay, the much-anticipated report was finally released today, and the details were important and rough.
Now the declassified report is still very much edited.
So, most of them look like this.
But pages that have not been edited detail the events that were previewed in the report Directory, including pistols and drills, threats, smoke, and mock executions
Here's a pretty amazing description of the unauthorized interrogation techniques used by CIA interrogators
There is usually no approval from anyone in Washington.
The report itself defines torture as "an act intended to cause serious physical or mental pain and suffering ".
It then begins to describe in detail the physical and mental abuse incidents.
In terms of physical abuse, the report describes an incident in which an officer used the point of stress technique, citing "hands on the neck of the detainee, the officer manipulated his fingers to limit the detainee's artery.
This is the artery that provides oxygen-filled blood for the brain.
Quoting the second officer, "It is reported that he looked into his own eyes and watched the detainee nod and begin to faint.
The police then shook the detainee to wake him up.
Applications for detainees have been repeated three times in total.
In another incident, physical abuse was so severe that an Afghan detainee was finally killed.
Quoting this sentence, "It is alleged that an institution, as a paramilitary, independently contracted commercial large metal flashlights severely beat the detainee and kicked him during the interrogation.
The detainees died during their detention.
In terms of mental abuse, last Friday we learned that prisoners were threatened with pistols and electric drills.
Today, we learned that a detainee was allegedly told that his mother would be sexually assaulted before him if he did not cooperate.
The interrogators denied the threat.
In another incident, the reference was made to "the interrogator said to Khalid Sheikh Mohammed that if anything else happens in the United States, the reference was made to" we will kill your child.
The interrogation of 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed reveals another potentially important detail.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was sentenced to 183 times in a month.
Today, we learned that the quote "where is the administrative approval of waterboarding from, according to the CIA general counsel, the attorney general acknowledges that he is fully aware of the reuse of the water authority, the CIA is entirely within the scope of the opinion of the Ministry of Justice, that is, the authority that the opinion gives to the CIA.
The attorney general was informed that the water authority had used a person 119 times.
The then attorney general was John Ashcroft.
The current attorney general, Eric Holder, announced today that he has appointed a federal prosecutor to investigate whether CIA interrogators have violated any federal law.
The conclusion of the 2000 report released today seems to be to address this issue.
Citing "the enhanced interrogation technology used by the agency under the CTC programme is inconsistent with the public policy stance adopted by the United States on human rights.
Unauthorized, improvised, inhuman and unlicensed detention and interrogation techniques were used.
Now we are joined by our MSNBC contributor and "Newsweek" investigative reporter Michael Iskov.
He's been sorting out all the details of justice.
Publish the file.
Thank you for your time tonight, Michael.
MSNBC contributor Michael Iskov: Alison, it's a pleasure to be with you.
Stewart: this is a big problem after a big file.
But what is the most important takeaway for you?
Ilsykov: Well, there are three things I missed.
First, how much of this report conflicts with public statements made by Bush administration officials and CIA directors over the years?
Two years ago, the director of the CIA for the past few years of the Michael Hayden Bush administration addressed the Foreign Relations Commission, in which he spoke about plans for detention and interrogation and said, the quote "It is carried out with great care and control --
Strict control and legal progress have been obtained.
"It is difficult to prove this with the CIA inspector general report you just recorded, which was submitted five years ago in 2004.
Second, the report was originally prepared by officials within the agency who were deeply concerned about what was going on. I was struck.
The report quoted an official as saying that he was worried that one day he would --
One day, agency officials may be on some "wanted lists" for war crimes caused by these activities ". It was agents—
This is a concern within the agency.
This is the source of the report.
The third thing for me is the black page that you show in the intro, page by page. We‘ve only -
We only see half of the report.
I have been told that the worst is the passages that have been blacked out, which means we still don't know the full story of the show. STEWART: Yes.
We now display it on the screen.
I read it today, I'm leaving, I'm leaving, I pick up the report, and then you see, can you see this guy, this. I‘m wondering—
Is this useful considering that we already have pages after pages, and large, blackened parts of pages after pages? ISIKOFF: Right.
Well, it's worth remembering that even under the leadership of the current director Leon Panetta, the CIA strongly opposes the disclosure of the report.
It struggles with it at every step of the way, saying that the release of these details would make the agency less morale and make it harder to get the job done.
So, as far as this is concerned, it's-
The CIA has been screaming just because a federal judge responded to ACLU's lawsuit, the Freedom of Information Act lawsuit, ordered the release of this report, and we have seen so much.
Stewart: I would like to go back to the first point you mentioned as this report mentions personal behaviour, but also says that there is a lack of guidance and supervision is not good enough.
After reading the article, we can read through the parts, how powerful are those responsible arguments that are not closely enough focused on their own projects?
Isikov: The question is who is responsible.
Attorney General Eric Holder today ordered a criminal prosecution against many people.
But as you show in the paragraph referring to Attorney General John Ashcroft, when you have the attorney general of the United States saying that he can reuse waterboarding.
He's fine.
The Justice Department has no problem with this.
That's why some people say that if we don't conduct criminal investigations at the highest level, authorize the leadership of these projects, at least with adequate disclosure, so that the American public can know the full picture of what's going on.
Stewart: In the end, Michael, what is this report saying about the effectiveness?
Ilsykov: Well, a muddy picture.
As you know, Vice President Cheney and others defending the project have repeatedly insisted that the project has received valuable information.
You can read the paragraph of this report and come to the conclusion that this is the case and they did get --
Some paragraphs say important information has been obtained.
Others, however, are more nuanced and measured, saying that we don't really understand the story and whether alternative technologies can be used.
I believe that the final decision in this regard remains to be made.
Stewart: what can be read, what you can read, and of course interesting reading.
Michael Isikoff, MSNBC contributor and Newsweek investigative reporter, is delighted to meet you.
Thank you, Michael.
Ikoff: Thank you.
Stewart: The report came out.
What remains to be seen is what the Obama administration and Congress have done about it.
Senator Shelton Whitehouse of the judicial and intelligence Commission joins us next.
Later, Republican leader Michael Steele wrote a column
Editor of The Washington Post
"He is very, very concerned about things.
In fact, no one has offered and actively supported what is already there. Dr.
Howard Dean discussed the issue with us. Stay with us.
Oh, but first of all, "one more thing" about publishing CIA documents ".
Remember earlier this year, former Vice President Dick Cheney inherited his legacy --polishing tour?
He then formally requested the publication of what he said was a document proving the validity of torture. (
Start Video Editing)
Former US President Richard CheneyS.
The vice president: When you have memos that indicate how much achievements these policies have brought and how they can save lives, they will not issue them. (END VIDEO CLIP)
Oh, but now they will.
According to Greg Sagat of the Meizi line, he said the CIA confirmed that the documents would be published.
Today, Director Leon Panetta
A note was mailed to the CIA staff confirming that two documents for the period 2004 and 2005 will be issued.
He simply did not make it clear that these were the demands of Cheney.
So, I think we have to wait and see when we see them. (
Business break)
Stewart: last week, former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge asserted in a new book that he suspected that the Bush administration included a political assessment in calculating the level of terrorist threats before the 2004 election.
Since then, a march by the former leader of the Bush administration has begun to blast Tom rich.
President Bush's former homeland security adviser, Fran Townsend, is one of the defenders of the government. Ms.
Townsend denied any political consideration of the threat. (
Start Video Editing)
Former Homeland Security advisor Fran Townsend: The only discussion I remember was on the verge of that.
Some people worry that if we
If intelligence support raises the level of threat, it could actually bounce back and hurt President Bush's interests because one might think it's political. (END VIDEO CLIP)
Stewart: Okay.
So, to clarify, it's not political, because we don't think political interests are just political costs.
Well, it's not a political issue at all. Not. We‘ll be back. (
Business break)
Stewart: So for those Americans who want to know and now know what they did to prisoners during the Bush administration, logically that would follow --up question.
What will the Obama administration do about this?
What will be done for those who seem to have broken the law in the past?
What will be done in the future to restore our rule of law in counter-terrorism prosecutions?
Three questions.
In today's wave of information, one is the beginning of the answer.
Attorney General Eric Holder, who announced that the Justice Department would investigate the CIA's interrogation methods, said, "My conclusion is, the information I know deserves a preliminary review of whether federal law has been violated in relation to the interrogation of specific detainees abroad.
In the same statement,
Holder announced that he would appoint federal prosecutor John Durham as the new special prosecutor to investigate allegations of torture of prisoners by CIA agents during interrogation.
At first glance, the decision seems to contradict what the Obama administration said at the beginning. (
Start Video Editing)
US President Barack Obama: For those who carry out these actions in four corners of the White House's legal advice or guidance, I don't think it's appropriate to sue them. (END VIDEO CLIP)
Stewart: In another development today, President Obama has approved the creation of a new team to question key terrorism suspects.
The unit will be called high
The detainee interrogation team or HIG.
It will be placed in the FBI, but will be supervised by the president's national security council, formally ending the CIA's questioning of the main role of senior prisoners and giving direct oversight to the White House --
This can lead to unconscious eyebrows
Those who believe that the Bush administration has given itself too much power on these issues.
We have also learned that the Obama administration will continue Bush's special extradition policy of sending suspected terrorists to prisons in third-party countries for interrogation.
Senior Obama advisers say the government's extradition policy is different from the Bush administration because the State Department will play a bigger role in ensuring that transferred prisoners are not abused.
Nevertheless, many human rights advocates condemned the decision.
Those who expect President Obama to correct the nation's constitutional process may experience more involuntary eyebrows --raising.
Now we are joined by Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a member of the Senate judicial and intelligence committee.
Senator Whitehouse, thank you very much for taking the time tonight. SEN.
Sheldon Whitehouse (D)
Nice to be with you, Alison.
Stewart: I know you 've been calling for an investigation for months.
Finally, seven months after taking office, the Obama Administration will investigate these possible crimes.
How do you react to this decision and its timing?
WHITEHOUSE: I think it's a huge relief, and it's a great moment for this country in the United States.
We have finally seen the rule of law come up in a clear and direct way, a situation that has been poisoned by personality, politics and propaganda.
This is the first clear and bright light that I can't be happier or more relaxed.
Is this a broad enough investigation?
Do you think it should include not only those who carry out the alleged crime, but also those more senior government officials who approve the plan?
WHITEHOUSE: I think the Department of Justice is a very professional organization and John Durham is a very professional prosecutor.
I am fully confident that once they see the field they will follow no matter where the evidence points.
Stewart: can you tell me what you know about him? Durham?
I know he's shy in propaganda.
WHITEHOUSE: I used to meet him when I was in the United States. S.
Rhode Island lawyer. he's in the United States. S.
A law firm in Connecticut
Together, we have handled a number of cases under common jurisdiction with organized crime combating forces.
He's fine-
Respected by his peers.
He is a very calm, stable and professional attorney of the Justice Department.
I think he's the first one.
Rate choice, he has a good foundation in this regard, as he has been investigating the destruction of torture tapes.
Stewart: How will the Attorney General Holder's investigation affect the Senate Intelligence Committee's investigation into torture?
WHITEHOUSE: I think they can go in parallel very comfortably.
Due to the confidential nature of many of the things that the intelligence Commission is doing, we do not have much danger of poisoning public places for a final trial in the future.
Obviously, since a potential criminal investigation is going on, we need to make sure that our Senate Intelligence Committee works with the Department of Justice if they ask us --
For investigation reasons
Stay away from certain things and have them crack on witnesses for the first time, etc. there is a good reason to do so and we need to respect the Department's process.
Stewart: Let me ask you this new high --
The interrogation team for value detainees will be held at the FBI and then supervised by the National Security Council rather than the CIA.
Can you explain the meaning of this?
Why is it so important?
WHITEHOUSE: it's important, I think, because it's for the first time for us-Importance to detainees
If you put aside all the spins and all the nonsense you heard at the top of the Bush administration, what you really see is --
For many such high
Attaching importance to detainees, you see people who know nothing about al-Qaida, who do not know anything about interrogation, conduct very amateur investigations, they were familiar with the antique techniques used by the brutal tyrant regime for propaganda purposes rather than for intelligence gathering purposes, and were presented for reasons that still did not adequately explain the high-value interrogation.
We know from the testimony of the Senate Judicial Committee that at least one very productive investigation has been interrupted and possibly destroyed by these amateur and brutal technical intervention investigations --
An absolutely first interrogation.
Classroom interrogation in our country
Stewart: Does today's coverage and news affect your view of where we are and how we will be responsible for what happened during the previous administration?
WHITEHOUSE: I think all of this is a step in the right direction.
I think, in the investigation by the Senate Intelligence Committee, the excellent work done by President Levin and his armed forces committee, the work of the Department of Justice so far, it is clear that it is continuing now under this expanded authority, as well as the continuing universal interest --
I still think that on a day when a well thought out, thorough committee looks back and figure out exactly what went wrong here, why did we go so far before the calm mind got the upper hand, how to prevent this from happening again is an important goal.
I think we will end up in that place.
Stewart: Senator Shelton Whitehouse, my former hometown of Rhode Island
Thank you very much for your time tonight.
Thank you, Alison.
Stewart: First of all, President Obama likes to unplug Grandma with the death panel, but he doesn't.
Now, it is clear that the president wants to encourage veterans to continue to travel to the big military camp in the sky.
Navy veterans and the United StatesS.
Congressman Joe Sestak is joining us right away to help debunk the latest targeted threat tactics that are used to keep the health care system in place.
If Chuck Norris isn't bad enough to scare you against the Obama administration, will Hulk Hogan do that? That‘s next. Stay with us. (
Business break)
Stewart: a bill of rights by the Republican president, which contains a lot of wrong information.
This is on the road.
First tax, now death.
A new attempt on the right
Win the votes of the veteran constituency.
That's all in front.
But first, it's time to tell a few sacred mackerel fish stories in today's news.
We started with American and British anger at Abdel Basset al Megrahi's early release from a Scottish prison.
Former Libyan intelligence officer Al Megrahi is the only one convicted in 1988 Pan Am flight 103 bombings in rockbi town, Scotland.
All 259 people on board were killed, and all 11 people on the ground were killed.
On 2001, al Megrahi was convicted of 270 counts of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.
But on Thursday, eight years later, the Scots released Magrahi as part of a policy known as a "reason for sympathy.
He is dying of prostate cancer.
In addition to the anger and frustration of the victim's family over his release and the Tripoli celebration Welcome home, there are conspiracy theories in the United States as wellK.
One theory is that the Scottish government led by the Scottish National Party colluded with the British government led by the Labor Party to release the Lockerbie bomber in exchange for Libya's lucrative oil and gas deal.
Now, there are problems with these theories.
As political observers have pointed out, the Scottish National Party and Labor Party are fierce competitors who are unlikely to trust each other and collude in such explosive matters.
But others, including the former president of the United States, still believe this. N.
Ambassador John Bolton
In today's Telegraph, Bolton accused Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's son of involvement in the deal.
Even worse, he said, was Gaddafi's son Saif.
President Islam and Libya-
The British Business Association has basically confirmed that Megrahi's release is to promote commercial relations between Britain and Libya.
Britain's anger prompted the Scottish Parliament to decide to recover from the adjournment.
In the case, the government denied any allegations of political transactions.
We will keep you informed as this story develops. Next: More AmericaK. news.
London is one of the most watched cities in the world.
About 8 million people live in London and they are being watched by 1 million.
TV cameras.
Every eight Londoners have a surveillance camera.
So, in return for sacrificing privacy and spending about $0. 82 billion nationwide, what do residents get?
Well, you will think they will get a little extra security.
But an internal police report found that only one out of every 1,000 cameras was solved last year.
A crime case has been resolved, with 999 recordings of visitors trying to make Buckingham Palace guards smile.
Your last Tea Party News today, or your previous wrest hand. turned-
Star News? Hulk Hogan—
The ex-wrestler wrest is known for his bicep, tight-skinned spandex, blonde extensions and headband, and the VH1 reality show Hogan Knows Best --
Political on the
Sir, this weekend.
Hogan appeared at a tea party in Orlando, Florida, but he was not a former wrest player or a reality TV star, or even a citizen.
He's a Pitman. (
Start Video Editing)
Hulk hogan, former pro
Drop wrest hands: We have a website called guaranteedlowerproperty tax. com.
We assure you that if you go to the website or to the booth at the back, if you come to us and give us your information, we guarantee that your property tax can be reduced. (END VIDEO CLIP)
Stewart: That's the only difference from him.
Hogan's previous career
Become Pitman against corruption
The tax website will never ask him to wear tights or refuel his whole body. I think.
Maybe someone should check with Joe the Plumber. (
Business break)
Stewart: Tonight we have a breaking news from the Rachel McDo show political satire.
We believe that the Republican Party now formally agrees with the Democratic party on health care reform.
Recently, an outline of a senior health care bill was published on the Republican National Committee's website.
Michael Steele, RNC president, wrote a work
Promote today's Washington Post. Both the op-
Ed and SHC Bor (ph)
Against the Democratic Party in that very special mistake.
This summer, panic-mongering seniors have become a sign of opposition to health care reform. But what Mr.
The attacks by Steele and the Republican National Committee were not actually proposed by Democrats.
Most of the claims they supported were made by Democrats. The top-
The advocacy task of the RNC advanced health care rights act is to protect health insurance from cuts.
Yes, Michael Steele has made himself the champion of health insurance, a great big government --run single-
Payer Health Care ProgramAnd while Mr.
Steele himself said in 2006 that he would consider cutting health insurance, while the Democratic Party is pushing for a health care reform proposal.
In fact, New York Democratic congressman Anthony Weiner believes on this network today that we should not only protect health insurance, but also expand it to a single
The payment system that provides health care for everyone, so everyone agrees that health insurance is great.
Mom, can we keep it?
The second purpose of the RNC bill of rights is to prohibit the government from traveling between the elderly and their doctors.
But this is the case.
The health care reform bill that Congress is currently considering cannot be done between the elderly and their doctors.
There is nothing in the current plan that requires the government to tell the elderly which doctor to see or what treatment to receive, but someone has to pay for the doctor and treatment, this is where reform supporters will go, just as the government is intervening between patients and doctors to pay for it.
The third program of the Republican health care declaration prohibits the distribution of health care according to age.
It is a lofty and bold position to oppose the provision of allocated health care for the elderly.
No one on either side of the aisle is thinking, talking, thinking, talking about rationing care.
In addition, the fourth is to prevent government intervention terminals. of-
Life Care discussion
If you're a conspiracy theory, spidey sense will disappear right now, because the mantra for medical reform will kill your grandma, a slightly subtle version.
No one wants to kill your grandmother.
The fifth principle is to ensure that older persons are able to maintain their current coverage, which is essentially a reconfirmation of the commitment to early protection of health insurance.
Quote "Republicans don't think seniors should be the government's target --
Run the health care act and be forced to withdraw from their current health insurance.
In other words, Republicans are trying to take advantage of a hugely successful and popular government --
Run a health care plan against the government
Health care fund.
Who needs a consensus for an argument like this?
Just sign the bill.
Now join our former governor of Vermont, national chairman of the Democratic party, Dr. Howard Dean. Dr.
Dean, thank you for being with us. DR.
Howard Dean, national president of the Democratic Party: Thank you for inviting me.
Stewart: So why do you think Michael Steele has spent so much time sticking to Medicare?
Dean: You know, I don't know, but I'm glad he is, because I think the core of the public insurance option is very much like medical insurance.
This is a project where you can't lose insurance.
You can't get fired from an insurance company.
There is no insurance bureaucracy between you and your doctor.
Effective for everyone.
Cheaper than private health insurance.
You still have it if you lose your job.
If you move, you have.
Health insurance sounds good and I'm glad Michael finally agreed.
I think it's great.
Stewart: Now, the mainstream headline of the past week or so is that if, in fact, the president intends to go through health care reform on his own, he and his party are pushing ahead without Republicans.
Given that the official RNC bill of rights appears to be consistent with the Democratic proposal, what is the real risk?
Dean: no risk.
Look, all the great projects in American history, social security, were done without Republicans.
Health insurance was done without Republican support until they realized at the last vote that they had to join.
So many of the things that help older people in particular are done without Republican support and there will be no political punishment.
If we don't pass a bill, Republicans know that the only political punishment will be affected.
That is why they are not interested in helping to pass the bill.
Stewart: Now, strategically, why do you think Republicans are so focused on targeting the elderly in the debate?
Is it just a political calculation because they are so politically active and the elderly vote?
Of course, this is only a political issue.
Most senior citizens did not vote for President Obama.
They think it is a group that can create doubt. And seniors -
You know, there are some elderly people, not most of them of course, who don't understand that Medicare is actually a government program and that's for them.
The truth is
I hate being mean to any one of the newspapers, but not many people read The Washington Post's edit page, so I don't think Michael's article will let himself go far.
Stewart: Well, I have a friend who is a doctor in Arizona who shared a story with me and he let the patient in and the elderly said, "You know, this health care plan is for me to understand.
They want to cancel my plan.
They wanted to kill me.
"This message works to some extent. Why?
Dean: Well, because some people may be the ones who listen to Republican propaganda, but Republicans are very good at propaganda.
They are very skilled in the opposition.
The problem is they can't manage because you have to be honest if you are going to succeed.
They haven't had it for the last eight years, and they're unlikely as long as they keep on making up. I mean, Sen.
The other day, Grasley was complaining about the rules that killed your grandmother.
He voted for the rule.
Of course, it won't do anything like killing your grandma.
It allows people to end up like this. of-
The life counseling they deserve.
It is wise to do this.
When Republicans make up the majority, it goes through.
Now they are all trying to pretend that it will expand to someone else and it's terrible that they have nothing to do with it. It‘s nonsense.
I mean, when I grew up in this country, Republicans and Democrats could actually sit down and have a sensible conversation.
You may not agree, but you will do well.
The shrinking Republican party is only determined to weaken President Obama.
Unfortunately, you have to destroy the country in order to destroy the president.
I think it's too bad.
Stewart: Let's go back to what everyone likes, Medicare, it's a single-payer system. DEAN: Sure. It‘s a single-payer. A government-
Single payer. STEWART: Yes.
At this point in the debate, the spirit of the times is that even public choices are in trouble.
But, given that this cult of health insurance seems to have come up, who is against a single payer besides the insurance company, and why?
Well, look, I'm against forcing everyone to take health care.
No, I don't think anyone says you should.
Republicans are trying to pretend we will-
First of all, they will pretend that we will force everyone to take medical insurance.
And then they say how bad health insurance is.
Now, they say how great health insurance is.
The problem is that there is not much truth on their side.
In fact, what President Obama wants to do is give you a choice.
You can have the same choice as people over 65.
You can take part in health insurance or similar public options.
Or you can buy your private insurance as you like.
You have this choice.
This is the real meaning of this bill.
We are not asking Congress to reform health care.
We ask Congress to give Americans the opportunity to reform health care at the pace they want.
Let them choose the right thing for their families, don't force them into these insurance companies that kick them out if they get sick, and if they get sick, they won't get rid of them if they lose their jobs.
Let's give people the opportunity to take part in activities like health insurance and register.
The public insurance option isit is like medical insurance.
You can choose.
Keep your stuff.
Get something else in the private system.
We will help you if you don't have enough money.
But you can also take the money and do something that works really well for people over 65.
Former Vermont governor and chairman of the Democratic National Committee Howard Dean
Thank you for taking the time tonight. Dean. Thank you. thank you. Thanks a lot.
Stewart: after launching a very scary campaign to convince older people that something bad is going to happen with their health care, take a vacationit-just-like-it-
The crowd of Is has moved to another constituency, veterans.
What you have heard
Death group in existence
How about this-
A death book was allegedly written to persuade men and women fighting for the country to consider their options?
Next is Joe Sestak, a congressman.
But one more thing first.
Those who continue the theory that "health care reform is a conspiracy that can kill your grandmother --
They are often called dead.
Of course, their name is a play about what is called a "bird man," and they think that President Obama was not actually born in the United States and therefore not really a president at all.
Both theories are not satisfactory in terms of rationality, but both campaigns are limited to shouting at the edge of the town hall meeting.
Today, for those who are following at home, we can add a member of Congress to the birther crowd.
Republican Congressman Trent Franks from Arizona held a town hall meeting over the weekend.
According to the mohaad daily, he told the crowd that there was a lot of "conflicting evidence about Obama's citizenship" and that he was considering bringing a lawsuit.
Senator Franks, I don't know what to tell you, but Obama's birth certificate is too late. July. The in-
The thing now is to scare the elderly. Try to keep up. (
Business break)
Stewart: Today is the last day of Rachel's favorite government project, "old car for cash", in the summer of 2009.
When we wait to see if the cash exchange for the old car will inject stimulus money again, the refrigerator has a similar plan --cash for cold-
Make machines, dishwashers and clothes
Washing machine.
Thanks to the stimulus plan, the government will offer a rebate of up to $200 for the purchase of efficient household appliances.
No trade this time-
Ins, all of this may be good news for appliance manufacturers, good news for consumers who save money on energy bills, and good news for the environment, and it has no effect on the man standing next to the fridge to endlessly consider which leftovers and frozen entrees are the best 4 meals of the day.
This is not the case in the house. (
Business break)
Stewart: The Republican scared the elderly to death. proposed non-
Course of complete humanityof-
Opponents of health reform are targeting another cherished constituency, veterans.
More than a week ago, Rachel Madu's show exposed a tactics of intimidation issued by Republican Congressman Stephen Buyer, a senior Republican on the House's senior affairs committee.
The congressman buyer wants everyone to know that health care reform means more tax on veterans.
Congressman Joe Sestak, along with Rachel, cited the reform bill that was actually put forward and revealed that.
But you won't take your lime rookie (ph)
Be surprised to learn through your nose that higher taxes are not the latest intimidation tactic against corruption
Reform repertoire.
What are the latest reasons why veterans and all of us who support them should oppose reform?
Something of fear-
The alarmist bookmaker called it a death book for veterans.
It's like a death group, death is the target, except that this book is not a group.
In an editorial in The Wall Street Journal, Jim Tovey, who was the director of the faith office --
Initiative under President George w. Bush
Bush claims that American veterans are now ending their lives with the death book.
Towey claims that the booklet provides a message of "die quickly", citing "guilt"
Induced scenarios such as "I can no longer contribute to my family's happiness.
"I am a heavy financial burden for my family . "
There's a brochure about the end. of-
Life care for veterans
What does the brochure titled "Your life choices" actually say?
Quote "If you are afraid to be a burden, explore these feelings with those who care about you.
Family members often think it is an honor, not a burden, to take care of their loved ones . "
For an evil conspiracy to kill our veterans, it doesn't sound evil or particularly crazy.
But the former vice presidential candidate and the first half
The Alaska governor posted the editorial on her Facebook page and then ended up in a conversation on Sunday morning. (
Start Video Editing)
Male ANCHOR: We are going to do something different here today.
Normally, we will discuss the news, but today, we will tell you something that you may have never heard of, what critics call the book of death ". ”(END VIDEO CLIP)
Ah, critics.
Critics have ignored some key information about the outcome. of-
Life brochure for veterans.
First, the Bush administration's Veterans Administration issued a directive listing guidelines as examples of the types of documents that patients who wish to help draft their living wills should obtain. So it's not new.
Jim Tovey, who invented the brochure to encourage soldiers to put their lives to life, also runs an organization called Aging with Dignity.
The organization has a document called "Five Wishes", which is very similar to the "choice of your life" of VA.
"Short, but very similar. Mr.
Towey has reportedly been trying to sell his "five issues" document to the VA.
So what is the death book scare strategy compared to the death group approach?
Now we are joined by Democratic Congressman Joe Sestak.
He's a retired American. S.
Rear Admiral and supreme-
Former officer in Congress.
He is also challenging Sen.
Alan speckett's Senate seat in Pennsylvania.
Congressman, thank you very much for your time tonight. REP. JOE SESTAK (D-PA)
Alison, it's nice to be here.
Stewart: What is this brochure used by the Department of Veterans Affairs for serious consultation? ill veterans?
How do you react to how it is used politically now?
Frankly, I'm angry.
I think it is absolutely unforgivable to even start to apply any type of fear to veterans, this book is not what it is, very sensible, for individuals, A wise guide is just to walk through and think about issues like living wills --
Or who can I ask for help or make these decisions?
If those who are trying to intimidate veterans in the Bush administration just sit down and see where they really guide them, they will guide them to the rest of the veterans government
The Bush administration denied priority in 2003.
8 veterans, those who happen to make more than $29,000.
Now, 1 million priority veterans are banned from access to any type of health care from the VA. And so under-
The Veterans Administration says 600,000 disability claims are currently overstocked.
In fact, when the Senate comes up with an additional $7 amendment.
5 billion in order to make up for the shortage of medical aid funds from the Veterans Administration, the Republican Party refusedled Senate.
My problem is that our veterans deserve so much.
They should not worry about caregivers, those who take the time to take care of those who come back from Iraq due to brain damage, deliberately lose their jobs so they can take care of their loved ones.
In fact, we passed a bill in the house, which is now sitting in the Senate, waiting to move forward in order to better take care of our veterans.
These unfounded tactics of intimidation are absolutely unforgivable.
Stewart: I hope my next question doesn't sound cold or particularly cynical, but why target veterans?
Is this a changing voting group?
I don't believe it at all.
I think some veterans have the belief that they are often accepted by people who may seem more conservative.
I don't agree, frankly.
If what I learned in the Army is that they are very independent and open
A team with ideas and ideas.
Those in our army who have now retired or left are actually respectful and Frank.
They respect those who do not try to politicize themselves.
The greatest brotherhood I 've ever been involved in is veterans.
In fact, the memory of serving together found the greatest home of all, the home of brave men and women.
Those who tend to abuse, politicize or use it as a political football veteran, I think this strategy of intimidation is absolutely unforgivable and will not be accepted by any veterans organization, and I speak as a whole.
Stewart: I want to ask another question here.
I would like to talk about the Tricare issue that covers the health benefits of veterans.
In today's Washington Post
Ed, RNC Chairman Michael Steele suggested that it needs protection or protection in the current health care debate.
Is Tric in trouble?
Tricare will never be in trouble.
Again, as I mentioned earlier, Section 202 of the House health reform act specifically lists the VA act and Tricare.
Whether you are retired or active, it is absolutely sacred.
In fact, in the past four years of the Bush administration, the Republican administration has tried every year to increase the cost of Tricare for retirees under Tricare.
We ended up not getting an increase this year because we owe those who are active and retired.
No, it's sacred, we just-
I even bet better.
Stewart: member Joe Sezak, thank you so much for being with us.
Thank you for inviting me, Alison.
Stewart: Now, going into the "Countdown", Keith albeman solved the Republican renewal issue with respect to the myth of death and what they call the continuation.
The next show is Kent Jones.
Will is not the way humans really fly --or not.
This is coming. (
Business break)
We are now looking for our flight reporter Kent Jones.
I'm looking for you, Kent.
Kent Jones, pop culture: Hi Alison, how are you? STEWART: Good.
The international bird race is held in the UK on weekends.
That's what you did.
You climb up the dock and jump down, and if you can get in the water 100 metres away, you can win nearly $50,000.
I mean, what's easier?
Just gravity. (Start Video)(voice-over)
Competitors are divided into two categories-
If they dress up as crocodiles, Laurel, and Hardy, or two of the stupidest RAF pilots, believe that their institute of air power has improved significantly.
With a beard, they can fly all the way to Canada or not.
Then there is a glider.
Of course, their smooth machines will lift them to heaven or not. (MUSIC PLAYING)
If I have to watch people fail, I think I 'd rather see them fail in clothes like this.
This is the best effort of the day.
This guy did 99.
8 m, only a few inches short to win the prize.
But he did not.
That's because we shouldn't have this. (END VIDEOTAPE)
Stewart: that lawn chair looked like a good idea at the time.
Jones: It looks like this. Yes. It should be.
Stewart: Missed the belly flop.
Jones: so close. Yes.
Kent, thank you very much. JONES: Sure.
Thanks for watching tonight.
I'm Alison Stewart from Rachel Mado. A reminder -you can E-
Email us at rachel @ msnbc. com. (INAUDIBLE)
ITunes or "Rachel. MSNBC. com.
Keith Olbermann's "Countdown" is now on. Good night.
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