Filmmaker Defends 'Go to Hell Barack' Metro Ad
Clements: Phrase designed to capture 'magnitude of anger' at health care reform.
Independent filmmaker Logan Darrow Clements said Wednesday that his decision to use "Go to hell Barack" in a Metro advertisement was borne out of his anger at the state of America's healthcare system -- and where he feels it's headed.
"It was designed to express the magnitude of anger over our move toward socialized medicine," Clements told Patch in a phone interview.
"I'm extremely upset the government is going to take over health care. I'm not mildly upset. I'm extremely upset."
An advertisement for Clements' movie "Sick & Sicker" in the Clarendon Metro station states, "Barack Obama wants politicians and bureaucrats to control America's entire medical system."
It adds: "Go to hell Barack."
The language has drawn the ire of U.S. Rep. Jim Moran, a Northern Virginia Democrat and Obama supporter. Wednesday, Moran called on the Metro board to remove the ad. A Metro spokesman, citing case law, said the transit authority could not pull an ad based on its political content.
"My position is that I'm pretty outraged that the government wants to get between me and my doctor -- to basically hold my life in their hands," Clements said.
"When it's all said and done… we'll be in a system likes Canada's. Some bureaucrat is going to have my life in his hands. That's outrageous. That's where we're headed. Medical decisions in America are going to be made by politicians and bureaucrats, not doctors and patients."
Clements, who is based in Los Angeles, believes the problems with this country's healthcare system began with the introduction of Medicare and Medicaid. The country should move toward a market-based system, he said, to keep costs down and quality up.
So far, the advertisement is only running in the Washington metro area -- and just in the Clarendon Metro station. The ad went up Feb. 13 and will run through March 11.
Clements said he picked the Clarendon station to display his ad because it was "affordable." The advertisement cost about $800, according to the Washington Post.
"I'm an independent, struggling filmmaker. I can't afford to spend a ton of money like Michael Moore," Clements said. "In fact, I basically positioned my movie as the antidote to Michael Moore's movie 'Sicko.' "
Clements supports Texas Congressman Ron Paul's presidential bid, and considers himself an objectivist -- a follower of Ayn Rand's philosophy -- rather than a conservative or libertarian.
Paul drew an estimated crowd of 2,500 to a Springfield, Va., rally this week. He and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney are the only two Republicans who will be on Virginia's ballot on Super Tuesday.
John Lovaas
7:17 am on Thursday, March 1, 2012
This Republican film maker wants some cheap publicity. Patch and Metro provide it when his work in films obviously would not. The rant does not add much to the quality of public policy discourse, but like any citizen, he has the right to express it.
And it is his right to be wildly inaccurate or blow hot air--as he does here. The Affordable Health care Act in fact expands Americans access to and choices in health care. And, no, bureaucrats don't make care choices, people and the physicians they choose do.
What Republicans like Clements really resent most is that Mr. Obama's initiative makes health care, including life saving preventive care to all. Over thirty million more Americans will have this basic human right. No wonder this guy is angry!
Publius Publicola
10:44 am on Thursday, March 1, 2012
"The Affordable Health care Act in fact expands Americans access to and choices in health care."
Wrong. remember when the President stated 'If you like your Doctor, you can keep your Doctor? My Doctor retired because of the bill. I know several businesses in the NoVA area that are planning, because of the lower costs, to dump their employees into the state system and pay the fine instead of paying higher premiums because the fine is about half the cost.
"And, no, bureaucrats don't make care choices, people and the physicians they choose do. "
Bureaucrats make choices in Medicare now. In fact, Medicare is the largest single denier of health care claims in the U.S. already.
John j.
11:36 pm on Thursday, March 1, 2012
First of all health care quality will drop, or it will be rationed, go back and take an economics course. Second study history and read the constitution and bill of rights, subsidized health care is NOT a right! When this great experiment in progressive wandering doesn't work to cut costs YOUR health care will be cut via quality or service or both. Simple economics, I want my freedom back before I lose good health and more freedom!
USMCvet
8:45 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
What is truly interesting is his fake anger over government interference.
WHY IS HE NOT TAKING A POSITION OF THE GOVERNMENT BEING INVOLVED IN GAY RIGHTS AND ESPECIALLY ABORTION?? THIS IS GOVERNMENT INFRINGEMENT AT ITS HIGHEST!! DOES HE REALIZE HE IS EXTRAORDINARILY HYPOCRITICAL???????
Justine van Engen
7:57 am on Thursday, March 1, 2012
It is sad that we have lost the ability to respect the office of President regardless of our ability to support the person who holds that office.
With regard to objectivism and Ayn Rand, there are two novels that can change a bookish fourteen-year old's life: The Lord of the Rings and Atlas Shrugged. One is a childish fantasy that often engenders a lifelong obsession with its unbelievable
heroes, leading to an emotionally stunted, socially crippled adulthood,
unable to deal with the real world. The other, of course, involves orcs.
Mike James
8:29 am on Thursday, March 1, 2012
Good one, Justine!
Bob
9:20 am on Thursday, March 1, 2012
Agreed Justine. Democrats didn't seem to mind publicly saying all sorts of vile things about George Bush so why is Moran so upset that the same is done about a member of his party? Politics isn't a one-way street in America, no matter how much Democrats would like it to be.
Publius Publicola
10:46 am on Thursday, March 1, 2012
@Justine -
Especially coming from a man like Moran, who has said vile and disgusting things in the past (including recently), his statement on this is hypocritical at best.
http://redalexandriava.com/2012/02/02/jim-morans-macaca-moment-video/
Rick Hudson
3:12 pm on Thursday, March 1, 2012
The complaints I here about people not respecting this president are silly considering that democrats (our current President included) and far left hollywood elite are still criticizing, making fun of and disrespecting the last President who has been out of office for 3+ years.
Oh wait that is their first ammendment right, but this guy is a jerk for this. the double standards abound
Justine van Engen
3:31 pm on Thursday, March 1, 2012
Well then, I will tell you what I have told my children when their arguments took a similar turn, it doesn't matter who started it. And, as long as we're resorting to advice I have had to give the youngest members of my household, please check your grammar, spelling and capitalization before submitting your work for evaluation.
Lee
8:31 am on Friday, March 2, 2012
Justine,
It is best not to start sentences with the word, "And".
Just basic grammar.
Justine van Engen
9:15 am on Friday, March 2, 2012
That it is a solecism to begin a sentence with "and" is a faintly lingering superstition. The OED gives examples ranging from the 10th century to the present; the Bible is full of them. However, I appreciate the editorial assistance.
USMCvet
8:47 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
What is truly interesting is his fake anger over government interference.
WHY IS HE NOT TAKING A POSITION OF THE GOVERNMENT BEING INVOLVED IN GAY RIGHTS AND ESPECIALLY ABORTION?? THIS IS GOVERNMENT INFRINGEMENT AT ITS HIGHEST!! DOES HE REALIZE HE IS EXTRAORDINARILY HYPOCRITICAL???????
I find the hypocrisy from the right to be more than extraordinarily over the top, sanctimonious and pompous.
Pegge Bishop
9:05 am on Thursday, March 1, 2012
Mr. Clements, if you would learn the facts about the health care bill maybe you wouldn't get so angry and throw away $800 on an ad full of holes. The bill doesn't put government between you and your doctor -- it ensures that your insurance company doesn't come between you and your doctor. What are the chances you will spend money on a public apology to the President once you learn the facts?
Kim Kolb
9:17 am on Thursday, March 1, 2012
The ad is like flag burning, it's an unfortunate way to exercise the Right to Free Speech (and the apparent corollary Right to Poor Punctuation).
The ad was up for a couple of weeks until Rep. Moran, who has a history of squelching opposing views, made an issue of it and gave the filmmaker well more value and exposure than his $800 worth of Metro ad.
David Bailey
9:45 am on Thursday, March 1, 2012
I am confused by Mr. Clements request. Do the Presidents passion to help so many Americans that can’t afford the type of health care that Mr. Clements is fortunate enough to choose, deserving of such strong language. When is the request, for anyone to go to hell appropriate language and, who should decide?
Mr. Clements chose to use his money to voice his opinion on such a public canvass and in such a negative way that his effort to effect change could not be taken seriously. Name calling and throwing temper tantrums moves no one. Change comes over time and is most effective when those who have the financial advantage like Mr. Clements, use their means to speak up for others who are less fortunate. In the future it is my hope that Mr. Clements is more careful of the words he choose when trying to modify our world for those who are the more fortunate.
Lee
8:39 am on Friday, March 2, 2012
One merely has to look at what Obama is incurring in debt (over $5 trillion now) and passing on to future generations to realize how greedy he is.
Why doesn't he just say he'll give every American household $42,400 to vote for him and charge it to future generations? It's exactly what he's done.
Uncle Smartypants
10:46 am on Friday, March 2, 2012
Lee, if you read the constitution, you'll learn that only the House of Representitives can appropriate federal funds. Yes, the President submits the first budget, but only the house can spend money. A House controlled by Republicans.
Lee
4:45 pm on Friday, March 2, 2012
Uncle Pants
Perhaps you've been under a rock, but the Senate (under Democrat control) has not considered the Budgets passed by the House now for over 1,000 days. This is why the government is being run under continuing resolutions which come up periodically. When they do, it's always the same story. The Democrats and Obama want to increase the deficit. I suggest you keep up with this topic. Hope this helps.
USMCvet
8:51 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Lee, again the right's phoney hypocrisy over who incurred debt.
Bush, incurred more debt than Obama. That's a well known fact by anyone who bothers to do research to find out the facts for themselves. Moreover, if you look over the last 30 years or so of presidential debts, republicans have incurred more debt that democrats. Please stop the lies. You listen to too much Rush and drink too much Limbaugh Lemonade.
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/07/28/us/charting-the-american-debt-crisis.html
USMCvet
8:56 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Lee, it's you who needs to keep up. The House is responsible for fiscal measures. Ever heard of the Appropriations Committee. The Senate HAS NEVER INITIATED BUDGET BILLS IN THIS COUNTRY AND NEVER WILL. THAT'S NOT THEIR JOB!
Perhaps you've been under a rock, but the Senate (under Democrat control) has not considered the Budgets passed by the House now for over 1,000 days, WHICH ARE FULL OF RIDERS AND PORK...FOR THEIR PET PROJECTS AND THE XL PIPELINE. NO THANKS! UNCLE TED IS DEAD AND HIS GOP PORK SHOULD FOLLOW. WHY SHOULD THE SENATE AGREE TO HOUSE INITIATED BUDGETS FOR THEIR PET PROJECTS AND WHILE LOSING THE ARGUMENT OF WHAT'S BEST FOR AMERICANS?? ALSO, WHY AREN'T REPUBLICANS FOR CUTTING SPENDING EVERYWHERE...INCLUDING THE MILITARY BUDGET!!???
Erica
9:53 am on Thursday, March 1, 2012
I understand that people are unhappy about the proposed healthcare reforms, however, like it or not, Mr. Obama is the president of the United States and should be treated with the honor that this position holds. Just a few weeks ago one of my own patients who worked for President Kennedy said that when he or his colleagues would speak to the president on the phone that they would stand up as a matter of respect. Yes, we do have First Amendment rights. They are part of what makes our country great. These rights, however, do not absolve us of the responsibility of decent communication. Respect is key to progress- individual and national.
Lee
4:47 pm on Friday, March 2, 2012
I couldn't agree more. However, the lack of your input when Bush was being attacked by the left is hypocritical and diminishes the credibility of your comment.
USMCvet
9:02 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Lee, did you actually attack Bush for his two phoney wars that me and my wife had to fight in? Wow, Lee, I guess you know where the WMD are because after 10 years, WE STILL HAVEN'T FOUND THEM!!!!!!
David Newton
10:51 am on Thursday, March 1, 2012
Mr. Clements is entitled to his opinion, but his lack of respect for the person and office of the President is what sickens me. I doubt we would see all the disrespectful abuse hurled at the President and his office if he looked more like the majority of Americans. David Newton
The BSD Guy
1:52 pm on Thursday, March 1, 2012
"It was designed to express the magnitude of anger over our move toward socialized medicine," sayeth the overlord of film making. NO IT WASN'T. Hang on to your wigs and keys ladies and gentemen, here comes that two word combination that spells obscenity in the 21st century: SPECIAL INTERESTS.
If you trace the funding of this film it ties right back to right wing insurance lobbies that want to return to the "free market" version of health care where they:
1. Take your monthly payment.
2. Cancel your policy when you have problems.
3. Award their billionaire elite executives mega bonuses.
It's a great system. You take money from someone, and then when service is needed based on the money you've given them, you just drop them. This is a STEAL, literally.
The creator of this film is just another paid-off member of the radical right wing. His language and lack of respect for the President of the U.S. is disgusting. It simply shows you how out-of-control and ridiculous the Republican party has become.
Linda Fairall
2:28 pm on Thursday, March 1, 2012
the level of disrespect that our current president receives is absolutely unprecedented, unconscionable, and appaling. he is THE PRESIDENT - whether or not you agree with his policies, he does deserve a modicum of respect. HMMMMM I WONDER WHY ALL THESE WHITE CONSERVATIVES THINK IT'S FINE TO BE SO RUDE TO THIS PRESIDENT IN PARTICULAR???? sooooooo weirrrrrrrrrd. :P
Sidenote, I can not wrap my brain around how on EARTH these people can look at the FANTASTIC government operated health care systems in Canada, South Korea, all of Europe, etc. and still think it's evil and uneffective?!?! our healthcare system is operated on one thing: GREED. and people are suffering because of it. it's disgusting, and it needs to be fixed, and until Republicans can offer a real solution that doesn't make putting more money in the pockets of the healthcare lobby it's priorty, then people like this ass hat need to keep their mouths SHUT.
Kathy Keith
8:47 am on Friday, March 2, 2012
First, I hate the ad. I think it is always inappropriate to refer to the President with disrespect. But, please, do you not remember how Bush was treated? It was lots worse than this. Reagan and Carter were also ridiculed unmercifully.
Next, have you actually talked to anyone who has experienced Canadian health care? Canadians wait months and months for operations and medical procedures readily available here. As far as the healthcare system in "all of Europe". Do you not read the papers? Europe is broke, and the healthcare system is a major contributor to the problem. Have you talked to the English people? Lots of complaints there, too. Europe is desperately trying to fix these problems and is looking at other options.
I don't argue that our system needs help--but this Affordable Healthcare Act is not it.
I also don't understand why young working women get free birth control with no co-pay, while Senior citizens have to pay for life-saving medications. To me, that is a pretty significant difference. I have no problem with free birth control for those who cannot afford it--but most working women can afford it.
Something is wrong with this picture.
Terry Lee
9:19 am on Friday, March 2, 2012
You are so right, Linda. That's why many Americans fly to Canada, South Korea, and all of Europe for their medical care. The United States government should provide the best medical care in the world for free, with non-partisan government medical experts making impartial decisions on the appropriate medical procedures for each patient, regardless of their ability to pay or immigration status.
You are also correct about all those white conservatives failing to show appropriate respect to President Obama. Congressman Connolly said it best:
http://campaign2012.washingtonexaminer.com/blogs/beltway-confidential/democrat-religious-leaders-shame/379456
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGJzRdgwQRQ
Linda Fairall
3:39 pm on Friday, March 2, 2012
Kathy, give me a BREAK. yes, we ridiculed Bush....because he's an illiterate ass. But people RARELY belittled him to his face, because we have a respect for the office of President. Please do not even try to tell me that ANYONE, at ANY TIME ever did something so disrepectful as to shove their finger in the President's face (and then claim it was because she "FELT THREATENED." By the PRESIDENT.) Nor has a congressman ever had the audacity to yell out, at the President, during an official address in Congress, "YOU LIE!" The level of disrepect for our President is disgusting, and absolutely UNPRECEDENTED. PERIOD. and yes, it is because he is African-American - whether consciously or subconsciously, there is no other reason that white conservatives in this country are suddenly treating our President with such little respect and it's absolutely abhorrent. (and if you don't believe it's a racial thing, then you are EXTREMELY naive). how dare you even ATTEMPT to compare the total disregard for the office of President of the United States that is happening now to any other time in our history. it's unconscionable.
Elizabeth Amy Miller
7:57 am on Friday, March 2, 2012
We already have rationed health care, people who can't afford it don't get it.
We already have bureaucrats standing between us and our doctors, they work for the insurance companies.
I wish the Dems had held out for Single Payer, but I'll definitely take Obama Care over what we have now!
Elizabeth Amy Miller
8:50 am on Friday, March 2, 2012
Lee, do you think perhaps the debt may have something to do with the fact that our country is fighting a war in Afganistan, and was until recently fighting a war in Iraq, and instead of RAISING taxes to pay for those wars, our legislature cut them?
Because I can do basic math, and I can see that we incurred large expenses and didn't raise revenue to pay for them. The war being the large expense. I would love to hear you shriek if, God Forbid, anyone tries to raise your taxes to pay for the war.
Publius Publicola
4:21 pm on Friday, March 2, 2012
@Elizabeth -
You do realize that the 2009 stimulus cost more than the Iraq war.
Lee
4:52 pm on Friday, March 2, 2012
Lee,
Happy to educate. The Iraq and Afghanistan wars amounted to between 2% - 4% of the annual budget. Current revenue to the US are the highest in history. But, since Obama has taken office, he has increased expenses approximately 40%. And his 4 years of deficits and projected defictes are higher than in 28 years of Reagan,Bush, Clinton, and Bush
USMCvet
8:58 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
LEE WILL NOT TELL YOU THE TRUTH. SO I WILL PRESENT THE TRUTH ABOUT WHICH PARTY AND WHICH PRESIDENT IS SPENDING OUT OF CONTROL
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/07/28/us/charting-the-american-debt-crisis.html
Lee
2:37 pm on Wednesday, March 7, 2012
USMCvet - Thank you for your service. But in Debate 101, one learns to cite referenceable sources for data, not opinion rags. Let's go to Obama's own budget submission where I get my information from and you call a lie. I guess you're calling Obama a liar . . . http://www.gpoaccess.gov/usbudget/fy11/pdf/hist.pdf pages 22 and 23 . Here we learn the details of his record spending, and his record $5.3 trillion deficit. Isn't it odd that the Iraq war effort has diminished but the spending budget continues to increase to record levels. Perhaps, the Wars have little to do with Obama's record spending.
Uncle Smartypants
3:05 pm on Wednesday, March 7, 2012
"his record spending" --- "his ... deficit" --- "Obama's record spending"
Lee - THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES CANNOT SPEND OR BORROW MONEY. WHY CAN'T YOU GET YOUR MONOCHROME MIND AROUND THAT CONSTITUTIONAL FACT? Now, I want you to stop trolling Patch for the rest of the day and write the following:
"Article 1, Section 8 - Powers of Congress: The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;To borrow money on the credit of the United States;" - Write that 100 times on a piece of paper. But do it mindfully. Really think about what those words mean. Hope this helps.
Lee
5:11 pm on Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Relax, Uncle Pants! I'd be upset if I were an Obama supporter too, but try to unclench your teeth and follow along.
The Senate has trampled on the Constitution and not passed a budget in over 1,000 days. It has received budgets passed by the House repeatedly, but rather than negotiate as the Constitution requires, Harry Reid and the Democrat controlled Senate have decided to try and circumvent the Constitution for political reasons and not even address budget issues. This has left the US to be run via continuing resolutions. The operational budget being used is the one Obama submitted to Congress which I have referenced above. I would suggest you read a bit about this and find out how the Constitution is being circumvented. No charge for the Government lesson. Let me know if you have any other misconceptions.
Jefflz
11:41 am on Friday, March 2, 2012
This is a continuation of right wing disrepect for the President because he is black. This so called "film-maker" is a disgrace to his country.
Publius Publicola
4:14 pm on Friday, March 2, 2012
When the left has NOTHING to fall back on, use the race card. Nice. How about the fact that the Administration is asking for $111 billion more for the law now and the law hasn't been enacted yet.
The BSD Guy
1:45 pm on Friday, March 2, 2012
The film is stupid, people. The American health care system is NOT socialized, and its not like Canada's. What this guy has done is a very biased critique of the Canadian health care system and then concluded that ours is the same, when it isn't.
To put it in a clearer light, consider the following example: An individual does an in depth review of a car, and then lists all of its faults. He summarizes all the faults of the car and concludes the car is poorly made, and then caps off his review with the conclusion that Harley Davidson Motorcycles are poorly made.
Huh??? What does a motorcycle have to do with the car you just reviewed? Nothing of course, except they're both vehicles. The twisted logic behind the film is to simply take broad generalizations about one thing and come up with conclusions about another.
The film is simply more "sales tricks" being used by the Republican's and their special interests in the insurance industry to con their gullible base into believing this is yet another vast conspiracy being waged against all those poor, unfortunate, and highly picked on billionaire elites.
.... Fifty bucks says Christine O'Donnell, Sarah Palin, Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, and Sean Hannity, among others, will use this film as a "factual reference" and of course the gullibles will blindly believe them, like always.
Publius Publicola
4:16 pm on Friday, March 2, 2012
@BSD -
Under this law, we are headed in the direction. That's the point of the movie. You do realize the Medicare is the largest single denier of health care claims in the country don't you? Rationing is why the IPAB was created.
Elizabeth Amy Miller
4:30 pm on Friday, March 2, 2012
@Publius, you do know that much of the stimulus under Obama has been paid back, right? You do know that the biggest part of the stimulus happened under Bush, right?
Medicare is also the biggest single payer of claims, it's not surprising that they've also been a large denier.
Terry Lee
7:56 pm on Friday, March 2, 2012
Elizabeth, I did not know that much of the stimulus under Obama has been paid back. Could you tell us who paid the money back, and how much?
Publius Publicola
5:08 pm on Friday, March 2, 2012
@Elizabeth -
I am talking about the 2009 Stimulus that was passed by the Democrats during Obama's term. That was new spending and didn't have anything to do with Bush. Having said that, Bush, a believer in the failed Keynesian economic theory as well as Obama, had two to three rounds of smaller stimulus himself on his watch which was separate from Obama.
The point being that there are spending items that are larger than what we are spending in Afghanistan and what we spent in Iraq.
Medicare was passed in the 1960s with the promise by Democrats that its cost would not exceed $12 billion dollars.
The BSD Guy
2:23 pm on Saturday, March 3, 2012
I have NEVER seen any economic plans from Republicans that have ever made any sense. "The magical invisible hand of the free market will come out of the sky and automatically and correctly regulate everything" is NOT an economic policy, its idiocy.
Republicans all too frequently like to forget that all the problems we've had have been or their own making. Perhaps this is why there's so much screaming and finger pointing at Obama ... if they do it loud enough and long enough, perhaps they hope, people will begin to absorb the idea that all the problems they've caused are someone else's fault.
.... and then hopefully, think the Republicans, they can return to power and continue believing in magical economic theories and continuing to fail to recognize the consequences of their continually ill-begotten plans.
Beck Lomax
7:36 pm on Saturday, March 3, 2012
Wow, I am amazed at all of the attention that this single add for a B-movie is getting. Looks like the filmmaker will be getting his dollar's worth from all the publicity. He couldn't have done any better if he had called the President a slut who wants to be paid to have sex.
But all that aside, why do we tolerate vulgar, pedophile-like images for Abercrombe and Fitch, but become irate over the use of the phrase "go to hell?" Do we care less about children than we do political figures?
USMCvet
9:07 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Do Not Listen to Lee and his phoney "Democrats run up the deficit argument".
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/07/28/us/charting-the-american-debt-crisis.html
Plus, if the GOP was serious about not pandering to us military folks for our vote, because the do, they would cut military spending. There is SOOOOOO much unbelievable waste and fraud in the military, you guys would not believe it, but unfortunately, the authors of the books who write about this don't make it into mainstream media.
On another point, Clements is opening this up to attack a GOP president should one ever get into office. Turnabout is fair play.