A New York Times reporter visited Yellow Dog Republican Bentonville to sample the mood on Obamacare and the possibility of a government shutdown by Republicans who won’t accept the law of the land.

Headline summary: ‘frustration but no panic’

Advertisement

My takeaway from the anecdotal sampling: Misinformation about the Affordable Care Act is epidemic. It IS too complicated to explain in a minute or less and the disingenuous and dishonest talking points break through the clutter where more comprehensive facts don’t. But weariness with partisan warfare is evident, too.

“The Republicans and Democrats just hate each other,” said Debbie Casto, 53, a junior high school teacher and coach who lives near Bentonville in Rogers. “They’ve quit trying to decide what’s best for the people in general. It’s all about power. So I’m not happy with any of them.”

Steve Cook, 46, a conservative who is not necessarily a Republican but not necessarily a Democrat, watches Bill O’Reilly on Fox News but talks, on the issue of a government shutdown, like President Obama.

“You’re holding the country hostage,” Mr. Cook said of the Republican tactic of tying the House spending bill to financing for the health care law. “I mean, Obamacare has passed. I don’t like it personally. A lot of other people don’t like it. But what’s law is law and you abide by the law of the land. I just don’t think that’s a smart political move, to hold the country hostage so you can jab back at Obama.”

Speaking of Obamacare: This is a good overview of the news, mostly good, about insurance premiums in the new exchanges. But, yes, some people will pay more, along with the millions who will either 1) have health insurance at last or 2) pay less.

Advertisement

Be a part of something bigger

As a reader of the Arkansas Times, you know we’re dedicated to bringing you tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, we've been fighting the good fight in Little Rock and beyond – with your support, we can do even more. By becoming a subscriber or donating as little as $1 to our efforts, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers to expand our coverage and continue to bring important stories to light. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, it's clear that our readers value our great journalism. Join us in the fight for truth.

Previous article Show your spirit with help from Ann Potter Baking Next article Official secrets: Exxon and the University of Arkansas