| Ellen is a comedian |
Think about how much better the world would be if people didn't view every positive deed through a negative lens. We could look at any number of causes and say the same, appreciate advocates and show gratitude. |
Maybe not all the time. But advocacy in support of healthcare would have been helpful in the months leading up to the election. |
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You guys are missing the point. Google Jimmy Kimmel on healthcare. His remarks are prompting a media storm...too many links to post. One article says his remarks will put an end to the Republicans' effort to kill obamacare. That's all good.
But what if Jimmy or others had used their platform before the election? What if his baby had been delivered in September? Celebrities do have a platform, and they can have an impact. Glad he's making an impact, but wish it would have happened sooner. The reality is most of you were just simply interested in that clip as "pain porn." Aww, so sweet...Jimmy got choked up and made me cry. That's fine, but it would be better if everyone realized how ridiculous the current system of haves and have nots is AND did something about it. |
There are hundreds of issues out there, op, if not thousands. What are you doing for homelessness? Hunger? The opiod crisis? The Syrian refugee crisis? Christians in Egypt? Ovarian cancer? ALS? The damage the Chinese are doing in Africa? There's always something, and more that can be done. Jimmy spoke up about an issue he cares about, not because he can't afford care for his own child, but because he knows there are families out there who can't. No one would have cared about a comedian speaking about it in September. Last night they heard a new father speaking from the heart and in an influential way. That's a good thing, and shouldn't be waved away because you judge it to be not enough or not at the right time. |
I'm someone who has dedicated my career to advocating and working with and on behalf of people with a certain issue. I'm also the parent of a young adult with significant mental illness, and I lost someone important to me to HIV. Those 3 issues are the ones that I know the most about, I do the most advocacy about, and I donate the most money too. But there are many other issues out there that I know are equally important. Homelessness, clean water in the developing world, certain environmental issues, refugee issues, etc . . . I value these things, I take then into account when I vote, and I might give some money towards an issue here or there, but even though I acknowledge that they are very important, I don't understand them to the same degree that I understand my three primary issues, and I don't have the time or money to support them at the same level. Is that because I think that preventing perinatal HIV transmission in Africa is more important than the safety of refugees? No, it's just that I can't do everything. Do I believe that young adults with schizophrenia deserve less or more of our support than newborns with life threatening heart issues? No, it's just that I have the first hand knowledge to make the most impact on one of those issues. In 2 minutes of googling, I found out that less than a year ago, Kimmel held an event to advocate for and raise money for homeless youth. That's a pretty important cause, in my book. To judge him because, out of all the things he advocated for, he didn't spend enough time on pediatric heart conditions, is absurd. |
I'm not judging him. I'm glad he did it. Hosting an event isn't the same as using his tv show. Had he merely hosted an event about congenital heart defects and healthcare, nobody would be talking about it. The clip has gone viral, and there's a media frenzy. By simply using his platform, he will make an impact on the national discourse. That's huge! Imagine if others did the same thing? I'm not saying *he* needs to tackle every issue head on. Although I do wish all people with a platform would do something...anything...publicly (not at private galas, although those do a decent job of raising funds for good programs---I know because I regularly attend them due to my advocacy job and pro bono work). |
| My babies almost died due to a condition that 10 years ago wasn't treatable. Completely tested up at this. |
We are on the same side, but I must point out to you that there was no lack of advocacy by celebrities in this past election. |
He hosted the event on his TV show. |
The clip of him talking about his son has over 5 million views on YouTube in less than 24 hours. Do you think if he filmed some PSA about health care that didn't have a personal story attached to it that it would gain that much traction? People are interested because of the personal connection. The thing you are missing is that his platform is a lot more effective BECAUSE of his story. I mean, I could get on TV and talk about gun control, but I don't think it would be particularly compelling to anyone. If a parent who's child died in Newtown starts talking, people care. If you 'go around using your platform for social change all the time" people will tune you out. |
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I've always loved Jimmy Kimmel, acerbic humor and all. But this one makes me like him more as a human being. Reminds me of my father, tough as nails but a ball of butter when it concerned his kids
He really didn't need to talk about healthcare, considering he can afford to treat his child, pre-existing condition or not. But he took a stance and I like that. I like people who do something, not just criticize. I like all the people who take time out if their lives to speak up, protest injustice. That's how we make a difference. |
Agreed, I wish so many people didn't have to "re-evaluate" once an issue personally effected them. I have no doubts Kimmel is a nice guy, but worrying about health insurance and pre-existing conditions should be a concern for 100% of the population. |
| Bravo Jimmy Kimmel your courage is applauded, we will keep fighting the fight against repealing the ACA. You sir are an American Hero! |
Again...Jimmy was involved with supporting Children's Hospital BEFORE this. He has been outspoken for many years. |