patricksoltice

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/19/health/policy/19health.html?ref=health This is the New York Times link.

http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=2704268 This is the National post link

The two articles I have reviewed pertain to the upcoming US health care reform bill in the US House of Representatives. The New York Times article presents facts and comments from the supporters of the bill - the Democrats. The majority of the article is in support of the bill, while only the last paragraph of the article presents the view of those opposed. The quote from the Senate Republican Leader, Mitch McConnell, was more propaganda than fact, speculating and using "hot button" words, such as deficit, rosy, fees and costs, to appeal to emotion rather than logic. The article was biased as the content was heavily weighted for the support of the bill, thus a lack of balance of both sides. The second article in the Canadian National Post from an American writer, Allen Abel, who presents a biased and negative point of view to Canadians about the upcoming health care vote in the US. Words used, such as 'socialism, bleeding hearts and litter basket of Bolshevism' are emotionally charged and have a negative connotation. This article appears to focus on possible negative outcomes, without commenting on the purpose and possible positive outcomes of the bill.

In addition to my articles, Alex, Melissa and Nick also reviewed articles about the US health care reform bill. They identified the bias for and against health care reform in the US, often clearly stated, sometimes using rather negative language. It will be interesting to check newspapers tomorrow ( Monday, March 22nd) to find out the results of the vote.