You should expect to go to work and return home safetly to your family….
That IS a given….
But UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson didn’t make it….
The media did headlines on the shooting in broadaylight in the heart of Manhattan…
But then?
Something began to happen on social media…
Comments that showed NO regard for Thompson ….
Saying…He, as a healthcare insurance leader deserved his fate….
Huh?
Turns out that there ARE a LOT of Americans are NOT happy with how they are delth with by the American Healthcare Insurance companies…
By the way?
This IS message to those in Congress who keep going back to thinking about getting rid of Obamacare or the two guys looking to make massive cuts that might hurt insurance coverage, or…push a LOT of people to NEED more healthcare coverage when they lose their jobs and coverage…
The killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on a Manhattan street is the latest moment to shine a light on the tensions roiling American life.
On social media in particular, some users gloated about the killing— a reaction they framed as rooted in their enmity for the health insurance industry. That, in turn, brought rebukes from others who condemned those responses inhumane, especially in the circumstances.
But in between those two poles, the furor was a reminder of two truths.
First, there is a widespread perception that health insurance companies are characterized by avarice and callousness. Second, there is a danger of such simmering anger boiling over into violence, especially at a moment when society at large is in such a febrile state.
For example, a national poll a year ago found that almost 1 in 4 Americans agreed with the statement that “true American patriots may have to resort to violence in order to save our country.”
These cross-currents are clashing in the Thompson death amid a situation where much remains unclear….
…
Shell casings at the scene had words written on them with marker, according to The Associated Press, said to have included “Depose,” “Deny” and “Defend.”
Those terms are often used to describe health insurance companies’ tactics to avoid paying out claims for medical treatment. A 2010 book critical of the industry by Jay Feinman was titled “Delay Deny Defend” and was subtitled, “Why insurance companies don’t pay claims and what you can do about it.”
In one macabre side effect of the killing, the book appears to be experiencing a minor sales surge, with different editions occupying the top four spots on Amazon’s list of “business insurance” bestsellers Thursday evening.
The killing of Thompson, whose annual compensation package exceeded $10 million, drew instant, sardonic comment from some social media users.
“Thoughts and sympathy today to all of those who have lost loved ones, because they were denied insurance claims by #UnitedHealthcare,” wrote on such user….
Do people not understand that the purpose of a health insurance company is to make money for their shareholders?
It’s no secret.Indeed private companies are always upfront that such is their primary reason for existing
I remember back during the debates over national health insurance that “ polls” consistently showed that people “ liked” their health insurance.
What’s there not to “ like?”
Socialists and those who might think positively about socialism truly do not accept that purpose. They view the concept of profit as a negative. This is not really a new thing for them. Of course, the idea that anybody would celebrate a murder is a horrible thing to think about, but there we are as a society.
In the era of Trump, America has moved to the left on economic and free market matters. There are elements in both parties who believe the “elite” are out to deliberately hurt and destroy “working people.” Previously, this was only the view of the far left.
What about “whete we are as a society” when people are denied life saving coverage due to profit.
This asshole shouldn’t be dead. But maybe he shouldn’t have lived a life that resulted in so many not caring that he’s dead.
I do not think we know anything about his life, either personally or professionally to surmise he was an a-hole. We also do not know why he was killed. All of this anti-insurance messaging might have been a red herring on behalf of the killer.
People should not be denied “life saving coverage” but I do not know the specifics of such a claim. We do have a public safety net for people who cannot afford coverage and of course for several years now for people who wish to have it regardless. It is government run health care in places that it exists that often ration or deny care based on arbitrary factors.
Unites Health Carr had a claim denial rate three times that of most other carriers.
Since his murder Anthem has announced they will change their policy on anesthesiology claims.
I don’t celebrate when mob bosses grt killed either. But it’s no surprise when it happens.
There is not any realistic chance a company decided to change a business practice or policy in the immediate aftermath of his murder. People might just be finding the timing coincidental. Large companies do not do anything right away.
If people are counting on murders or violence to get companies to do what they think they should be doing, they are really not good people.
Comparing this guy to a “mob boss” is pretty vile.
That is precisely the kind of thing an an anti-abortion extremist would say if an abortionist is murdered. Not to be “celebrated” but “understandable.”
As a Pro-Life person, I always found that sort of rhetoric to be abhorrent and counterproductive. A cold blooded killing is never “understandable.”
“Abortionost” isn’t a real world outside of right wing circles.
They are OBGYN physicians and they have saved or improved far more lives than any insurance CEO ever has.
Should say “word” not “world”
There are doctors who only perform abortions and nothing else. I think it is an accurate word, but I am not a medical expert. If you think abortions are always ok, you should be fine with the term, just like proctologist, oncologist, orthodonist, etc.
I said “it’s no surprise”. Don’t put words in my mouth. As you are crying over Brian Thompson I’m sure the Manhattan DA is shedding a tear too that you aren’t in the potential jury pool. Maybe the 10% at most of people Americans who are still trickle down Republicans who think the Iraq invasion was a stroke of genius should be his target.
Yes, it is a surprise. If you think there were political motives behind it, it was also an act of domestic terrorism. But I am not “crying” over it. I think it is horrible when any innocent person is a victim of a crime. This was a cold blooded murder.
And while like everyone else, I only have “theories”, I think the motive may have nothing to do with the insurance industry and that his job was used as a cover to hide the true motive.
Now, you are talking about Iraq for some reason I cannot figure out and talking about “targets.”
Look, I understand this past month has been difficult for a lot of people, myself included, but you seem to really be in the need of some help right now.
Very.uncalled for comment CG.
I’ve barely been posting and have been enjoying “real life” since the disappointment of the election.
You have no basis in your comment other than frustration that your worldview is not shared by hardly any of the electorate–left or right.
You are about as coherent on here today as jamesb.
Another comment in moderation.
Don’t blame me. My thoughts and prayers were denied coverage.
Is this “Manhattan DA jury pool” cryptic comment about the Thompson murder or about the subway choking trial and the deadlocked jury? Maybe I am better off not knowing.
Get a grip CG. You know damn well I’m referring to how hard it’s going to be for the Manhattan DA to find a “hang him high” type jury for this crime.
Nothing “cryptic” about it.
No, I really do not know what you are trying to say. The Manhattan DA has a reputation of being soft on violent crime, and I think that is somewhat justified.
He also has the issue of the Trump prosecution there which I think was politically motivated and contributed a lot to the horrible outcome of him becoming President again.
But today specifically, the Manhattan DA office seems to mostly be focused on the Penny trial.
It is true I do not share a “worldview” that somehow, despite protests to the contrary, people seem to take some sort of satisfaction over the murder of a father of two on an American street.
I also do not like the fact that the incoming President and Vice President think the Iraq invasion was without justification.
What does being a father have to do with anything? Drug dealers sho get gunned down have kids too.
Drug dealers are criminals. Of course, anybody who kills a drug dealer should also be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Brian Thompson was not a drug dealer and was not a criminal. He was the innocent victim of a murder. I hope they find the person or persons responsible and we can then determine the motive.
A business person or someone who engages in the pursuit of profit via legal means is definitely not a “mob boss” or “drug dealer” but there seems to be some disconnect between those obvious views, which would be shared by the vast majority of Americans, and people on an extreme left anti-capitalist fringe.
You know for sure Thompson wasn’t a criminal?
Brian Thompson WAS being investigated for selling stock via inside trading….
The social media pushback isn’t about JUST HIM….
It IS about living Amwericans trying to ng to stay healthy….
Insurance works off the concept of a ‘pool’ to cover those who need coverage…
IIt’s private business so it makes a profit…
But when one hears of HOW MUCH profit after the pool covers claoms and top bosses making in the million when some people get stuck with humongous bills?
They get PISSED….
No one deserves to get shot off this….
But Insurance needs to be available and resaonable for those who need it and don’t make in the six or seven figures….
Again?
LEAVE Obamacare the fuck alone…..
Oh?
The NYPD WILL find this guy…..
They clear high profile crime cases….
This site is difficult to navigate on a mobile device. Thus my “imcoherence”
And while James merits some mocking at times you are downright cruel to him.
If it makes you feel better to aim some of that at me go ahead. It’s Friday and I’m actually in a good mood. Better spirits than your average health insurance CEO I would even bet!
What too soon?
The spirits may be flowing.
Stone cold sober my friend.
Yes Scott….
The loss HAS taken some of the fun out of posting….
But I’m concentrating on tearing DOWN the media hype and bull shit concerning what Trump and minions say and what they can ACTUALLY DO…..
People forgot the mess Trump was first time….
This time people will be WAITING….
I think Tim Walz said it better in reference to the murder of one of his state’s citizens.
“This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota.”
I agree. Besides the personal tragedy for this man’s family and loved ones, the murder of a health care company CEO, for reasons that might be related to his job, is not going to do anything to improve the health of anybody. In fact, if there is political terrorism associated with this crime, it will make it harder for sick people to get appropriate coverage and treatment.
Yes I would expect a politician to say that.
I’m just being honest here. People get murdered by guns all the time in this country.. Thoughts and prayers. As long as theiy are in network of course.
So, you think Tim Walz is joining you in finding some sort of vindication over this murder?
I give him more credit than that.
If they ever find the killer (or additionally whomever might have hired the killer), and of course I hope they find him/them, I have zero doubt that a Manhattan jury would convict on first degree murder charges.
Like I said–thoughts and co-prayers. After the deductible of course.
Slain UnitedHealthcare CEO Was Accused Of Insider Trading Amid DOJ Probe
Brian Thompson dumped more than $15 million in stock before a federal antitrust investigation into the insurance giant was publicly revealed, a lawsuit claims.
….
“UnitedHealth was aware of the DOJ investigation since at least October 2023. Instead of disclosing this material investigation to investors or the public, UnitedHealth insiders sold more than $120 million of their personally held UnitedHealth shares,” the suit filed by the City of Hollywood Firefighters’ Pension Fund alleges….
More…
This lawsuit IS still on going…..
The shooter has a Jersey trail which means the FBI IS now involved in the case….
Ironic that this story is getting more coverage than United Health Care ever gave.
It sounds like they might have found this murdering terrorist scumbag at a McDonalds in Pennsylvania. We will find out soon enough.
The McDonalds employee who alerted authorities as to this suspect is definitely McDonalds Worker of the Year.
I said that the NYPD would track this guy down….
High profile criminals seldom escape arrest…
The NYPD did not track him down,
A McDonalds employee did. He was in a different state. Hopefully, this McD employee is treated like a hero.
Keep all Penn grads out of PA McDonalds (Trump and Mangione)