Besides, what you asked for is not what Red said, he specifically said "opinion" and you changed it.

Elsewhere on the web, this piece does start with the Spin Meter heading. Talk to the Gazette about where they placed it.

The stories I listed from AP are news stories, as you asked. And, one other thing, just because the Gazette puts a story in the news section instead of opinion means nothing anyway, they can choose to do that. That said, I still believe the above is a news story.

What you fail to notice, the stories you list provide context, the words analysis and spin meter, to the title declaring them as an analysis piece.

The story on this page, for this paper, does not. That is the genius of the comments.

If someone is going to complain of conservatives critiquing an AP news story, not an opinion piece or analysis piece, and then bemoan why they don't do the same when a similar AP piece critical of democrats provide an example.

You think your links satisfied your need to provide something, fine. They did not fit the criteria I asked for nor do they meet the criteria as displayed here by this piece.

I am not worried of his criteria, as I said.

Another, AP, Matt Apuzzo, 9/16/09, "Biden`s Water Projects Claim a Stretch." Both of these stories are from the same section of the AP as the one we are commenting on.

RAF, from the same writer as the above, 4/20/09, Andrew Taylor and Calvin Woodward, "Saving Federal Money the Easy Way," fits Red`s criteria. Mocks Obama`s efforts to cut government spending.

From my perspective, there are "opinionated" comments inserted throughout this report but that doesn't mean much of what is reported is not factual. Its certainly no more opinionated than what Fox puts out as "news". The point the article makes is that Republicans seem more concerned with the SIZE of the bill rather than passing meaningful health care reform that will benefit millions of Americans. Some of the Republican ideas I've heard are good, but most fall far short in cutting costs or reducing the stranglehold Insurance Companies currently have on our system. There are certain issues in which both sides have preferred to grandstand instead of doing what needs to be done. Health Care reform is much too important to EVERYONE and grandstanding, like the Republicans have been doing for the most part, does not cut it. Drop the partisan politics and enact some meaningful legislation. If you agree with many experts, our nations future may just depend on it.

I did post it there, and as before, you don`t answer.

Pharm, if you have question on another post/story posse it there, try to stay on topic.

You got on me before about not having three words in a row in one of our discussions, now you are doing the same thing. Red wrote "opinion" didn`t he? You tried to change his statement to news stories, which this is. But, you let him set the criteria, "opinion". You still haven`t answered me as to how term limits, which are unconstitutional, would have stopped Landrieu or anyone else, from selling a vote. Just because you get new people, doesn`t mean they will do anything different.

Pharm, you are like a little kid that hears part of a conversation and starts chiming in, without all the facts. My response was to his comments and you thought you had the whole conversation...just like the chain of command comments, you never got all the facts straight.

He wrote of conservatives complaining, three people posted before him. Being one of them I asked HIM to support his comments by showing a news story from the AP that met HIS comment.

So continue trying to provide details not asked for. I will continue to wait for the the AP story, hidden as a news piece, that is really an opinion story critical of democrats.

Anything else?

Besides the nit-picking about whether the article is news or opinion or analysis, I see there aren't any objections to the actual content of the story. Some Republican congressmen are objecting to the bill based on it's size. They think their constituants are stupid. Why would the length of a bill be an objective measure of it's worthiness?

That is what I said, news story. Red said "opinion" piece, and you let him set the criteria. Is this going to be like the Obama gets Mcchrystals Troop Request, where I gave more than one source to prove he got it before it went through the chain of command, and you still said it did?

Once a majority of Americans no longer understands the difference between journalism and news; when they become able to convince themselves that any 2,000-page bill --regardless of which political party is pushing it-- is a "good thing", then our days as a nation are numbered.

Expect any 2,000-page bill to benefit whoever crafts its legalese. Ask yourself why the stock prices of hospital conglomerates, large health insurers and pharmaceutical giants have been rising as this legislation moves closer to becoming law. Perhaps, this is because those groups clearly understand the legislation they have drafted.

All this article does is show what an utter disgrace the AP has become. They call this a hard news story? WOW; maybe David Horawitz should write an article for the AP from the other side, and they can call that hard news as well! Is it any wonder why so many major media outlets are becoming so lowly regarded these days, and all the major newspapers are going bankrupt?
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Perhaps they can add a few hundred more pages to this bill...Throw in a massive bailout for the news outlets who are carrying the water for them on this legislation!! Might as well; everyone else is getting a big cash grab these days! Grab the cash while you can, and before the whole system collapses!

ummm, on this papers site it is listed under news not opinion. As I said keep trying.

Actually, except for the "iffy' fifth and next to last paragraphs, this is a news story, not opinion. It is a recitation of facts, and occurrences.

The one you are debating said"opinion" piece, not news story. You changed it to a news story.

Yes, these are listed as opinion or analysis stories.

The story listed on this page is portrayed as a news story---big distinction. Keep trying…

Analysis: Biden Shows Lack Of Confidence 8-23-08 Sen. Hilary Clinton an artful dodger 6-20-07. Obama Walks arrogance Line 3-17-08. AP Opinion;Clinton`s Politics of Pity 2-27-08. Maybe not mocking, but definitely denigrating, and all by one of AP`s top opinion writers.

"Funny how conservatives don't seem to notice a opinion piece when it's Democrats being mocked."
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Red please point to a news story from the AP that fits your criteria.

I am surprised that the environmentalists have not cried foul about wasting this much paper.

It's a regular AP analysis feature called SPIN METER.

Yes, this really should be posted in the opinion section.

Panama: Once again, you need to re-read my post. What you said I said was not what I actually said. Please don't be in such a hurry to comment that you don't even know what you're commenting about.

Why isn't this article on the editorial page? This reads more like a column by Stan Milam or Kathleen Parker.

Not a Republican. Never seen Fox news.

Next strawman?

profit off the sick?? THATS sick. its time for single payer health care

Soon, someone will post the ubiquitous "crammed down our throats" comment, and tell us to "wake up".

A new low? Give me a break. Pointing out the Repubs tried and true method of attacking things, not on their merit, but what looks good on tv, is only what the AP is doing.

If that's liberal bias, then I'll take that any day over the fantasy perpetuated by Fox News.

"It's too long to read" is an excuse an 8-year old would make. Everybody knows they have staff to read and summarize the bills for them. Republicans must think their constituants are stupid.

My thoughts exactly, RAF! The Associated Press has always had consistently and unabashedly liberal bias but trying to pass off this commentary as "news" is a new low, even for them.

Just an FYI folks. MOST pieces of legislation are never read by legislators, Republican or Democrat. The Health Care Reform bill is no different that way. Not to mention the fact that they don't write legislation either. That is done by their college age aides or lobbyists. Come to think of it, other than campaign, what the hell do they do?

Panama Red: I guess it is safe to assume you have read all versions so far. Republican's have submitted ideas but by reading the papers you'd never know it. Oh yes, I have read the first two versions and basically threw-up with all the garbage that is in them. Will hold off on the latest one as my eyes couldn't handle all the where-as's and references to sec 1 or part 2 of etc., etc.

Granted that I get mildly irritated by the photo op posing with massive piles of paper, one will note that this is AP's best shot at defending this steaming pile of .... legislation.

Along with term limits, perhaps we could use word count requirements.

Duchess, Congressional members and all govt. employees have 60-70% of their health care costs paid for by our tax money. The public option works for Republican congressional members but they certainly don't want it to be an option for the rest of the country.
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It's not the Democrats fault Republicans don't know how to read. SuperDave claims its an inconvenience to read the entire bill. Gee, I don't know Dave, isn't that part of being a legislator; to read bills up for passage? That's a great excuse for those charged with passing legislation, "Its too big to read so I'll just whine and complain about its size then vote against it."
Hey I have an idea, why don't the Republicans READ the bill, then offer some ideas on how to IMPROVE the legislation. Oh wait, I forgot the Republicans don't have any ideas. They are too busy whining while the few with health care continue paying for the health care of others.
Funny how conservatives don't seem to notice a opinion piece when it's Democrats being mocked.
Health care reform is needed, necessary and effects the lives of all Americans. Its the Republicans who have decided to take a pass on this important legislation. They care more about their ideology than what's important to our country and its citizens.

I still believe if Congress would make me a part of their health care group with the same benefits and cost, I will be happy. No major legislation needed. Just include everybody in the current Congressional health plan.

Interesting how an opinion piece is listed as a news story.

Journalism: The style of writing characteristic of material in newspapers and magazines, consisting of direct presentation of facts or occurrences with little attempt at analysis or interpretation.

The Democrats put out two versions of a bloated, largely unread takeover of the healthcare system, and this article attacks the Republicans for pointing out that inconvenient truth? Give me a break, AP.