Content warning: This draft includes quotes from right-wing figures using
ableist language.

Dear MoveOn member, 

In an extraordinary act of courage, Democratic Senator John Fetterman
checked himself into the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center last
week in order to treat his clinical depression.^1

But instead of commending Fetterman for his openness, transparency, and
bravery, Tucker Carlson and Fox News used Fetterman's medical condition to
launch a nasty, ableist attack. 

Fox News' #1 disseminator of conspiracy theories and lies, Tucker Carlson,
called him "unfit" and baselessly claimed Fetterman's wife was using him
in a "lust for power."^2

Donald Trump Jr. even went so far as to call Fetterman a "vegetable."^3

John, Fox News is creating and spreading a hateful culture of
ableism where people who seek treatment for life-and-death medical issues
are mocked, demeaned, and bullied. 

We cannot let Fox News get away with it. That's why MoveOn is demanding
cable service providers make the Fox News channel optional. Our petition
has already been signed by more than 89,000 people—but we need your help
to take our campaign to the next level. 



[ [link removed] ]Will you chip in $3 today to hold Fox News accountable
for the hate, lies, and ableism?



Our culture has long downplayed the importance of mental health and often
downright demeans people—especially men—who seek treatment for
depression. 

Because of this culture of ableism—and baseless and patriarchal beliefs
that men should not discuss their emotions—men are far less likely to seek
help for depression, substance abuse, and stressful life events.^4

Consequently, men are four times more likely than women to die by suicide,
and roughly 80% of all deaths by suicide in America are men.^5

That's why it's so remarkable and brave that Fetterman has chosen to
openly share his diagnosis and treatment. 

We should all be grateful to Fetterman for setting an example. And it
should be a reminder to us all that health care—including mental health
care—is a human right that we all deserve. 

But instead, Fox News has yet again stooped to a new low and used this as
an opportunity to degrade Fetterman. 

It's up to us to push back against these despicable attacks. 



[ [link removed] ]Will you give $3 today to show Fox News these attacks on
Fetterman will not stand and to help us demote Fox?



Thanks for all you do.

–David, Jensine, Allison, Alexis, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. Fox News pundits seem hell-bent on punishing John Fetterman for having
depression," Vanity Fair, February 17, 2023
[link removed]

2. Ibid.

3. "Donald Trump Jr. Sparks Fury After Calling John Fetterman a
'Vegetable,'" Newsweek, February 17, 2023
[link removed]

4. "Infographic: Mental Health For Men," Mental Health America, accessed
February 20, 2023
[link removed]

5. Ibid.


Want to support MoveOn's work? Voters just defied history and stopped a
MAGA wave of extremism at the polls. But there is more work to do to end
the filibuster, codify abortion rights into law, and defend our freedoms,
our families, and our futures. We can accomplish all this and more, but
only if we work together. 
 
Will you chip in right now to power our critical work? 



[ [link removed] ]Click here to chip in $3, or whatever you can afford.





--------------------------------------------------------------------------

PAID FOR BY MOVEON POLITICAL ACTION, [ [link removed] ][link removed]?.
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.



You can unsubscribe from this mailing list at any time:
[link removed]