The Obama administration has launched a high-gloss campaign to convince young Americans that being forced to sign up for health insurance will make them”cool, but its pro-Obamacare video contest has already gotten one Bronx cheer.
The Department of Health and Human Services is sponsoring a video contest with The Young Invincibles, a non-profit operating out of the U Street offices of the Center for Community Change, a left/labor activist organization that was founded when Lyndon Johnson was president. Purporting to represent Americans between the ages of 18 and 34, The Young Invincibles claim to perform “cutting-edge policy research” with the goal of “informing and mobilizing our generation and advocating to change the status quo.”
The DHS contest aims to “tap into the creativity and energy of young Americans while raising awareness about the new law and encouraging young people to take advantage of the benefits of health insurance.” Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius’ tool for that job is a 90s-grunge-style video featuring techno-skate music:
The Website continues “With a prize pool worth up to $30,000, and over 100 prizes to be won, this is your opportunity to shine! Cash prizes will be awarded to the creators of the best videos in three distinct categories; so whether you’ve got a talent for short films, writing a great song, or designing an entertaining video infographic, you can be a winner!”
The video promo for the competition urges people to “tell your friends: sign up for health insurance,” while reminding them that “you are NOT invincible”
The song parodist Remy and producer Meredith Bragg have jumped into the contest with a video offering a slightly different spin on Obamacare while channeling the soothing tone and graphics of the Cover Oregon commercials:
A sample of the lyrics:
What’s hated by unions
has businesses wary
and dropping coverage
like the ‘Skins secondary?
Causing thousands of layoffs
taking it’s toll?
What’s so good for people
that they’re forced to enroll?
