Ableist attacks on John Fetterman

In an extraordinary act of courage, Democratic Senator John Fetterman checked himself into Walter Reed hospital last week in order to treat his clinical depression. 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 {NAME}, 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. Will you chip in $5 a month to power our campaign to hold Fox News accountable for the hate, lies, and ableism and keep it going for as long as it takes? [Yes, I'll chip in monthly.]( [No, I'm sorry, I can't make a monthly donation.]( 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. Will you make a $5 monthly donation to show Fox News these attacks on Fetterman will not stand and to help us demote Fox? [Yes, I'll chip in monthly.]( [No, I'm sorry, I can't make a monthly donation.]( 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 [ 2. Ibid. 3. "Donald Trump Jr. Sparks Fury After Calling John Fetterman a 'Vegetable,'" Newsweek, February 17, 2023 [ 4. "Infographic: Mental Health For Men," Mental Health America, accessed February 20, 2023 [ 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 monthly to power our critical work? [Yes, I'll chip in $5 a month.]( [No, I'm sorry, I can't make a monthly donation.]( --------------------------------------------------------------- PAID FOR BY MOVEON POLITICAL ACTION, . Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to {NAME} on February 21, 2023. To change your email address or update your contact info, [click here](. MoveOn's privacy policy was recently updated. To read our new privacy policy, [click here](. To remove yourself from this list, [click here](.