America Quote by Keith Olbermann
![“What would you do, sir, if terrorists were killing 45,000 people every year in this country? Well, the current health care system, the insurance companies, and those who support them are doing just that…Because they die individually of disease and not disaster, [radio host] Neal Boortz and those…” quote by Keith Olbermann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1b0/keith-olbermann-10325_america_what-would-you-do-sir-if-terrorists-were_2349340.jpg)
“What would you do, sir, if terrorists were killing 45,000 people every year in this country? Well, the current health care system, the insurance companies, and those who support them are doing just that…Because they die individually of disease and not disaster, [radio host] Neal Boortz and those who ape him in office and out, approve their deaths, all 45,000 of them - a year - in America. Remind me again, who are the terrorists?”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Television commentary, 2006
The quote equates systemic failures in healthcare with terrorism, arguing that preventable deaths caused by profit‑driven policies are a form of mass violence.
In simple terms: Health system failures are likened to terrorism.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge policies that cause preventable deaths.
Themes
healthcare
ethics
politics
social justice
Mood
angry
urgent
critical
Type
political
activist
analytical
When to use this quote
- policy reform
- public health advocacy
- legislative lobbying
- community education
- media criticism
Key Concepts
systemic violence
policy failure
moral responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we hold institutions accountable without polarizing debate?
- What concrete steps can reduce preventable deaths?
A Different Perspective
The analogy may oversimplify complex issues and alienate stakeholders.
![“What would you do, sir, if terrorists were killing 45,000 people every year in this country? Well, the current health care system, the insurance companies, and those who support them are doing just that. [...] Because they die individually because of disease and not disaster, [radio host] Neal…” quote by Keith Olbermann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ce9/keith-olbermann-10325_america_what-would-you-do-sir-if-terrorists-were_411513.jpg)
![“On so many levels [S.E. Cupp]’s a perfect demonstration of the necessity of the work Planned Parenthood does.” quote by Keith Olbermann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a98/keith-olbermann-10325_demonstration_on-so-many-levels-s-e-cupp-s-a-perfect-d_133079.jpg)
![“I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. [salutes]” quote by Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d2/bill-hicks-970_america_i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumor_655.jpg)
