I’ll admit, when Senator Scott Brown (R-MA) was elected, I wrote healthcare reform off along with the rest of the country. It was such a contentious issue and I just didn’t believe that Democratic Leadership would have the courage to continue pushing. I was wrong and I admit it. This evenings Yahoo! News “Front Page” Picture…
An Interesting Political Calculation
It’s official. Healthcare reform is going to happen. Regardless of how obnoxious the reconciliation process is, the times are a changin’. I’m disturbed by how truly awful the debate has been. It has brought out some of the worst qualities in the American people and in our elected officials. “Baby Killer” – REALLY?! That’s from our lovely Representative Neugebauer, who is using his new found fame for CAMPAIGN FUNDRAISING.
Shame on you sir.
Now let’s be clear. This bill will REDUCE the Federal Deficit by an estimated $1.3 trillion over 20 years. This bill will cover an estimated 32 million people with health insurance. This bill does not establish a “public option,” although the government is currently flipping the bill for about 50% of all medical costs in this country… There are no death panels. Our taxes aren’t going to skyrocket. This bill does NOTHING to change existing abortion laws (which, in case people forgot, is legal in this country as of Roe V. Wade in 1973).
In fact, this “socialist” plan put forth by the Democrats is INCREDIBLY similar to a counter bill put forward by Republicans in 1993. Check out a comparison chart. Let’s be real. This isn’t a bad thing. Do we need economic recovery? Absolutely. Is this bill expensive? Probably. But who cares. People are going to be protected and it’s a step in the right direction. We’re the last advanced industrialized nation in the world to offer universal healthcare protections. It’s about time we caught up.
Democrats are going to suffer for this come November. That’s ok. Republicans intentionally stayed on the sidelines throughout this entire process for political capital. They opted out of helping craft the bill for a couple extra seats in the House. Personally, I would’ve rather left my mark on one of the most important pieces of social legislation in the last 100 years. However, as I’ve said before in this blog, no one party should have too much power. I believe Republicans have a realistic opportunity to take control of the House, which will hopefully foster a little more cooperation (even if forced) between both sides of the aisle.
I just hope that whoever gets elected in 2010 brings a little more civility and honor to the office than we’ve seen of late. People like Joe Wilson and Randy Neugebauer make me angry. People like Rahm Emmanuel make me angry, but at least he has the decency to yell, scream, and curse behind closed doors, as opposed to nationally televised debates and addresses. In my humble opinion, this is not how the minority party should present it’s arguments… Great job Republican National Committee.
I’m proud of President Obama on this one. Originally I supported his limited reform view (primarily insuring children) and never expected him to adopt the Universal Healthcare mantra. But once he saw the opportunity, or perhaps the desperate need, he acted forcefully and committed to the cause. I’ll support that kind of passion. I also have to admit that Nancy Pelosi impressed me throughout this process. She is by no means a gifted orator, but she brings tireless energy and political maneuvering to a position that requires both qualities. I also think it’s perfectly acceptable to disagree. Just make sure you know what you’re disagreeing with, why you don’t like it, and please, try to keep it social.
“Just make sure you know what you’re disagreeing with.”
If only that were ever the case!