The outcry from Republicans and their affiliate populist group, the Tea Party, is almost deafening. Their outrage over the recent passage of healthcare reform is in many ways justified. Here is still another government program that will, no doubt, wind up costing the consumer more while enriching a relatively few corporations and wealthy people. The concerns of creeping socialism and the loss of individual rights is a genuine concern. But, in order to get a proper perspective, it is important to compare this recent legislation to other actions that have impacted our lives.
For example, the award of trillions of dollars of taxpayers’ money to subsidize the errors of America’s financial institutions was far less scrutinized than healthcare. Sure, there was some debate and concern about the immense bailout, but it measured as a minor quake on the Richter scale when compared to the violent earth shaking reaction that preceded and follows the controversial healthcare law. And just what can be more socialistic and anti-capitalistic than the expenditure of a nation’s resources for the benefit of a handful of inept and failed businesses?
And what of the contentious Jobs and Growth Tax Reconciliation Act of 2003 whereby tax relief was supposedly granted to the general population? The end result of fewer jobs, lost wages, skyrocketing National Debt and the housing crisis speaks volumes of the social inequities contained in this aristocratic legislation. Where was the public indignation when the tax burden was shifted from the rich to the middle and working classes thereby further increasing the level of income and wealth inequality? Where the public outrage as the National Debt grows to unsustainable levels creating an immense obligation for generations of unborn Americans? The cries for economic and social justice pale when compared to the current healthcare controversy.
What are the social, economic and political priorities of our nation? It appears people are most radical when they are asked to share basic living accommodations with their fellow Americans. At the same time, these same people become reluctant to rail against the far more detrimental aristocratic practices that have created an economic dependence on a relatively few wealthy elitists.
Are we so brain washed by the political spin of the Democrats and Republicans that we are unable to decipher what truly works for America and her citizens? Have we inadvertently surrendered the independence and liberty we all seek to defend to a hidden power that already controls us through its influence on our political officials? It is good the populist rebellion is now in place and is being heard. Hopefully, we will begin to understand who or what we should rebel against before it is too late!
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