The Democrats may have a filibuster-proof supermajority in the Senate, but what good is that if some Democrats refuse to give their support to crucial bills? On “Countdown,” Governor Howard Dean revealed an upsetting fact: the health care reform bill only has 43 for-sure votes. Too many Democrats are leaning conservative, unwilling to support a strong public option for fear of angering the Republicans who are staunchly opposed to introducing new competition into the insurance market. Our liberal Congressmen are wasting their time asking obstructionist Republicans to participate in constructing this bill.
Republican senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa encapsulated the Republican attitude toward health care reform during his appearance on MSNBC’s “Morning Meeting with Dylan Ratigan.” He plainly stated that even if the health care reform bill was gutted and amended to give him literally everything that he wants, he would still not vote for it if it didn’t receive a great deal of support from other Republicans – otherwise it wouldn’t be a “good deal.” The deal to which Grassley refers must include his own re-election. This is the Republican attitude on health care: give me what I want, and then I’ll say no anyway because I’m not interested in health care; I’m interested in furthering my political career.
So why are we bothering to make room for the Republicans’ opinions? The Democrats are the party of peace and cooperation, in stark contrast to the saber-rattling right-wingers. Democrats try to reach a bipartisan consensus, to please everyone and to unite everyone in agreement. Unfortunately, when dealing with Republicans, this tactic does not work. During the Bush years, the Democrats went along with the Republican-dominated government in order to build cooperation between the two parties; now that the political pendulum has swung the other way, the Republicans refuse to budge. They lack gratitude and tact, opting instead to act like spoiled children who throw temper tantrums in order to get their way. Knowing this, there is no reason to indulge their behavior; like that of spoiled children, Republicans’ behavior can only be modified by ignoring their cries for attention.
The public option is what gives the health care reform bill teeth, what will really scare the insurance companies straight. The public option introduces real competition into the health insurance industry, rather than just giving more options that lack any significant difference. How does a private insurance agency compete with a public one? Just ask the private colleges that don’t go out of business when faced with competition from public colleges, or ask FedEx. If Congress caves to the Republicans’ demands and axes the public option, then there is no reform and there is no bill, and the Democrats are dealt an ignominious defeat.
The Republicans are a minority party in this country and it’s time for them to be reminded of this important fact. Democrats control Congress now, and should use this power to say, “Screw the Party of No” and pass the real, intact health care reform bill that this country needs. Asking a Republican to offer his opinion on health care reform is as crazy as asking an NRA member to amend a gun control bill: in both cases, he’s simply not interested in any iteration of the bill at hand and will do whatever he can to kill it. We know this is going to happen, and we can prevent it from happening – so why don’t we?
Comments
Alexa says ---"Democrats...should use this power to say, “Screw the Party of No" and pass the real, intact health care reform bill that this country needs." Alexa, Alexa, what a closet tyrant hides behind that pretty face! A little historical perspective would remind you that most, if not all, tyrants feel that THEY know what is best for the folks they rule, and thus, any excesses they engage in justify the end, which usually turns out pretty badly for both. Many of your elitist Democrat buddies have long since fallen into that trap. Go back and reread your highschool government notes. True democracy is that the PEOPLE are sovereign and what THEY WANT is what should be done.
If it is such a good thing put it in writing let the people see what it is and then THEY can vote on it. Since the country will have to deal with it and pay for it it should be up to us it is our tax dollars that will be used.
Marty - we're a republic, not a democracy. We elect politicians to represent our views. We elected a vast majority of Democrats. No tyranny here, unless you're a sore loser.
Bondsman - smarter people could find the bill online and read it themselves. Google HR 3200 since the comment box won't allow links.
Perhaps you, too, need to be reminded that this is a republic, not a democracy, and our elected officials will be the ones who do the voting. Both of you need to take a Government 101 class.
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