Grace M. Alvarez,
Twain Harte, CA
October 20, 2009
The Health Care Reform issue is still, as of this writing holding the country hostage. It is beyond the pale of understanding that despite all that [thousands of] ordinary people, like you and me, have made clear to our representatives, the controlling party, the Democrats, are determined to push through a health reform bill for Obama.
Within the last few days, many of us have been disenfranchised from the ongoing legislative process. How? Consider that Pelosi and Reid have both acknowledged that they do not need any Republican votes. And recently the congressman from Florida, (Rep Grayson) stated that it didn’t matter what the Republicans wanted or what those opposed thought, "they are not important and we don’t need them." In other words, millions of Americans are no longer participants in their government. Except, of course, for the fact that our taxes continue to support their state of nirvana. That is the state of Congress in this year of 2009. How do we explain our Constitutional rights to our children when those rights are being eroded and usurped by our own elected officials?
Interesting ....... we, the people, must be regulated, herded, controlled by the arrogance of our own elected representatives, but they appear exempt from even the most obvious rules?
If ever there was time for a renewal of patriotism, it is now. We are called unpatriotic when we dissent with our President or the current Congressional leaders. Dissension has a viable place in our American way of life. It is curious to note how many truly diverse groups united this summer to shout loud and clear, "keep government out of our personal lives!".
Perhaps Rep. Wilson broke protocol by yelling, "you lie!" during the president’s address to joint houses of Congress, but the truth is our president does lie - to us and to the world. Consider that he continues to insist that the Republicans are just being "partisan," and not considering the needs of the people. He has continuously said that, "They {Republicans] don’t want to improve healthcare , but they do not have anything to offer." NOT TRUE!!! Senator Orrin Hatch has a good, solid proposal to improve the system. His is one of several which the Democratic leadership refuses to even consider. Partisan? On whose part?
By hook, by crook, by any means Reid and Pelosi are determined to push through a legislative agenda that will indenture Americans for generations - and I am not just referring to the cost of such legislation. Written into the various bills are extreme controls on our individual lives, such as mandating, life insurance coverage for every American - under penalty of heavy fines! Of course this excludes those who are unemployed and have no earned income.
Included in several parts of the bill are penalties for personal life-styles, such as for smokers, overweight people, the sedentary population (non-exercising). In short we will be subjected to intrusions into our personal lives to such an extreme extent that even the food we purchase will be a consideration for penalties. The "Food Patrol" have already banned certain foods and drinks from schools and advocate for an "organic" diet.
Personally, if I want to eat a rare New York steak with baked potato and all the fixin’s, then I will accept whatever jeopardy is attached. I have managed to live 82 ¾ years without purified water, organic foods, Purelle towlettes, and all the other luxurious necessities we are convinced are necessary for today’s survival. That’s not to say that all of them are unnecessary, but simply to point out that my life-style (for me) works and the responsibility for my health and well-being rest, ultimately, with me - or at least it should. When did we abdicate our God-given right of choice?
Affordable health insurance is a noble cause. But are we ready to give up free choice? And where in our Constitution is it written that the government can dictate personal preferences? Reform of the existing system is necessary, but politicians are not the best qualified for the task.
Taking each facet of the issue deserves close scrutiny. There are many aspects to be considered. Let’s be honest, there is no such thing as a "one bill fits all." What the Democrats have done is trot out their long held health care bill - which few have read, much less understand all its nuances. Does anyone truly believe that Nancy Pelosi and her crew came up with an 1100+ page bill in one month? That’s how long it took to bring it out and start promoting it. The momentum was with them in February and March, but Obama wanted the Stimulus bill first and that, as we know, went through so quickly it defied the laws of time and space and intelligence!
We have proven that there is strength in numbers - let us continue to join together and keep our voices out there.