‘Health care reform appears to be the only concern in Washington these days. In the words of Rep. John Larson, D-Conn., “The important thing for us now is to close ranks behind the President and get a bill done.”
First there was the race to get it through the House, where it passed by a margin of two votes. Then, with fears arising that it would not pass, Senate Democrats went as far as buying the votes of some of their fellow Democrats to secure the bill’s passage prior to Christmas Day.
And the pressure only seems to build.
Now in final negotiations, President Obama and congressional Democrats have officially excluded Republicans in order to work out the differences of the two versions without unnecessary resistance from CNN. What ever happened to democracy? Where is the bipartisanship that President Obama promised during his campaign?
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi keeps telling the American people that we are getting closer and closer to passing a bill, but at what cost? Why is Congress expediting a bill that has the potential to determine our health and financial wellbeing for years to come? One cannot even begin to comprehend the full implications of such a reform policy, especially in the period of a few months. Congress is rushing for the sake of rushing.
Further, the Obama Administration and key Democratic players decided against allowing C-SPAN to tape any of the negotiations.
This undoubtedly begs the question: What do these leaders have to hide from the American people? All Americans are directly affected by the bill, and should be able to witness these negotiations.
I can say with complete confidence that most college students would prefer staring at a microwave to actually watching C-SPAN, but we should at least be able to hear about what goes on behind these closed doors. Back in the initial forums and town hall meetings, the American people actually had a voice on this critical matter. Why the sudden secrecy, especially when the final details are being negotiated? Where is our first amendment right to free speech when Americans need it most?
The Obama Administration and Democratic leaders obviously don’t want us to know about the political deals made within the chamber, as they are solely concerned with hastening the progress of this massive bill, and like those darn conservatives, the American people might get in the way.
These leaders believe it is critical for President Obama to create a lasting legacy, and show that he indeed effected “change.” With this landmark legislation on his record, President Obama will be able to make a name for himself, but with almost guaranteed negative consequences.
In passing health care reform, President Obama would be letting down the demographic that ultimately determined his election in the first place — young adults. As former CBO Director Douglas Holtz-Eakin predicts, “Young people are going to bear a disproportionate cost of this reform.” Everyone will be required to buy health care, and those that opt out will be required to pay heavy fines. Within a few years these fines will increase to approximately $750 a year (or more, depending on income).
Regardless, President Obama and these legislators feel that this achievement is necessary to encourage and maintain a liberal Congress, and will do anything to ease its passage. It would be tragic to the Administration if any momentum were lost in the process of (dare I say it) bipartisan negotiations.
Well, sorry for the inconvenience, but the health care of our nation and the prosperity of our economy are at stake here. Congress needs to take a step back and think about the millions of Americans affected by this bill.
In the words of Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y., “If we were struggling and making the bill worse with a 60-vote Senate majority, I don’t see how we make it better with 59.” Is our future wellbeing not enough of a concern to thoroughly discuss and consider?
Like it or not, the election of Scott Brown to the Senate will force Congress to take a step back and reassess this monumental bill. Having lost their 60-seat majority, liberal Senators no longer have the final word, and the Democrats in both houses will need to listen more closely to the American people