It’s time for me to get in my two cents on the health care issue. First and foremost, let me preface with the idea that there should be better cohesiveness in Congress and legislation needs to go through a rigorous process in order to produce effective, well-planned and long-term policy. There is a strong argument coming from the public that suggests our parties aren’t coming together to satisfy the needs of the people of the United States.
Congress’ role is to represent the majority. According to polls, the American public did not support this health care legislation. The Republicans who voted “no” to the health care bill are not polarizing the parties but representing their constituents.
Republicans are still trying to fight this bill and 13 state attorney generals intend on questioning the constitutionality of the bill or the process. Let’s be honest: even with the conservative-leaning Supreme Court this attempt to overturn the health care legislation will fail. If it’s questioned, the court will cite precedent and will use the Commerce Clause to justify Congress’ actions just as they did with Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s series of programs during the New Deal. Health care is not a physical product going between states, but Congress will have the power to regulate it. If they question the political process, similar results will follow.
No doubt, there were closed-door deals and not-so-kosher procedures going on between the legislative and the executive branches to get this bill passed, but this is not new to politics. Immoral actions are the nature of the business; and both parties are guilty. If we truly knew what went on behind the scenes I’m sure most Americans would be appalled.
Those of you who supported it are celebrating, and those of us who opposed it are concerned. There is one thing that can be done, and it will have to be done on November 2.
Even with this recent “victory” for Democrats, the heat is on. The approval rating of Congress is atrocious, and Democrats control it. There is no point in complaining and griping about this bill. The only thing that can be done now is forward progress. If you do not like the outcome of what happened, express your grievances and act. Voter turnout during non-presidential election years is pitiful. Apathy and displacement from the issue will not make any progress. No matter which side you support, individual action is the only way to be represented in Washington. If I had a magic ball I would say that there is much more to come concerning health care, but it has to start with Congress. These men and women are OUR elected officials, and we can’t forget how important OUR role is.
As Ross Douthat, a columnist for the New York Times, points out, the effects of this bill on our economy is unknown. Republicans suggest that we are digging ourselves deeper into an already endless deficit while Democrats say this bill will reduce debt. I believe Douthat said it best: “As a conservative, I suspect they’re wrong. But now that the bill has passed, as a citizen of the United States, I dearly hope they’re right. Indeed, I hope that 20 years from now, in an America that’s healthier, richer and more solvent than today, a liberal can brandish this column and say ‘I told you so.’ Because the alternative would mean that we’re all about to be very sorry, and for a very long time to come.”
Health care needs reform, everyone can agree on that. Did we really get the most effective legislation that represents the interests of the most people, or was this just short-term legislation in attempt to reconcile a mostly action less first term of change? Only time will tell.
