My father was not only a sage advisor but also a keen judge of character, especially when it came to business people and politicians. Undoubtedly, his ashes are churning at the very thought of this health care debacle on the table in Washington these days.
He knew the value of a healthy debate and could talk you under the table with an almost inexhaustible supply of facts peppered with his trademark humor.
Some of you might remember the time when open discussion included both sides of a situation. Well, that’s gone. It’s odd how, when the political tables are turned in a pivotal election, what was perfectly fine for the minority party of the previous administration is suddenly completely unacceptable when they are in the majority, i.e. no opposing views allowed.
I don’t care what kind of a personality a politician has. He, or she, could be the most charming person in the room for all I care. What I want is someone who openly espouses their points of view, but accepts dissension without rancor.
I weary of the majority today. Whenever someone disagrees with them, they take the opponent alright — but not on the issues. They attack the opponent personally. As the old story goes, “let he without sin cast the first stone.” Don’t look for that anytime soon.
I once heard that fine minds talk about ideas and small minds talk about other people. Consider the recent comments of the Senate leader when he compared his assumed “right” to health care to slavery. Oh, please. Get a life, fella! There is no such comparison that would pass the smell test.
It’s about time we had a little of what one of my favorite commentators calls “adult supervision” in the halls of Congress. I hear solid voices such as Mike Pence and Joe Wilson. They don’t screech and scream when they make their points. Calm and collected, they state their side and ask only that they be heard and that all the facts be checked before any action is taken.
All these folks that push for this so-called “public option” better remember a critical decision for any patient when faced with a serious illness. The one aim that a resounding majority seek is a “second opinion”. Would that our majority Representatives and Senators apply that wisdom to the current discussion.
Oh, and by the way, do you know that you will pay into the fund for the “public option” for five years before it kicks into gear? Nice, huh? They take your money for five years and you have nothing to show for it. That’s certainly one way to keep the financial projections look good.
Remember, these are the people that run Medicare and Medicaid — programs that will crash and burn. They are unsustainable. So is this health care legislation. Don’t let a day pass before you contact your Congressional delegation and let them know what you want them to do. They work for you! Think about it.