A good example of our differences is the infamous Healthcare Act , which while it originally was made into law, is now on life support, as the Supreme Court addresses whether it is or ever was constitutional. Only 30 % of Americans are in favor of this very controversial bill, which while it may have been an effort to stem the nation's troubling health costs, appears to be more expensive to implement and sustain than what we already live with---soaring costs and 40 million uninsured. Again, there are no quick answers, and even though it was the centerpiece of Obama's first year in office, it was pushed through too hastily and without bi-partisan support---get it done and damn the consequences seemed to be the word from the Oval office. The consequences were loud outcries from those who felt it was a major assault on our individual liberties and impossible to insure 40 million extra people without someone paying for it somehow. Insurance companies aren't known to give away freebies. Medicare, the one piggy bank Obama said he'd use to pay for the extra costs, can hardly afford to be stretched any further----so who does that leave? Contrary to what we were led to believe, turns out, it was us all along---in the form of higher premiums, almost guaranteed higher taxes, and very likely, diminished quality of medical care.
It didn't help that that few people understood or even today, understand what's in it and how it's all supposed to work---- a major breakdown in communication. Odd, for a president whose communication skills are some of the best. Whether it will stand or fall remains to be heard, but the battle will grind on, regardless. Never a small thing, this issue of a forced purchase is not sitting well with most of us---we don't like forced anything. Yes, we understand the necessity of a certain amount of taxes, but not this---this is over the top, government over reach, and a direct assault on our sense of freedom.
Who told Obama he and a one sided Senate could institute this new law and get away with it, anyway? Obviously, his inner circle---but really? What planet were they living on to think there would not be resistance, heavy criticism, and scrutiny? Or did they think all of us were willing to accept anything at all that gets passed by the President and a partisan Senate? Is it possible that they didn't care, that they actually felt their opinions were unassailable, and their power absolute? Unbelievable, yet a sign of arrogance by the President and his cronies. Perhaps now, he and they are finally getting the message that we like our laws fairly created, less sneaky, and if not straight down the middle, not listing way to the left, so as to drown out the right of a heretofore free country. It's also imperative that they are clearly constitutional, which this one apparently is not.----or it would have not been so questionable as to end up in the highest court of the land. One can only hope this group of judges will rise above their partisan feelings and uphold our sacred right to choose if and from whom we insure ourselves.
What of those people who choose not to---or cannot afford to? They and that issue must be dealt with---but at the forced expense of all of us and our freedom to choose? Perhaps, but at least now, we're getting a good look and an education on what we were told we must buy and never mind the details. Don't be surprised if even the Supreme Court decides to punt on this one---lots of punting going on these days, and the Justices may not be an exception, when they consider the implications of a riled up left wing and the tongue lashing they will receive at the hands of Obama. He is not known to take his losses well and without publicly humiliating his foes. Leaks not withstanding, we may not know the outcome until June, and it is highly likely that this is an issue that will burn far longer, for it lies at our constitutional core and opens the door to further encroachment of a government seemingly intent of taking care of us, rather than allowing us to be strong, independent, and free enough to care for ourselves.
Before closing, I would like to make clear that I, like many Americans, had hopes for this president in spite of our different party affiliations---he has shattered them. Though I did not vote for him, I was proud of him and sincerely hoped that the office would make the man, that he could possibly rise above party politics and lead this country in a new and strengthened direction. He has done neither. In fact, many feel he has worsened our economy , weakened our military, and embarrassed our international status. In spite of my doubts, he had me for a while with his great intellect, cool manner, and his seemingly good will for all, but he lost me along the way. The final straws are his obvious efforts to be re-elected by his followers by incurring class and even racial warfare. I find this distasteful, disturbing, dangerous, and unacceptable in a leader, who should be above such tactics and self/party centered concerns. It is heavy handed and even bully-ish to use his position to persuade by pitting one group against the other, be it race, creed, or income. It reeks of Chicago politics---and this is not the United States of Chicago.
Will this president, his style, and his record survive through the next election? There are pundits who say that win, lose, or draw, Obama's political fortunes will rest on the final decision of the Supreme Court regarding his main accomplishment, the Health Care Act. But in reality, the court of public opinion will have the last say. On a recent trip to Russia, Obama once again spoke indiscreetly into a "hot mic"This makes twice now---is he trying to mimic Joe Biden, or was this somehow as some have suggested, a deliberate faux pas and a leak to his party doves?? Speaking to Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev, he whispered that he would have "more flexibility" after the election, referring to the topic of negotiating our defense system. Really, Mr. President? That's not only presumptive on your part, but very scary. Write this down---flexibility works both ways. It may be April, but I hear some Novembers hold great opportunity for hope and change---.
It didn't help that that few people understood or even today, understand what's in it and how it's all supposed to work---- a major breakdown in communication. Odd, for a president whose communication skills are some of the best. Whether it will stand or fall remains to be heard, but the battle will grind on, regardless. Never a small thing, this issue of a forced purchase is not sitting well with most of us---we don't like forced anything. Yes, we understand the necessity of a certain amount of taxes, but not this---this is over the top, government over reach, and a direct assault on our sense of freedom.
Who told Obama he and a one sided Senate could institute this new law and get away with it, anyway? Obviously, his inner circle---but really? What planet were they living on to think there would not be resistance, heavy criticism, and scrutiny? Or did they think all of us were willing to accept anything at all that gets passed by the President and a partisan Senate? Is it possible that they didn't care, that they actually felt their opinions were unassailable, and their power absolute? Unbelievable, yet a sign of arrogance by the President and his cronies. Perhaps now, he and they are finally getting the message that we like our laws fairly created, less sneaky, and if not straight down the middle, not listing way to the left, so as to drown out the right of a heretofore free country. It's also imperative that they are clearly constitutional, which this one apparently is not.----or it would have not been so questionable as to end up in the highest court of the land. One can only hope this group of judges will rise above their partisan feelings and uphold our sacred right to choose if and from whom we insure ourselves.
What of those people who choose not to---or cannot afford to? They and that issue must be dealt with---but at the forced expense of all of us and our freedom to choose? Perhaps, but at least now, we're getting a good look and an education on what we were told we must buy and never mind the details. Don't be surprised if even the Supreme Court decides to punt on this one---lots of punting going on these days, and the Justices may not be an exception, when they consider the implications of a riled up left wing and the tongue lashing they will receive at the hands of Obama. He is not known to take his losses well and without publicly humiliating his foes. Leaks not withstanding, we may not know the outcome until June, and it is highly likely that this is an issue that will burn far longer, for it lies at our constitutional core and opens the door to further encroachment of a government seemingly intent of taking care of us, rather than allowing us to be strong, independent, and free enough to care for ourselves.
Before closing, I would like to make clear that I, like many Americans, had hopes for this president in spite of our different party affiliations---he has shattered them. Though I did not vote for him, I was proud of him and sincerely hoped that the office would make the man, that he could possibly rise above party politics and lead this country in a new and strengthened direction. He has done neither. In fact, many feel he has worsened our economy , weakened our military, and embarrassed our international status. In spite of my doubts, he had me for a while with his great intellect, cool manner, and his seemingly good will for all, but he lost me along the way. The final straws are his obvious efforts to be re-elected by his followers by incurring class and even racial warfare. I find this distasteful, disturbing, dangerous, and unacceptable in a leader, who should be above such tactics and self/party centered concerns. It is heavy handed and even bully-ish to use his position to persuade by pitting one group against the other, be it race, creed, or income. It reeks of Chicago politics---and this is not the United States of Chicago.
Will this president, his style, and his record survive through the next election? There are pundits who say that win, lose, or draw, Obama's political fortunes will rest on the final decision of the Supreme Court regarding his main accomplishment, the Health Care Act. But in reality, the court of public opinion will have the last say. On a recent trip to Russia, Obama once again spoke indiscreetly into a "hot mic"This makes twice now---is he trying to mimic Joe Biden, or was this somehow as some have suggested, a deliberate faux pas and a leak to his party doves?? Speaking to Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev, he whispered that he would have "more flexibility" after the election, referring to the topic of negotiating our defense system. Really, Mr. President? That's not only presumptive on your part, but very scary. Write this down---flexibility works both ways. It may be April, but I hear some Novembers hold great opportunity for hope and change---.
