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“It is imperative the [health care] bill pass soon. If it doesn't, we will be stuck with the status quo. For me personally, it will mean a death warrant.”
By Will Power
Nothing but the truth!
January 18, 2009 -- The Democrats have been thwarted for six months from passing health care reform. Now the death of Ted Kennedy may mean there is no reform at all. What's maddening is that the Democrats only need 51 votes, according to the Constitution.
It's the Senate rules requiring 60 votes to effect closure that is stalling the bill.
The Democrats need to sue immediately in the Supreme Court for a ruling on the validity of closure. Nowhere in the Constitution is there mention of 60 votes for closure. Accordingly, the rule is unconstitutional on its face. But the Democrats, who have used the same rule in the past, are too gutless to require actual application of the US Constitution.
Too many backroom deals are being made. Every lobbyist in Washington is paying off legislators to get special privileges written into the 2500 page health care bill. But every special deal just delays passage and makes the health reform Bill less effective and more partisan.
What started out as health care reform is ending up as a pastiche of special favors, tax write-offs, and special favors for certain states. It is an abomination disguised as legislation.
It is imperative the bill pass soon. If it doesn't, we will be stuck with the status quo. For me personally, it will mean a death warrant. My last MD office visit cost $2500, of which $400 was covered by my insurance. It seems my MD does not accept my insurance policy, nor does he have to abide by its rules. What kind of health care is that?
I have perfectly good health insurance, but the MD doesn't like the company, and denies it?
If the Republican stalwarts manage to stop health care reform this month, I predict there will never be any reform of the system whatsoever. The rich will continue to use medical care as a club for their selfish political purposes. Big Insurance will continue to donate money to politicians who will contribute to the medical monopoly. The poor will suffer and die so the rich can have tummy-tucks and botox.
Will Power is a retired history teacher who holds a Masters Degree in creative writing.
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