The current controversy over health care reform has caused me to do something totally uncharacteristic. I actually read an Ann Coulter editorial. I usually keep turning the page when I see the likes of Ann Coulter, Michael Reagan, etc., on the editorial pages. With all the news reports and letters, well, curiosity got the better of me.
I'm really convinced that one of the right-wing conservative spokesmen are going to have a seizure any minute. They're still going on about "socialized medicine," a "Nazi plan," wailing about the impending rationing, etc. That's before the bill is even written.
Are conservatives angry? Afraid Obama will pull this off? They had the White House and both Houses of Congress for six years and didn't reform health care themselves. Probably too busy giving tax cuts to the richest few, racking up historic deficits, letting the financial system get out of control, fighting a war in the wrong country and then there was keeping track of - well, all of us - (aah, so much to do, so little time).
President Obama couldn't have picked a more complicated or more important issue to tackle than health care reform. I'm not surprised that people are worried about it and have questions for the members of Congress. The protesters that make the news are probably the most outrageous. But really, they don't even pretend to know what the proposed House Bill contains. This is complicated - pay attention! Please, if you are going to speak out, be responsible enough to do some reading. At least investigate the wild accusations from the conservative media before you get worked up. Personally, after reading one Ann Coulter, I'm looking to sign up to be on one of "them there" death panels (tongue firmly in cheek).
End of life counseling - gee, getting facts to people who are elderly and sick, before the crisis? They get to decide on the care they think is appropriate for themselves? Novel concept! Not everyone has a lawyer on staff to draw up a living will, power of attorney etc. Honest to God, there really are poor people, in our country. They are not a myth made up by the liberal media. But, I digress.
Obama will be successful getting some kind of health care reform. What it will look like has not been determined. Go to a town hall if you can, or write and call your senators and representatives. Tell them what issue is most important to your family. Don't only listen to the information on TV or in our paper. If no abortion coverage, or no coverage for illegals, or cutting your premiums, or pre-existing conditions is your issue, at least study up, know the issue and then shout it from the rooftops. That's how democracy works.
I encourage everyone to make some noise and do a little protesting. After the last eight years and the previous crew getting us into such a mess, you should feel like shouting at somebody. I wonder: Is this how those evil "lefties" felt back in the '60s? (OK, OK, couldn't help myself!)
And you can always just keep right on blaming Obama, the Liberals, The Democrats, The Poor, The Illegals, The Pro-choice, the Un-churched, and of the course the Liberal Media for all your problems. Please, just get a reality check first. It is not this list of folks that are making huge profits from you and me.
