The current issue that exemplifies the reason for suspicion is the health care debate. Look, even if you believe that our current health care system is hopelessly broken, you have to be suspicious of the manner in which the Democrats and this President are conducting themselves. From the very beginning they have sought to deceive the public and subvert the process of government to get what they want.
First of all, the Democrats have completely created a "health care crisis" where none existed. A large majority of people in this country have said over and over that they are generally happy with their health care. Yes people are worried about costs rising and believe that there's some room for improvement...but generally, they are happy. Using data from the last Census, the Democrats told us that nearly 47 million Americans are uninsured. But this number wasn't quite what it seemed. Out of this total 10.2 million are non-citizens. 8.3 million are between 18 – 24 years old, a group that typically chooses not to spend their money on insurances. And 9.2 million are households with incomes of $75,000/year or above. This leaves us at less than half of their original number. These people may truly be in need of help...but for this, they tell us, we need to completely overhaul the health care system for the other 270 million or so Americans.
Then there is the constant parade of poor unfortunate souls who don't have health insurance and are in dire straights. The latest was trotted out by President Obama in a speech he made in Ohio on Monday, March 15th. Natoma Canfield, of Medina, Ohio is a cancer survivor who has been in the Cleveland Clinic. Natoma, the President told us, might lose her house. But this, like so many things he says, just isn't true. The Cleveland Clinic, who is providing her with treatment, has already said that they are not going to place a lien against her house and that, in fact, she is already receiving charitable assistance and is eligible for aid. Don't get me wrong, I hate to see anyone have to go through cancer or any other serious illness, but these anecdotal examples are not sufficient evidence that the best health care system in the world must be completely overturned. They have created a crisis and played on the fears and emotions of the people to try to get them go along with the program. This tactic is truly despicable, in my opinion, and shouldn't be used by either side.
Then, after promising to post any new bills on the Internet for public review, they initially tried to get Congress to vote on a bill that was not even written yet...so no one was even able to read it...not even the congressmen. Then they they tried strong-arming, pleading and out right bribing...remember the so called "Corn Husker Kickback" and the "Louisiana Purchase" where sweetheart deals were made with some states in return for votes? They have told fellow democrats in the face of overwhelming voter opposition to the bill, that even if they lose their seats in Congress, they need to sacrifice their political careers on the alter of health care and vote for this take over of one-sixth of the American economy.
And now the scariest move yet...the so-called "deem and pass" maneuver. Since with all of the arm-twisting and and bribery they haven't even gotten enough votes to pass this bill using reconciliation...because if they had the votes it would already be done...they are floating the idea of just passing it without a vote at all. This is a maneuver that is rarely used, and as I understand it, is meant for trivial matters of procedure, not to be used on bills that will have a major effect on a part of our economy that is larger than the entire economies of any other of the G8 countries. This is obviously a statement that the current Democratic leadership has no regard whatsoever for the will of the people or the rule of law.
This is a naked power grab. Politicians do not normally lay down their careers willingly to go against the overwhelming will of voters...even if they think the cause is right. Even for those who believe that health care reform is a top priority, you must realize that this "the ends justifies the means" approach of the Democrats is dangerous to our republican freedoms. If they can subvert the democratic process and force the health bill into law against strong voter opposition...they can do it with other bills. You may want to see this bill passed, but what about the next one...one that you may be as strongly against as you are for this one? It will be too late then, you will have lost your voice...and a very large portion of your freedom.
So yes, I am suspicious and afraid of this government. I think my fears are justified, and I believe that I am in good company with my my suspicions of centralized power...the Founding Fathers. Even if you're for health care reform, you should let your congressmen know that you don't want it done in this way...you don't want it done in an unconstitutional, totalitarian way.
"What has destroyed liberty and the rights of man in every government which has ever existed under the sun? The generalizing and concentrating all cares and powers into one body..." - Thomas Jefferson
"Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect every one who approaches that jewel." - Patrick Henry
