The debate over health care reform is, at this time, one of the most contentious times in American political history. Although President Obama was elected on a campaign largely focused on health care reform, his election is, in effect, challenged by Republicans who apparently would like to prevent health care reform in any form.
I see before me on TV:
1. Opponents of health care engage in shout-downs at town hall meetings sometimes refusing to allow supporters of health care to even speak on the subject. No matter how much this behavior is egged on by super-Conservative Rush Limbaugh or Tea Party leaders, these shout-downs, in my opinion, are un-American.
2. Some anti-health care goons have publicly packed loaded guns to the town hall meetings where peaceful debate on the health care issue is supposed to take place. Not only is this a cowardly action by the health care foes but it is just another example of how much influence the gun lobby now has in this country. But the would-be Clint Eastwood's out there, should remember that the gun packing can be carried out by the other side, also. .
3. Nazi Swastikas have been painted on property belonging to U.S. Representatives who support health care reform.
Of course, I live in Louisiana, probably the most conservative state in the union and there is really only one side to the question of health care reform down here. You are either against it or please shut up, Liberal! Of course, Louisiana is a state which has promoted Rush Limbaugh to the status of a Godlike person and a state where George W. Bush or Sarah Palin could be elected to any office in the state by acclimation.
But the manufactured hatred toward the health care insurance reform bill is not limited to the likes of Louisiana or even to Oklahoma or the other bright red states. Even town hall meetings in the liberal Northeast are being disrupted by wide-eyed health care foes who have been directed by ultra-conservative leaders and talk show hosts to not allow the "other side" to express themselves.
President Obama and the Democratic Party face a major problem if they allow these right-wing foes of health care to get away with preventing, by mob action, a normal discourse over an important national issue such as health care reform.
So American citizens, I recommend that we allow a two-way public discussion on the health care insurance reform issue.
Health care insurance reform is Badly Needed in the U.S. but foes, for purely political reasons, seem determined to stop health care insurance.
Last Updated: 06/05/10
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