A Grand Illusion

“The other day, I was lighting a fire with a copy of the Times from June 27, 2009 when my eye fell on an article about Republican objections to the health-care reform bill. Back then, the public option troubled Susan Collins, who also “said she would like to see the legislation ‘put more emphasis on health promotion, disease prevention, end of life care,’ as well as tax credits for small businesses and self-employed Americans to ease their access to health insurance.” Her fellow Mainer Olympia Snowe “said she was striving to produce a plan ‘that does not undo the current system in terms of employer-based coverage or the quality of our health-care system.’ ”

It occurred to me that these might be grounds for negotiation if Democrats end up needing to pick up a few Republican votes (a need that came to pass yesterday). And then, as the paper went up in flames, it occurred to me that pretty much every one of these objections and conditions was met in the bill that passed the Senate last month, without the benefit of Ms. Collins’, Ms. Snowe’s, or any other Republican’s support.”

Look if you think the bill is so bad that it needs to be opposed at all costs otherwise it could ruin the very fabric of this country then you have every right to try and oppose it and kill it by any means necessary. I would disagree with you on the substance of your argument but if you sincerely believe this bill is that dangerous I understand the reasoning behind your actions. However, to pretend that Republicans have honestly tried to work out a compromise on this bill you either have to be wildly disingenuous or, frankly, a complete idiot.

I think Rush Limbaugh once said that he was proud to be called a conservative while liberals did not want to be called liberal. Republicans, if you oppose the bill, fine. Don’t pretend you’ve tried to put forth any viable alternatives. You haven’t.