“Having always observed that public works are much less advantageously managed than the same are by private hands, I have thought it better for the public to go to market for whatever it wants which is to be found there; for there competition brings it down to the minimum of value.” – Thomas Jefferson
“You Lie!” reads one sign, hoisted in the air. “Sweeping Away Socialism One Democrat at at Time” exclaims another. These signs are bound by a common thread of anger over deceit by the politicians teamed with the anti-socialist feelings gaining traction throughout America. John and Jane Public, who wake up and go to work everyday only to see their paychecks taxed more and more, are starting to feel the pinch. No longer is the frustration silent or even a low murmur. What began as a dull roar has built momentum and is now a country-wide movement with a very loud and prominent voice. The “Tea-Party” go-ers and 9/12-ers have spread their message to enough people and pointed out the hypocrisy in Candyland (this author’s not-so affectionate term for DC and the Fairy Tale currently happening) and stirred others to join the cause. The target currently in their sites? The Pelosi Health Care Bill.
Yesterday was an historic day in Washington DC. Several congressmen and women invited the public to the western steps of the Capitol to express their displeasure and outright opposition to the health care bill currently being debated on Capitol Hill. People of all ages from all around the country took the time to gather for a news conference and rally led by Representative Michele Bachmann of Minnesota [1].
Several thousand concerned citizens of widely varying age, race, and economic background gathered to protest what they deemed a government takeover of the health care system. Following the rally, the group descended onto the different offices of varying officials in Washington. One example that deems being highlighted is the encounter several native Minnesotans had with their representative Keith Ellison (D, MN). Having made the ~1,100 mile to speak with Mr. Ellison, they told the Congressman their story, noting their viewpoint on the upcoming bill and their adamant position against it. Renee Doyle, a member of the group making the trip, said, “[t]here’s a lot of emotion. But it’s very civil. It seems that he feels like he has a personal responsibility to – for us poor people – take over our will because he knows best” [2].
All parties involved in the discussion said it was civil with Mr. Ellison, who noted, “[n]ot that we ever agreed, but they really were fairly polite, you know, and I was not really prepared for that” [2]. So what exactly what was Mr. Ellison expecting? A rowdy, uncouth crowd whose knuckles drag on the ground when walking? It would seem as though the level of arrogance has reached an all time high in DC. It seems as though WE the people, whom politicians are supposed to serve, have turned into the public who don’t know what’s good for them, thankfully having the great fortune of a much wiser political elite class prepared to save them.
Personally, we believe that we should have the ultimate say in our lives. If you’ve taken the time to read this article, we bet you feel the same way.
Today’s call to action requires a bit more from you, the reader. Listed below are links to the contact information for all of the representatives in Congress. Make a phone call. Make your voice heard. Be respectful but firm. Voice your opinion. Do you want a public option? Or would you rather make health care more competitive and ultimately cheaper, opening the doors to those 12-14 million Americans who aren’t insured but want to be? If you want to see the future, you need only to look at the past. Government-run programs have a history of failure. Don’t let this become another statistic.
US Senator Contact Information
US Representative Contact Information
1. “On the Hill, Protesters Chant ‘Kill the Bill,” nytimes.com, November 5, 2009.
2. “Bachmann Leads Rally Opposing Health Plan,” startribune.com, November 6, 2009.
