Submitted by Tom on Wed, 2010-03-31 20:59
Carolyn Bolinger in the Ames Tribune makes a good point about Latham's empty rhetoric after losing his battle to stop health care reform:
Republican Iowa Rep. Tom Latham voted “NO” because “Washington has no interest in listening to the American people.” Who voted on Nov. 4, 2008?
From hope to reality
Published: Wednesday, March 31, 2010 11:07 AM CDT
Thanks to the 219 Democrats in Congress who made Health Care Reform a reality.
And a salute to the 34 Democrats who crossed the party line to vote “NO,” regardless of their motivation. Satisfaction with their votes, as well as for votes of approval, will be expressed at the ballot box. That’s how our government is supposed to work.
To the Republicans who voted “NO” in unison, I have some questions: Is there not one among the 178 Republicans who support the basic premise of affordable health care for everyone, with the high probability of reigning in the cost of health care? Twelve percent of Democrats crossed the party line; zero percent of Republicans.
Republican Iowa Rep. Steve King voted “NO” because “the Constitution was torn to shreds.” What part of the Constitution was shredded? Does the Constitution not talk to equality for all?
Republican Iowa Rep. Tom Latham voted “NO” because “Washington has no interest in listening to the American people.” Who voted on Nov. 4, 2008?
Republican Iowa Sen. Charles Grassley thinks “the White House focused on making history instead of listening to the American people.” Again, who voted in November 2008 for a promise of health care reform?
And, yes, this is historic, and a piece of legislation both parties have championed. Analysis of the 2008 vote indicated some Republicans voted for Obama, with a pledge of health reform. Who represents them?
None of the comments of Iowa’s Republican representatives address actual issues or alternatives.
I urge the Republican party to get beyond the retaliatory, bullying tactic of “NO” bloc voting, offer viable alternatives and critique, and forgo the use of untruths to stir up unwarranted fears and anger that polarizes the American people. Why can’t we all learn to respect everyone’s point of view?
Carolyn Bolinger