The House of Representatives enjoyed success weeks ago,
depending on how one defines success.
Unquestionably, the passage of TrumpCare was a great political success
that was not easily achieved. I can’t
fathom the intensity of threats and pressure that was utilized to convert a few
‘no votes’ into TrumpCare supporters.
The president and his team desperately needed a win after so many
setbacks domestically and internationally.
And, this is a clear win, at least in the short term. We will see if this vote becomes one that GOP
House members can run on or will try to run from in 2018.
Indeed, the GOP high-fiving and Rose Garden ceremony seemed
premature considering that they have ascended only about 20% of their upward
trek on an icy mountain as they hope to slog to the summit. They may never get there. The Senate, who have been quietly working on
their own reform bill, are unlikely to endorse the House bill which contains
antagonistic policies toward Medicaid expansion and pre-existing condition
coverage.
The White House Rose Garden
Like Obamacare, this bill was passed without a single
supporting vote from the opposition party.
Like Obamacare, this means that the effort is unlikely to attract the
nation’s support, which is so critical for an issue that affects every
American. Imagine if Congress passed a
declaration of war with votes from only one political party. Would this be good for the country? Could such a war be maintained when half the
country opposed it initially?
The GOP’s mission was to achieve a win at any cost. The Democrat’s response is to hope the reform
effort soars over a cliff so they can benefit politically. Does any reasonable person challenge me on
these assertions?
Leaving your own partisanship aside, do you feel that
our legislators from either party care about our medical health or their
political health? Which institution –
the Congress or the Health Care System – needs reform more? Guess which one I’d like to repeal and
replace?
In an ideal world the democrats would have been able to negotiate with Republicans for obamacare. But the republicans wouldn't engage. The democrats were motivated, in large part, by wanting to expand coverage. I do not believe that the republicans want to expand government $$ for health care. So while I think you make some very valid points, on this issue, I side with expanded $$ for healthcare.
ReplyDeleteThe congress for the last 30 years has increasingly become more partisan in there political decisions for their parties.
ReplyDeleteSo, today we have a congress that will not accept the other political party's views when forming or overhauling a policy, agenda or the healthcare system per se.
All the effort that the democrats used to establish the ACT, when they had a controlling democratic congress, is all for not with the now controlling republican party now in power. Unfortunately, if the controlling Republican Party passes a healthcare bill, it doesn't end here. If the Trump administration stumbles and the democrats become the controlling party, in a future election, whose to say that they wouldn't return the favor and eliminate the republican's healthcare system with there own. Unfortunately, our congress can't begin to start working towards the desires of the people and the country until they both realize the power the two parties have when they forge together on a new or revised procedure with results that can benefit both parties. Just imagine the achievements that could be generated / resolved and the advancements to our country and to the world as a great leader if both political systems worked together.
Good points! Of course, there is no unity to pursue the public good. We experienced some transient unity yesterday after the tragic and senseless shooting at a GOP baseball practice in preparation for this evening's game. We have seen countless examples where some event temporarily shakes us up to work together only to see these sentiments rapidly fade. The goal of the political parties seems to win for themselves. Term limits would solve so much for us, but alas, we will not see them.
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