This weekend looms as the possible showdown time in the U.S. House of Representatives for an atrocious ObamaCare medicine bill.
It threatens to cost trillions of dollars in red ink, increase socialized medicine — and may pass only because of disgusting vote-buying payoffs to a few representatives.
Public opinion polls indicate Americans oppose the outrageously costly bill by big margins. But it seems that approval or rejection in the House of Representatives could come by a very thin margin, not on merit but because of political arm-twisting, financial pressures, threats and favors.
That, of course, is not the right way to make any law, especially not one with revolutionary, multi-trillion-dollar consequences for our economy for many years to come.
All or most Republicans are against the terrible bill. Thirty-seven Democrats who sensibly voted against an earlier version are being urged to switch and support the new one. Forty representatives who rightly opposed an abortion-pay provision have now seen those restrictions “modified.” In an effort to squeeze through passage of the massive measure, it is reported 153 pages of last-minute changes are being made.
You have heard of special favors offered to buy votes, such as Nebraska’s “Cornhusker Kickback,” which now seems to be “out,” and the “Louisiana Purchase,” which seems still to be “in.” There are other lures for other states. The “bait” seeking Tennessee votes is $99 million in 2012-2013 for hospitals that treat many poor people.
Such things are obviously not the right way to decide a major issue that will cost trillions of dollars and affect medical care for all Americans.
Have you heard any clear, responsible explanation of how medical care for 32 million people who are now without insurance would be paid for — and by whom?
Have you realized that, for the first time, the government would demand citizens buy insurance — or be fined or even jailed if they didn’t?
In addition to special favors for some states to buy votes, millions of families with incomes up to $88,000 a year are being offered government subsidies to help with their insurance.
Who do you think would pay for this and other such promised payoffs?
Current federal taxes are too high. The national debt is about $12.5 trillion, on which taxpayers must pay interest. Social Security is going broke because of pay-outs in excess of tax income. There are other programs of gross financial irresponsibility. Should we add another?
Do you believe President Barack Obama and a majority of Democrats in Congress are right in defying the economic warnings of a majority of Americans?
What do you believe the effects for all Americans will be if this irresponsible legislation passes by a slim margin and imposes hugely terrible consequences?
The time to reject ObamaCare excesses is now. The decision is scheduled to be made in Congress this weekend. If this irresponsible bill passes, the negative consequences will be far-reaching, long-lasting — and very expensive.