Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Republicans Keeping Their Eyes On The Goal

The ridiculous partisan food fight over the Supreme Court’s affirmative ruling on “Obamacare” continues to dominate the political landscape.  Yesterday Republican leaders Boehner, Cantor, McConnell and Ryan reiterated their displeasure over the court’s ruling and promised to repeal the law in its entirety.  Each parroted the Republican Party’s latest talking points saying: “We need to repeal this law and start over with a patient centered approach.”  When pressed for the details of their “patient centered approach” they offered nothing.  In fact Republicans appear more concerned about repealing the law than helping Americans acquire the access they need.  Fox News asked McConnell if he were successful in repealing the law what he would say to the 30 million people who cannot afford health insurance.  “That’s not the issue” McConnell said.  “We are not going to turn this into a European socialist health care system.”
We have stated previously that we do not believe that Republicans have any interest in following a path that would lead to health care coverage for all Americans.  Their political history is void of any attempt to fix our health care problems.  Even in the years when they controlled both the White House and the Congress they remained silent.  Today they are obsessed with repealing the law but offer no alternative solution to the problem.  As public servants who are suppose to be working for the good of the people; their behavior is inexcusable.  The Affordable Care Act is law.  It has been affirmed by the Supreme Court.  Congress should be working on ways to implement the law and improve it…not “rip it out at the roots” as Boehner has suggested.
This law will be modified.  And there are thoughtful conservative alternatives out there that deserve consideration.  In today’s New York Times David Brooks cites the details of an alternative outlined in a “National Affairs” essay authored by James C. Capretta and Robert E. Moffit.  While we do not agree with some of their analysis and conclusions, they present aspects that could achieve bi-partisan support.  At least they bring an alternative to the conversation.  And as Brooks points out: “Democracy is a contest between alternatives.”
While Republicans are wasting time fighting over Obamacare they are failing to work on the number one issue in the eyes of most Americans…jobs.  The Wall Street Journal reports that the economic slowdown has finally caught up with American manufacturers.  WSJ is reporting that the US factory sector shrank for the first time since July of 2009 and that exports and new orders dropped at their fastest pace since October of 2001.
But creating jobs for Americans is not goal #1 for Republicans.  “The single most important thing we want to achieve is for President Obama to be a one term president.” Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell; October 24, 2110.  That is the goal.  Obfuscation, obstruction, filibuster and repeal are the tools.
McConnell has made it clear that they will do whatever it takes to achieve their goal; even if they destroy millions of American families in the process.


                 
   

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