We hear talks of change, and ridding ourselves of corruption on the campaign trails for president and other offices. We hear the word transparency. We are told about the “culture of corruption” with the finger pointing to the Republicans. Yet, it seems that since the presidential election, we have seen some of the largest kickbacks in history (to Nebraska and Louisiana on the healthcare bill), we’ve seen behind-closed-door deals, and legislation passed without congress (or the people) having a chance to read through it. But just when you thought that they were down and dirty, not to be trusted, and really didn’t deserve re-election, oops they now effort to get more support for a bill by basically catering to the unions by increasing the ceiling for the “cadillac tax” on healthcare plans. A concession that has been heralded as “helping middle-class Americans”. Problem is, how many middle-class have healthcare plans valued at $23-24k?
So what are we getting? A pay-off to union members to ease passage of this bill through congress. Ahh, but not just this. Currently, there is a very important senate race in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The two main candidates are Martha Coakley (D) and Scott Brown (R), with Brown leading now in recent polls. So why would this affect anything? Well, as we’ve seen on videos, many union members don’t support Coakley in the state due to her support of the “Cadillac” tax for healthcare. With this deal, this increase union support, and turn the tide of support back in Coakley’s favor. Coincedence? With this White House? I think not.
This White House, not only has a majority in the House and Senate, and yet they are not content with this. Why? Because the American people are down-right frightened of the out-of-control spending. The previous administration shattered deficit records, and is one reason why Americans voted for “Change” in November of 2008. This administration has accelerated the spending beyond most people’s belief. Additionally they have rammed through healthcare “reform” legislation that will add billions if not trillions to the deficit (and now another $60 billion due to lack of revenue from the “Cadillac” tax). They absolutely need Coakley in the Senate to keep that going as it is quite clear that the Democrats will not get this change again for a long, long time.
Now, I am not a partisan, and rarely to I back a major party candidate. I believe in issues, and find that the major parties rarely support individual issues, unless they have massive price tags, or invade privacy. However, in this case, I am formally throwing my support behind a candidate: Scott Brown. Issues-wise Brown runs pretty close to center. He has legislative experience that his opponents don’t, AND — most importantly — his mere presence will force congress (or at least the Senate) to have to discuss important issues. Without discussion in congress, we are no better than one-party states like China… and we know how great those work when it comes to human rights, or individual prosperity.
If you live in Massachusetts, and are not quite sure who to vote for, please effort to look into Scott Brown as a candidate. If you have already made up your mind that you support Coakley, please realize that a vote for her ends all rational debate for the next few years, and creates a far worse rubber-stamp congress than we’ve ever seen. If you respect sensibility, fairness, and reason, vote for Scott Brown, not because he is so amazing, but because he is not the 60th Democratic vote.
Filed under: Politics Tagged: | Brown, Cadillac, Centrist, Coakley, Congress, Conservative, Corruption, debate, Deficit, Democrat, Health, healthcare, Indepependent, liberal, Massachusetts, moderate, Obama, Politics, reason, republican, Senate, Tax, Third, Union, united states
I was reading something else about this on another blog. Interesting. Your perspective on it is diametrically contradicted to what I read to begin with. I am still mulling over the diverse points of view, but I’m tipped to a great extent toward yours. And no matter, that’s what is so great about modern democracy and the marketplace of ideas online.
What surprises me about the back room deals that are being made are how open they end up being about it. They are so confident that they can do whatever they want that not only do they admit their bribes, but they pat themselves on the back for their great progress.
Instead of other politicians saying, “you cannot do that,” they are saying, “Can I get that deal too?” I feel it will take some leader that has the ability to inspire a party to make a stand before we see any progress.
I also support Scott for the Mass. seat. Even if he does not do much, it should show democrat politicians that if a Republican can win in Mass., no seat is safe.
Another great point, and I agree. I guess we as voters are to blame for not voting the bums out every time we see this.
The simple answer to your basic question in the title is there’s no one they won’t “bribe”. But then you have to ask yourself, who is there that cannot be bribed – and that’s a very short list too.
“who is there that cannot be bribed ” — amazing question. I’d love to say there are noble people out there… But I suppose we all have some price. There’s always a trigger that draws a vote.