Tuesday, August 4, 2009

We elected Democrats and not Republicans



Dear Elected Democrats in Government (with special attention towards Blue Dog Democrats) and Mr. President:

After watching and reading parts of the health care debates and issues, which you have been grappling with, I just want to scream from shear frustration.

With few exceptions, you all seem to have no commitment to our collective future. Your true motive of prolonging your own political career and power struggle is showing all too clear from your thin skinned 'concerned' faces.

As a result, the one chance you've been given to be able to ACT on the convictions you once touted to get you elected, is about to be thrown away. It's a once in your life time opportunity. And you would have only you to blame.

For the first time, the Republicans have no credibility. The Democratic Party has the floor and the spotlight to itself. You have the chance to actually effect change for the better of this country. You have the chance to banish selfishness and greed from the business of governing and protecting citizens of our country.

The Republicans should be a side show compared to the Democrats. You shouldn't be fighting but already implementing conscious and benevolent policies. Yet all you do is squabble about cost. This seems so disingenuous considering you were quick to add more money to pay for the 'cash for clunkers' program which benefits industry in the end. Or you're quick to say yes to paying for weapons, war, drilling of oil in sanctuaries, and everything that allows business to profit.

What happened to the constituents whose back you built your entire campaign and career on? The people need a system that considers them first before profit. The health and lives of the people, who built and continue to build this country and voted for you because you would help them, should be your first priority. That's part of your duties holding an office in government.

You have already compromised the health reform bill by not eliminating the private health insurance system. Their goal has been always to make money at the expense of people- of lives. Now you're arguing on behalf of them, the health insurers and pharma-companies, by fighting against the proposed competitive government health insurance system. 'Because it will drive the health insurances' and health corporations' prices down and not allow them to make a profit.'

Isn't that what the Republican's have come to stand for? You're helping them not only win on their issues on your turf, but you're helping them build a stronger united front based on yours, the Democratic Party's weaknesses. It's utterly incredulous. The Republicans are laughing at us on their way back to the office we all collectively fought so hard to kick them out of.

It's unconscionable to think that profit has priority over human life!

Your hypocracy is outrageous. But that's probably why the world is in such dire straits right now. It's the example you set to your constituents and the world. For you, it's okay to pretend you care when in reality you don't. You say we need health care reform and then you turn to the corporate lobby for your campaign donations. Your lies offends the trust which the people of this country gave to you.

When you reach office, the smell of power and what power gets you helps boost your ego- your greed. Assistants are at your beck and call. Immoral and even criminal actions can be swept under the carpet because everyone around you enables that to happen. Living the high life sure beats the low and humble life. No holds barred. And all you have to do is pretend- tell the people what they want to hear. They're too stupid or busy trying to live their lives, let alone watch your every move.

It's our fault too. We want you to deal with that horrible business of politicking. We're too happy to give that part of the job to you.

Over the years, a life of public service (you serving the public) has been redefined by people like you. It's now about the public serving you instead. But that's what you want us to believe, so we won't hold you accountable. We'll don't be too comfortable on your ideas. As my father-in-law once said, if you live in the public eye, you will die by the hand of the public eye. Keep this in mind.

But most of all, think about if you had not run for office. You were like the ordinary person- the person whom you pounded the pavement on cold rainy days or hot sweltering nights to cull their vote. Put yourself in their shoes. You voted for someone you thought you could trust. And he or she turned out to be a lying politician like you. What would go through your mind right now? What would you do?

Should I be cynical and think that you would do exactly what you're doing now- that is to lie and step on the people who voted for you. Just so you can live out your dreams of power? Or could I hope for the thoughtfulness and caring that helped get you elected?

I hope it is the latter.

Sincerely,
Ewanglee

(For those who want to understand the issues of healthcare reform, please click on below.)


from NYT Global Edition Opinion Page July 25 2009

from NYT Opinion Page July 26, 2009

Logo credit: U.S. Democratic Party

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