Majority Rule Now

Several writers have voiced complaints regarding Democrats’ backroom deals and secret meetings in this Congress. Where were these champions of transparency during the Bush/Cheney regime? Apparently, some are willing to lower the bar of ethical standards or remain silent when Republicans hold the balance of power. Unfortunately, that’s a predictable result when blind partisanship trumps principles.

Others expressed legitimate concerns about cost, quality of care, and accessibility under proposed health-care reforms. Yet accepting the GOP plan (?) of starting from scratch would accomplish nothing. How far back does this obstructionist minority suggest we go to get to their utopian vision of “scratch”? To Theodore Roosevelt’s advocacy in 1912? To President Harry S. Truman’s unsuccessful attempts at reform in 1948?

Accessibility is presently being flat out denied to millions and the cost of premiums is prohibitive to millions more. The health insurance industry is in business to make a profit. That’s their right. But make no mistake; their profits and multi-million-dollar executive salaries and bonuses are guaranteed by denying care, not by providing it.

President Obama was elected by a majority of voters. Democrats won substantial majorities in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Elections (yes, even those prior to the recent Senate election in Massachusetts) matter. It’s time for the majority to rule … Now. — Robert Baruch, Goleta