Seems we're in for a confrontation in Congress between Democrats and Republicans; better make that a trio -- the independent "Blue Dogs" will be part of this "dust-up."
Health care reform is the coveted prize. Even though they have numbers, Democrats are up against it in this battle. Public opinion doesn't favor massive expensive reform and staggeringly low approval ratings of Congress don't help the cause. Therein lies the problem: people don't trust Congress to get it right ... with good reasons.
With deference to the sorry state of our nation's financial affairs, it makes little sense to pour even more water on a "drowning man." Our near financial collapse in 2008-09 had its roots in dereliction of duty among congressional leaders and the administrations. The powers and duties of Congress are numerous. A very critical duty is that of oversight of the nation's financial engine; banking, mortgages, housing, etc.
Both houses of Congress have oversight committees devoted to this important task and nearly 100 members are assigned to maintain the health of our financial systems. Yet in spite of this committee's vast influence and expertise, it failed miserably. This crisis festered for over a decade and was joined to the altruistic notion that home ownership was a right of every American, even if unaffordable or unsustainable.
Inaction by these committees composed of Republicans and Democrats, begs the question, "Why were these people on such a vital oversight committee?" Was this another example of the "seniority system" or the "good old boy" network that permeates Congress? Were they unduly influenced by lobbyists? Surely there were members with real credentials, yet they failed to avoid a crisis. The knowledge of this failure is not lost on the American people.
The Democratic administration's push for health care reform has been botched. At first the thinking appears to have been, "we have a mandate from the people, the presidency and both houses of Congress, we'll do whatever we like." When even members of their own party rebelled they adopted the strategy of buying the votes of "fence-sitters" with offers of special deals for individual states. When the whistle was blown on this exercise in extortion, Democrats threatened to invoke "reconciliation" to force their version of health care through.
Even this strategy faces obstacles and would have devastating repercussions in the November 2010 elections as it adds to the mistrust of Washington by voters.
In the midst of this serious debate we are treated to televised congressional hearings on automobile safety concerns (which are important) at which auto executives are taken to task for their failure. Those wagging the fingers are eager to get face time and appear to their constituents to be diligent in their duties.
The march toward the health care "shoot out" continues. The winner will be the side that solves the correct order of the command, "Ready! Fire! Aim! Hopefully the American people will also be winners. They too have to solve this with regard to their choice of representatives and policies.
Reynolds lives in Pleasant View.
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