Monthly Archive for February, 2010

We’re in the midst of another big snowstorm here in western Pennsylvania… The roads are terrible and most of the area businesses closed early today.  As I’m sitting here writing this (and looking out my window), I can’t help but feel a bit dreary myself.  My daughters were home from school yet again today because of weather (The kids in this area are destined to finish up school late this year because of the reoccurring snowstorms.  Poor kids!).   While the girls were elated to be home, I’ve been pulling out my hair all day trying to deal with their boredom and continuous need to harass and taunt each other (This stuff could easily be transcribed into a book called something like… “Duct Tape:  A Solution For Parents of Pre-Teen Girls”).

On a more serious note, the unrelenting news on t.v. about the dismal unemployment numbers is really starting to wear on me, now, too.  I think I’ve finally succumbed to the idea that our governing officials in Washington are indeed “off their rockers” and/or regularly visit other universes and don’t touch down on this one very often.  I just don’t understand why JOBS aren’t front and center right now, and I’m terribly disappointed that our elected officials seem to be so disconnected from their constituents (both Democrat and Republican). The role of government, as outlined in our Constitution, seems to have slipped away in the abyss of “well-intentioned” arrogant politicians who have once again blurred the lines between individual responsibility and government obligation.  The question is — Can we stop this fatal turn before it’s too late?

I often hear politicians say “The American people just don’t understand.”  That statement might be true to a certain degree, but our elected politicians don’t seem to understand THEY WORK FOR US. WE’RE their boss, and WE DECIDE what’s best for us — not them.  Some may say this health care debate is like numerous other issues which have been legislated (in the past) without the support of one party (or the American people), but I think we all can agree Barack Obama’s proposed health care legislation stands to ultimately change how we live as a people of this great nation.  Ultimately, it will mean even less opportunity and personal decision-making for individuals and businesses with dire consequences for the economy as a whole.   Lastly, the United States will no longer be “of the people, for the people” [Abraham Lincoln, The Gettysburg Address (1863)].  The passing of this unprecedented legislation will be a catalyst for even more invasive government rule of our private lives.

Despite our differing party affiliations, I think most everyone would agree our current health care system needs to be addressed and improved; however, the way in which Barack Obama is overhauling the system (without the input of the Republican party and support of the people) is NOT the way of diplomacy, bi-partisanship, or even democracy.  If this highly argumentative and controversial legislation is pushed through Congress, this will most definitely be the beginning of the end.  If you give government an inch,  they will take a mile.

What’s next?!  What’s good for the goose isn’t always good for the gander.  Be careful what you wish for, folks.