In recent debates, Democratic Senators and Representatives have resorted to rhetorical name calling in an effort to prolong the shutdown, and ultimately raise the debt ceiling through their budgeting demands.
They have addressed members of the Republican House, and House Speaker John Boehner, as extremists, blackmailers, anarchists, terrorists, tea baggers, Tea Party radicals etc. “Tea Party radicals” is a reference to the Boston Tea Party, which took place in 1773 when a group of Massachusetts Patriots protested the monopoly on American tea importation granted by Parliament.
It’s ironic that Democrats have chosen this rhetorical description, when they have clearly left Americans with the impression that we must pay their tax and we must buy their tea. President Obama and Democratic Senators are trying to blame the Republican Party when they have passed four legislations since Tuesday, Oct. 1 to end this shutdown; two of which were tabled by the Senate and never even discussed.
In these legislations they have requested delay of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare; the Senate tabled this. The fact that ACA has undergone 22 changes, under Obama’s instruction, in the past week alone is a sign of future failings. Republicans have also requested that the bill be applied equally to all Americans; this was also tabled. Obama has instructed exemption from ACA be given to 729 unions and companies, and certain politicians. So I have to ask: if ACA were so amazing, why would they want to be exempt from it?
Finally Republican House resorted to asking the Senate what they would be willing to accept, which led to the current impasse. President Obama and Democrats are making no real efforts to end this shutdown and hear the voice of the American people. It shows in recent polls that 59 percent of Americans do not want the ACA to go into effect.
“House Republicans have asked Senate Democrats to name conferees to a committee that would work out this impasse. They have characterized this as a matter of fairness and proper procedure,” said John Dickerson, journalist for Slate.
Ted Yoho (R., Fla.) explained the great efforts of the Republican House have taken to ensure that the voice of the people is heard.
“We are the voice of the people; the people will have to pay for this shutdown. And the majority of the people do not want the Affordable Care Act,” said Yoho.
Kevin McCarthy (R., Calif.), Majority Whip for Republican House, has informed the public that the Democrats refused appropriations during the government shutdown, such as provide pay and allowances to members of the reserve components of the military, among other selections among the bills proposed by House Republicans. However, the Democrats fully supported a schedule resolution for “National Chess Week.”
This is not just unacceptable, but an undeniable example of what the House Democrats have been doing since Oct. 1. At minimum we should have debate over the real issues facing our country. A possible, and hopeful outcome could be agreeing on a compromise that makes the ACA voluntary for the first year, to survey the response of the people versus the opinions of politicians.
Think about this: do you really want someone who allows and encourages park rangers to disturb veterans at memorials and cemeteries to be in control of your healthcare? Do you really want someone who has broken promises repeatedly to the American people for years to be in control of the money in your pocket?
Now is not a time to be a divided nation of Republican versus Democrat. This is a time to remind our government that their sole objective is to represent the people of this country. This is a time to remind our government that all Americans are created equal, and no one man can strip us of the rights we are innately dignified to have.
