I am so proud of the Massachusetts voters.
In the middle of all the confusion of trying to deal with the financial mess, the wars we are engaged in, and the staggering unemployment and loss of jobs, the massive and increasing debt that we are passing on to our children and grandchildren, Massachusetts said to our political leaders, “Slow down, be honest, don’t operate behind closed doors!”
I agree with Massachusetts! A year ago, I wrote a letter to Editor in the Herald Bulletin saying, in essence, let’s let Obama have a chance. Let’s see if he does what he said he would. Now, my verdict is in. He has not had an “open and transparent” government as he promised. He and his leaders in congress have conducted all negotiations in secret behind closed doors.
Massive bills involving Billions of dollars voted on only hours after being presented to the congress. We’re talking about the stimulus bills, the health bills and so many others that were so rushed that it could not be intelligently debated – much less examined to see if it would really work. How can you change one seventh of our economy, health care, in just a few weeks, as they tried to do, without knowing the results?
So many “deals” to get votes like Nebraska, like Louisiana, like the special deal for unions make the whole process disgusting. Deals (bribes) for votes that you and I have to pay for. If I did what the leaders of congress did, I would be in jail.
Most Americans are not so simple that they cannot understand the excessive use of raw power. This is what has happened in Washington for the past year. The Democrats had a chance of a lifetime to make constructive and significant changes. It may never happen again. But they blew it.
During the past year, the politicians have tried to hide from their constituents. They did not listen when they visited to their home districts.
Today, Massachusetts spoke in a way that the Democrats in control cannot fail to hear. And, if you don’t know, Massachusetts is one of the most liberal states in the country. If Massachusetts says that Obama, Pelosi, and Reed are wrong, you can only imagine what the rest of the country is thinking.
Change is needed. On that, I agree. But if you are in congress or in the White House and want to make the change, then you had better start listening to us. We don’t agree with the direction you are taking us.
Congratulations Massachusetts Voters!
Jay Long
Alexandria, Ind.
Posted: January 20, 2010
Filed under: Election, Health Care
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