I received this letter from a regular, hard-working American in Silver Spring, Maryland. I just wanted to post the letter and give voice to someone that has something to say about the healthcare debate in Washington. I imagine that many readers of this blog will agree with much of what he has to say.

This week a televised health care summit will take place.  It has been some journey to get to this point.- a televised, bipartisan summit on a major bill that could affect the lives of 300 million Americans very significantly.  Since the health care debate and legislation process began quite some time ago last year, my question to you is why did it take so long?  And why was the American public ignored back in July of 2009 when they clamored to slow the process down so that they may be able to view and go over the details which could so dramatically affect their lives, businesses, and country?  Americans were just applying common sense wisdom that “HASTE MAKES WASTE”.   But remember how some members wanted to finish the process before the August recess?  And remember how one member quipped, “Why read the bill when I don't have 2 days and 2 lawyers to explain it to me?”

 

And why did Democratic leadership go behind closed doors with the president after the September 29^th vote in the Senate that defeated the public option portion of the bill?  Why were Republicans and indeed Americans locked out of the proceedings?  And what was up with all the backroom deals – you know, all the bribes and exemptions?  It would seem logical that the bill is either good for all, or it is good for no one.  Where was the call for bipartisanship and TV cameras back then?  And since Americans will have to bear the brunt of this bill, why was the voice of an overwhelming majority of Americans who opposed both bills currently in Congress ignored?  And indeed, it was that majority that propelled Scott Brown from 31 points behind to take the “people's seat” in Massachusetts.

 

And so I think we all clearly know why it took so long for the president to call for this summit.  Now the question is, based on the 7 preceding months, is the president sincere?  Already there is a report that a backroom deal has already been made, and thus the summit would be nothing but a charade for some politicians to hide behind as cover from voter backlash.  Thus, if the president is sincere now about being transparent, then all the players should show their hands.  We need entire transparency, not partial.  Details of every backroom deal and lobbyist connection should be disclosed and available to the public.  That includes every agreement already made with the pharmaceutical industry, insurance industry, AARP, and the American Medical Association.  The American public needs to know who is supporting what and why.  After what has transpired, the president needs to fully demonstrate his transparency and sincerity.

 

Issues should neither be Republican, nor Democrat.  This is about America.  Politicians too often “spin” and play party politics.  America needs the truth and what is good for all, not just pandering to the politically-connected and selfish personal agendas.  Republicans need to ask Democratic leadership why they were locked out of health care deliberations, and why their amendments to the bills were limited?  Republicans need to bring concrete, constructive ideas to the table, and not just boast and bash. 

 

And given the tenuous state of America's economy, we no longer can afford any more reckless government experiments at the expense of the American taxpayer and economy.  Therefore, there should be bipartisan support for full and accurate disclosure of the real personal, business, and economic costs of any health care bill by an accredited independent commission that cannot be called into the White House for “questioning and intimidation”.  America must slow down and do things right.  We can no longer afford spending programs which speed recklessly down the road of deficits and debt to economic disaster.

 

And finally the president, himself, should follow his own idea.  If he is truly sincere on this issue, then he should do what he has already done to address the debt crisis in America, and that is call for an independent commission to thoroughly study the matter.  The best health care professions in the field should be summoned – such as the director of the Cleveland Clinic which Mr. Obama lauded – for their insight and ideas.  When ready, their report should then be submitted to the American public and to Congress for review.  This would help to take politics out of it and help put greater priority on America's best interests.  Democrats and Republicans should strongly urge the president to follow this route.  And if full disclosure and independent commissions are not forthcoming, then the American public can conclude that the president has called for a charade, and not a true summit.  And that could be the most revealing part of this televised meeting.

  

Paul Leonard

8627 Piney Branch Rd.

Silver Spring, MD  20901

920-918-3943