NY Times Editorial 8.29 Majority Rule on Healthcare Reform

Dr.Phillips Bloomington, IL August 29th, 2009

A simple majority decision on healthcare reform, as an effort to pass with ease the administration's final congressional bill, could be a crucial mistake resulting in alienation of many voters for 2010 and 2012. Clear promises concerning cooperation were made publicly, in last year's campaign which included,

A new administrative approach in negotiation featuring presidential expansion of bipartisan cooperation. The President's campaign promised to bring his expertise to facilitate this effort, which became an incentive that argued for his election. The entire nation however has yet to witness the fulfillment of this pre-election commitment. A major bill of this magnitude if approved through reconciliation, in my opinion, would effectively eliminate any potential for future bipartisanship and further erode the administration's overall credibility.

The House bill on healthcare reform has been available for public review and is yet to receive a favorable reaction from the analysis of many voters. The Senate versions of the bill are waiting to be reviewed by a public hungry for careful analysis.

Tarp and the various stimulus measures may have been initially designed to assist small businesses, main street and job creation, but in most cases they are yet to arrive. The concept of a simple majority to pass healthcare reform seems to imply a "cram down" approach to the bill's passage rather than an exploration of alternatives with the public, insurance companies, and other states, which might avoid a major impasse.

This proposed reconciliation action will, if utilized to pass the healthcare proposal, create a strong and lasting backlash among voters in America for months. The nation needs all parties and voters working together to maximize synergy, during these precarious times. Much like the family car all engine cylinders need to be firing together or the ship of state might stall. Our major challenges in spite of rhetoric remain to be faced including, but not limited to, continuing loss of jobs, rising unemployment, increasing crime, additional foreclosures. increased taxes, energy needs, terrorism and rogue nations threatening our national security. When the true emergencies come, we must be working together as a nation to survive. Reconciliation for passing the healthcare bill will quickly move us away from a public unification strategy.

In the words of an intelligent planner from the past, "People are inclined to support those goals and objectives which they have had a part in formulating." The strength of American government remains that it is by the people and for the people. Any procedure for passing healthcare reform which limits the number and input of voters and their elected officials, in passing an unpopular, poorly communicated bill, will ultimately result in massive voter disaffection.