1) The congressional leaders have said they are going to pass health care reform. It’s going to happen with or without Republican support. With or without Full Democratic (they’ve promised to use the nuclear option to pass it if they have to) and without the input of the public.  It doesn’t matter what the people think or what the other elected officials think as long as they have 51 senate members.  Obama was quoted as saying he doesn’t want to hear from the opposition, he wants them to shut up and get out of the way (“I Don’t want the folks who created the mess to do a lot of talking” — http://bit.ly/3ZkSi).  It’s disingenuous to say those that disagree with you created the problem.  It’s certainly arguable that it’s been the liberal plans that have created much of the problem.  Either way, the debate should be open… telling the people to shut up is arrogant.

2) The White house has asked people to report misinformation by emailing flag@whitehouse.gov. This is truly big brother, and probably illegal.  What it is for sure is an attempt to stifle debate through intimidation.

3) There are many people swarming our leaders, asking legitimate questions, bringing up valid concerns and using their Constitutional right to assembly and free speech by protesting.  In some cases things have gotten a bit out of hand… but most cases are quite civil.  Those who are hell bent on passing their brand of reform have labeled these people as a mob.  Even worse, they are of course nefariously “organized”.  Whatever.  As one of these type people myself, I can assure you I’ve not been asked, persuaded, offered money, or anything to go to a town hall meeting and questions our leaders, but the first chance I get to attend a Town Hall… I will be there.  These people, right or wrong, are true patriots in questioning our leaders, and expecting them to listen. It seems the left thinks that they are the only ones who have the right of assembly.  In fact, they are the ones organizing, as now union leaders, and groups like Acorn are sending their members to “fight back” against the real grass roots. (http://bit.ly/lyv4p)  The only AstroTurf  here is coming from those pushing Obama’s brand of reform.

4) There are also a lot of rhetorical tactics that are being used to shut those of us who are concerned.  The most obvious one is the notion that if you’re opposed to what’s going on now, you don’t want Heath Care reform at all.  That’s not it at all.  We certainly do want reform, we just don’t think the Obama brand of reform is good at all.  Other standard tactics are personally attacking those who are the mouthpieces for the opposition.  As though the fact that some of us have character flaws completely invalidates our arguments.  It’s a ridiculous notion, and just plain intellectually dishonest.

Look.  There’s an honest debate that needs to happen here.  Reform should happen, but it needs to be one that is best for the country.  The lawmakers don’t always (rarely) know what’s best for us.  They need to listen to the people, and truly reform things.  I’ve got many ideas on what I think good reform would be, and I’ll share those some other time… but so do many other people.   So let’s have an honest debate… the country will be better for it.