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.

Recently I’ve discovered that I have far more in common with the Libertarian Party that I do with our two big parties.  Neither party has any interest in the betterment of this country.  With little exception, our national representatives in both parties have sold their soul, and the soul of this country for the power in which they desire.

For the previous four years I stood by “our” President when I was a Republican and watched one of the biggest power grabs in History.  Republicans and Democrats took advantage of our fear over 9/11 to get things “done”.  While on many levels I support the Patriot act, and many other things Republicans tried to do, what I cannot support is how bloated these bills become with pork, amendments, and attacks on our freedom.  These came from both sides.  A good example is the UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act).

The UIGEA wasn’t a bill… it was part of a more important bill called Security and Accountability For Every Port Act of 2006.  This parent bill addressed some much needed security issues (For example, some much needed FEMA problems were addressed, and it required radiation testing on appropriate imports).  But in a last minute effort, Republican added the UIGEA to it in a “midnight drop”.  No legitimate debate.  An attempt, once again by our lawmakers, to legislate morality using ignorance, intolerance, and just plain stupidity.

The UIGEA made the funding of internet gaming illegal (Depositing and Payments of Funds for Online Gambling).  Actually, it’s not even that clear, it’s worded in such a way that so many legal acts could be considered illegal, and puts a huge burden on banks to enforce the act.  Very quickly some huge moneymaking companies decided to avoid the risk by abandoning our lands and moved internet gaming sides overseas, taking huge revenues (and taxes) along with them.  Instead of regulating (a term I’m usually not fond of either), and potentially increasing government revenue through taxes, they chose to blindly ban it.  The worst part is that those of us who want to see the UIGEA overturned are pinning a lot of hope on the actions of Barney Frank.  (Who is my second least favorite politician… and no, Obama isn’t my least… that special title is reserved for Pelosi).

The UIGEA is actually a minor infraction on the part of Republicans to me, but it is one that affects me personally as a Poker Player. Government consistently limits my rights rather than protects them.  Our republic was created in a way to limit Government and to protect my rights but more and more the opposite happens. Each of our two parties are doing this in their own self-interest and preservation.  They treat us like children that have to be told what to do, what is right, and what is wrong.

I used to believe that it was the Republican that were on my side, protecting my liberties, trying to reduce the size of government, and securing my freedom.  But the last 8 years have shown me that Republicans are just as power hungry as the Democrats, and will screw us over just as quickly to keep their power.

Case in point is Arlen Spector.  Now, anyone who had a clue knew he was what many of us called a RINO (Republican in Name Only).  As a Republican he was elected time and time again, while practically being a Democrat (just look at his voting record).  But as soon as it was clear that he would not win the Republican Nomination this time around, he jumped ship and labeled himself as a Democrat, because it is in this party he was sure to secure his stranglehold on his seat.

Of course, the Republicans applauded Joe Lieberman when he did almost he same thing and ran as an Independent when he was sure to lose the Democratic Nomination.  But at least he chose to become independent, which sounds like he kept some integrity.  But in the end, it was about keeping power.

So I no longer feel that either of our parties are looking out for me.  (The Health-Care non-debate is a prime example of this… Democrats are certainly not interested in what is best for the country, only what will get them more votes — More on this in a future post).  And despite my revelation that the Libertarian party is becoming an option, I’m not yet convinced.  So Independent it is for me.  Georgia seems to have open primaries, so my options should not be limited in primary season.  I know going Independent is the right thing to do for me.

I have a fantasy that we’ll implement term limits for House Members.  Crazy thought isn’t it?  I think if our representatives had a limited time in office, we might have more people who get elected with idealistic notions rather than continuing power.  Maybe then I’d feel like I could belong to a party again.

I’m totally feeling like watching Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.