We are at a watershed

I believe that historians will look back on the next few weeks in American history as a watershed, as the opportunity for Democrats to either restore legitimate constitutional government in the United States or to acquiesce to fear mongering and political blackmail and consent to the insidious and incremental spread of despotism in America.

I find it absolutely incredible that there is even debate about this issue. George W. Bush broke the law, he has publicly said as much. And it is very possible that the big telecoms broke the law as well, which has yet to be determined by court of law. But now Mr. Bush wants to give these possible lawbreakers immunity from the law. That’s what despots do. They hold themselves and their friends above the law.

The Democrats must not fold on this issue. The Democrats must vote not to renew the expanded FISA law and most especially must absolutely not vote to give the telecoms immunity. The future of America --- to say nothing of the Democratic Party --- may well be at stake.

As James Madison said: “I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments by those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.”

Override the veto

The following letter has been sent to the Republican U.S. Representative of our district:

The Hon. Peter Roskam
507 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

October 6, 2007

Dear Rep. Roskam:

The purpose of this letter is to urge you to vote in favor of overriding Pres. Bush’s callous veto of the child health care bill (SCHIP). The justifications for the veto that have been offered are specious at best:

- The bill does not in any way represent a significant step toward so-called socialized medicine. It is no more than an incremental increase in an existing bill that has widespread bi-partisan support and that will bring necessary healthcare coverage to children who do not now have it.

- This bill is not a “budget buster.” The cost for five years of this bill is approximately the same as we currently spend in a few months in Iraq. What’s more, the bill is for all intents and purposes self-paying, since it includes a tax increase on cigarettes to cover it.

Finally, we would also share with you how dismayed we were at Pres. Bush’s flip remark to a reporter to the effect that the children who would be covered by this bill “already have healthcare, it’s called the emergency room.” First, it certainly doesn’t seem to be consistent with the president’s professed Christian values, which teaches us to care for those less fortunate. What’s more, it further demonstrates an appalling lack of concern for those of use who do pay for our healthcare insurance. Visits by uninsured families to the emergency room have to be paid for by someone, that “someone” turns out of be us in higher healthcare insurance rates.

Sincerely,


Mr. & Mrs. David F. Ramacitti