So, I watched most of the health care summit, aka Blair House Project, yesterday. I can't say that I had high expectations. When it comes to politics, I rarely do. Does that make me cynical? Probably. Oh well.
But it WAS interesting to watch for several reasons. There were brief moments of actual discussion; unfortunately, there were too many moments of talking points on both sides as well. There was the very rare scene of a President sitting before a roundtable (ok .. square table. whatever) talking to ranking members of Congress from both sides of the aisle about an important piece of legislation.
Let's be honest. President Obama called this summit for two basic reasons: 1) to have an open forum to let the Republicans display their obstructionism & defend their *ahem* policies, and 2) to display a public attempt at opening up the conversation about health care reform. Here is what I took from the day's event:
- Politicians can rarely (at least in a public forum) resist the overpowering urge to blather talking points seemingly without the ability to stop themselves.
- The Republicans strategy of the Party of No was exposed for all to see. While I appreciate that they have a few *cough cough* proposals, the focus of EVERY opposition was anti-Obama health care and pro- ... well nothing. They kept acknowledging the need to reform our system, but simultaneously kept offering ... well .. nothing.
- Republicans whined about being left out of the process. I am not sure how I feel about that argument. On it's face, it seems disingenuous at best and hypocritical at worst. I mean, if your party position is to refute EVERYTHING the President says, then why would they need/want to include you in the process? Seriously. Politics aside, if I know that you have an agenda to shoot down everything I propose, then guess what? I am not inviting you to the party. I will say "fuck you, I'm having this party without you."
- President Obama was calm, cool, & collected throughout the proceedings, even in those soundbite moments with Alexander and McCain. The fact that the right-wing douches call his performance arrogant is yet another indication of their bias/prejudice/ignorance/stupidity ... whatever.
- In the end, nothing was really gained. Each party began their spin, then pundits weighed in with ratings, commentary, bullshit analysis, etc etc etc.
- The Democrats got to talk more that us. Wah wah wahhhhhh.
- We can't afford this government takeover of health care. *yawn*
The rest of us? We will continue to be frustrated by a populace that does not understand the process, yet hates the process. Bad combination. An ignorant voting public does not always make great decisions. A smart Republican party knows this and stays on task for POLITICAL GAIN .. NOT for the betterment of our country.
Will health care reform take place? I don't really know. It seems it has died 462 deaths over the last year. I will await the ultimate end to this long road. But for now, I support my President and I continue to detest what the Republican party has become.
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