A Bully by Another Name . . . Is a Republican

A Party So Heartless.

Let’s face it: most kids that are bullies grow up to be adult bullies. And chances are, grown-up bullies will be Republicans. It seems that in both cases, these are people characterized by a complete lack of respect for others, and a chilling lack of empathy.

The kids who would torment a classmate until she commits suicide are very likely the same people who will grow up to “turn their back on the sick and the poor.” In fact, they may even grow up to yell racial epithets at distinguished members of Congress, or spit at them, or torment a disabled individual at a political rally.

And even when such people can refrain themselves from verbal and physical violence, they perpetrate a financial and cultural violence by adopting a relentless policy of shamelessly enriching themselves at the expense of others. And they will perpetuate any lie, no matter how outrageous, to do so. It’s frightening, and sad, to realize that some members of our society are so amoral and cruel. But we can guess where they came from.

Health Care Reform: A Declaration of Independence

And another thing: this bill represents liberty -- heretofore known as an inalienable right, no?

I know people who might like to start their own business but CAN'T -- because they have pre-existing conditions and couldn't get decent insurance (at a decent price) if they tried. So they're stuck, sometimes in a job they'd rather leave. And we live in a capitalist society! Denying someone their right to start a business is downright anti-American.

Conservatives, how's that for protecting your freedom?

A Necessary First Step

To those worried that "The Senate bill further entrenches the private health insurance system" and "continues the terrible pattern of privatizing our social safety net in such a way that business skims 20% off the top," keep this in mind: the same thing could be (and has been) said about privatized student loans.

However, student loan reform is now the barely-noticed cousin of health care reform, to be "reconciled" simultaneously.

In the same way, passage of this "first step" in health care reform will open the door to future improvements. It's not perfect, just passable. But doing nothing to end the "demonic behavior" of health insurance companies is not an option.

The bill is a critical first step in fixing a failing system.

A Speech Long Overdue

Senator Kaufman takes on the subject of financial reform. It's common sense, but will anyone listen?