Otto von Bismarck has been credited with the observation, “To retain respect for sausages and laws, one must not watch them in the making.” Even Otto would be sick today.
I have no patience for those whose lack of maturity or ignorance of history compels them to earnestly implore the rest of us to take some action immediately lest the world be imperiled. In a society where the game of the century is played every year, recycling plastic will save the planet, and hyperbole is so common it begs for a superlative form, it is usually wise to think twice before making claims that appear to wander too close to that sensible border that separates extreme claims from more moderate assessments. Alas, sometimes the world presents us with facts for which only extreme descriptions are sufficient. The duplicative mental exercise leaves me no farther from that line and I feel compelled to make this simple observation -- the bill passed by the Democrats yesterday is the most dishonest piece of major legislation in the history of the republic. I do not believe that any person of moral integrity can support it.
Mary McCarthy's famous statement about Lillian Hellman would be even more apt a description for this bill. Every word in it is a lie, including "and" and "the". I suppose that we shouldn't be surprised that the biggest supporters of this bill share Hellman's political sympathies. A number of House Democrats voted for this bill knowing that their votes could likely cost them their seats. They voted for it anyway because they believe that it will irrevocably change the relationship between the American people and their government. They see that change as being worthy of the sacrifice of their positions of power.
I would suggest that we examine this proposition with all due seriousness. I, as one who prefers liberty and freedom, am profoundly disturbed by the implications of an ever more powerful government dictating to the people as legislated in this bill. Perhaps that view places me in the minority, but I don't think so and I certainly hope not. I am equally disturbed by the dishonesty, slander and corruption which has been employed by the president and the Congressional leadership in pursuit of this victory over the will of the people.
We are facing an important turning point in the course of this nation's history. I wish it were not so. But the debate over the role of government in our lives and the question of our fidelity to the principles of our founding are going to be determined over the next year. Engage with the issues. This will matter.
