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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsMore than Resistance
This health care bill betrays everything Republicans claim to care about. First, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reported at the end of 2016 that our health care spending has now reach 17.8% of the Gross Domestic Product. Yes, part of what contributes to that number is an aging population, but any way you look at it, that is still a significant chunk of the overall GDP that is going to take a hit. Second, Republicans have supported budget cuts as necessary to reduce the national debt, but this bill gives money away. Wealthy moochers are getting free stuff. Finally, stripping away life-saving health care is not pro-life. This includes everything from a childs inhaler, to a seniors assisted living. Ultimately, Trumpcare belies these Republican positions as being nothing more than window dressing.
While this has been true for quite some time, never before has the sham of Republican values been so starkly showcased in a single bill. Since the GOP has conceded virtually every plank in their party platform, what exactly do they stand for - other than being the "Party of Putin" (POP)? And are they the only ones taking money in the form of campaign donations from Russian oligarchs. According to an article on the conservative website, Daily Caller, this is an issue hitting both sides of the aisle.
Regardless of what you believe, take a minute and consider the following: Is there any way that we can fact-check whether or not Corey Booker took over $13,000 from a Pro-Putin Russian Oligarch? Conversely, is there any way we can verify that he did NOT? The answer to both those questions is a resounding, NO!
We have opened the flood gates to an influx of dark money into our politics - at every level - through back-room deals using PACs. Through the Citizens United ruling, the Supreme Court legalized under-the-table bribery. Do you really think Russian oligarchs suddenly started messing in American politics in 2016? No. They started testing the waters years ago and found that since they could do everything in secret, the money was untraceable. All that happened in 2016 was that Putin got cocky and overplayed his hand.
Now, we have a Manchurian candidate in the Whitehouse, but hes certainly not the only one in Washington D.C. Likewise, its no longer restricted to the federal level. Were also seeing corrupt and compromised politicians in every state government and even in municipalities. Theres only one solution.
When it comes to campaign financing, all who run for office must be completely transparent and held absolutely accountable for what donations they receive and from whom. This information must be made public and accessible via the internet by anyone who wishes to review the list of donors and the dollar amounts. This cannot be optional for states and has to apply to all political parties. It must be implemented across the board in Washington D.C. and vertically as well from a local city council all the way up to POTUS.
The chips are down, folks. The Republic is under attack. The balloon has gone up. The Great American Experiment may be coming to an end. Resistance is not enough. At this very critical juncture in our countrys history, the only stance we can take is . . .
No surrender, no retreat!
nikibatts
(2,198 posts)BigmanPigman
(51,432 posts)I agreed with the point he made which was "the Dems and the media need to take action". If the GOP was in our position they would have hearings by now. There needs to be MORE backbone since Indivisible and town halls can only do so much so they need to step up to the plate and play hardball!
furtheradu
(1,865 posts)Moveon.org, Planned Parenthood, Sen.Booker, etc..
Last I heard 2 hrs ago, traffic was heavy, nothing else.