The Triangle

Issue date: 9/18/09 Section: Ed-Op

Media Credit: Ron Tarver Philadelphia Inquirer/MCT Campus

The immature, disrespectful outburst heard 'round America had both Democrats and Republicans filling their blood-pressure prescriptions after President Obama's Health Care address Sept. 9. In the much-awaited speech, Obama gave more details to those who held a number of concerns regarding a public option plan (including some Democrats), explaining how it would work and why it would be necessary. Despite the fact that Obama claims his "door is open" and liberals in both Chambers declare that their attempts to be bipartisan are unfaltering, Republican derrières remained glued to their seats for most of the hour-long speech, while Democrats stood and cheered at almost every opportunity. How can Obama appease both sides on this issue?

Simply put, he can't. And he shouldn't. During the past two years, Democrats have fought their way to the top. They triumphantly won their battle to hold majorities in both the House and Senate and in November victoriously gained the ultimate position: president of the United States. It looked as though America was ready for the change Obama spoke often of, as optimistic crowds gathered to cheer his success and talk excitedly about a transformation in this country. Obama's view on healthcare was a cornerstone to his platform, a point which held paramount importance to Americans' actual day-to-day lives - yet, many supporters feel our president has been faltering, stuttering and almost silent in terms of his beliefs.

With his speech last week, he finally took the stand that Democrats were craving. Yet Republicans couldn't keep their outrage contained. They shouted, booed, held up signs and acted like my 5-year-old cousin when he really doesn't want a bath. Appeasing the conservatives on this issue just to achieve bipartisanship would leave Americans with a "reform" so watered-down that it would be almost pointless to put into place.

Despite this truth, Conservatives will not budge. Representative Charles Boustany (R-LA), who gave the Republican's response Sept. 9 said Congress could do better with a targeted approach that tackles the biggest problems such as preexisting conditions, lower prices and assistance to those who cannot access a doctor." He also stated that Obama, "had a chance tonight to take government-run health care off the table. Unfortunately, he didn't do it."

A bit further to the left (but not as much as one would think), the Blue Dog Democrats had a somewhat more positive response to the speech. Representative Jim Cooper (D-Tenn.) stated that, "If the details live up to the quality of the speech, then it's a good plan," a swift contrast to how Blue Dogs felt before the August recess when they attempted to block the bill's advancement. It seems as though after Obama's promise that a public option will not add to the deficit, Democrats from all sides appear to be uniting, slowly yet steadily.

Continued...

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