Seems I’ve spent a lot more time on theological issues than political ones lately. And by and large, I've always encouraged folks to be respectful of our elected leaders (in fact, we ought to still respect the office they hold and pray for them). However this latest move by the US House just can’t be ignored. We have now moved one step closer to becoming the United Socialist States of America.
The arrogance of these men and women repeatedly ignoring the overwhelming voice of the American people and instead giving in to the strong arm tactics of House and Senate leaders, not to mention the President, is something one would expect from a military dictatorship in a third world country; not this supposed land of the free and home of the brave.
The height of the arrogance came from Rep. Alcee Hastings (D) Florida, a member of the House Rules Committee, who made this now infamous statement about the Democrats approach to the health care debate: “There ain't no rules here, we're trying to accomplish something. . . .All this talk about rules. . . .When the deal goes down . . . we make 'em up as we go along.”
Forget the rules, forget the Constitution, forget the will of the people they represent, just do it. It’s Nike gone toxic. The latest Rasmussen Poll shows that 64% of the people think Congress is doing a poor job. Hmm, I wonder why. Could it be because they broke all the rules in their rush the most unpopular piece of legislation in history? Surely that’s not it.
So now what? We’ve taken one giant step toward the socialism that so many claimed our President didn’t want to lead us into; so what can we do about it. Well here’s one thing. The Tenth Amendment to the US
Constitution states explicitly that powers of the Federal Government are limited to those granted by the Constitution (a document repeatedly ignored lately). This means that the states still have sovereignty in all other matters and can act to “protect” themselves from an overreaching federal government.
Many states, like here in Missouri, have begun taking steps to try and protect us from this latest debacle. Here in Missouri, here are just a couple:
SCS SJR 25 Introduced by Senator Cunningham, prohibits laws interfering with freedom of choice in health care. Reported out of the Senate Oversight Committee to the Senate floor on Tuesday.
HCS HJR 48, 50 & 57 Sponsored by Representatives Jones, Erving & Davis prohibits laws interfering with freedom of choice in health care. First read in the Senate on Tuesday.
SCR 34 Introduced by Senator Lembke, reaffirms Missouri's sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment. Adopted in the Senate, reported to the House on Wednesday.
(Thanks to Kerry Messer of Missouri Family Network for keeping us posted on these things)
If you live in Missouri I urge you to contact your local senator and representative to urge them to support these efforts and others like them. If you live elsewhere, check out the legislation in our state to see what might be introduced there and again, contact local legislators to urge their support.
Just because some spineless federal legislators listen more to their party leadership than to their own constituents doesn’t mean that we have to roll over and play dead, allowing this farce to continue. At least for now, this is still the free USA, so make your voice heard.
PS – One reason this issue bothers me so much is that we have for more than a dozen years been part of Christian health sharing programs rather than typical insurance. According to those who have manufactured much of this debate, this puts us among those “millions who are uninsured.” We currently are with Samaritan Ministries. As of now, this kind of program is exempt from the “mandate” for insurance this new legislation has created. However, there are many who would like to see that exemption end, forcing us to find government health care policies against our wishes. This is a continued matter for prayer, and I would urge you to check out Samaritan Ministries for this option.
The arrogance of these men and women repeatedly ignoring the overwhelming voice of the American people and instead giving in to the strong arm tactics of House and Senate leaders, not to mention the President, is something one would expect from a military dictatorship in a third world country; not this supposed land of the free and home of the brave.
The height of the arrogance came from Rep. Alcee Hastings (D) Florida, a member of the House Rules Committee, who made this now infamous statement about the Democrats approach to the health care debate: “There ain't no rules here, we're trying to accomplish something. . . .All this talk about rules. . . .When the deal goes down . . . we make 'em up as we go along.”
Forget the rules, forget the Constitution, forget the will of the people they represent, just do it. It’s Nike gone toxic. The latest Rasmussen Poll shows that 64% of the people think Congress is doing a poor job. Hmm, I wonder why. Could it be because they broke all the rules in their rush the most unpopular piece of legislation in history? Surely that’s not it.
So now what? We’ve taken one giant step toward the socialism that so many claimed our President didn’t want to lead us into; so what can we do about it. Well here’s one thing. The Tenth Amendment to the US
Constitution states explicitly that powers of the Federal Government are limited to those granted by the Constitution (a document repeatedly ignored lately). This means that the states still have sovereignty in all other matters and can act to “protect” themselves from an overreaching federal government.Many states, like here in Missouri, have begun taking steps to try and protect us from this latest debacle. Here in Missouri, here are just a couple:
SCS SJR 25 Introduced by Senator Cunningham, prohibits laws interfering with freedom of choice in health care. Reported out of the Senate Oversight Committee to the Senate floor on Tuesday.
HCS HJR 48, 50 & 57 Sponsored by Representatives Jones, Erving & Davis prohibits laws interfering with freedom of choice in health care. First read in the Senate on Tuesday.
SCR 34 Introduced by Senator Lembke, reaffirms Missouri's sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment. Adopted in the Senate, reported to the House on Wednesday.
(Thanks to Kerry Messer of Missouri Family Network for keeping us posted on these things)
If you live in Missouri I urge you to contact your local senator and representative to urge them to support these efforts and others like them. If you live elsewhere, check out the legislation in our state to see what might be introduced there and again, contact local legislators to urge their support.
Just because some spineless federal legislators listen more to their party leadership than to their own constituents doesn’t mean that we have to roll over and play dead, allowing this farce to continue. At least for now, this is still the free USA, so make your voice heard.
PS – One reason this issue bothers me so much is that we have for more than a dozen years been part of Christian health sharing programs rather than typical insurance. According to those who have manufactured much of this debate, this puts us among those “millions who are uninsured.” We currently are with Samaritan Ministries. As of now, this kind of program is exempt from the “mandate” for insurance this new legislation has created. However, there are many who would like to see that exemption end, forcing us to find government health care policies against our wishes. This is a continued matter for prayer, and I would urge you to check out Samaritan Ministries for this option.
4 comments:
Thanks for your article. I live in Kuwait and most of the news here is UK based. I have been following this health care issue when possible and your post helps fill in the gaps.
Arrogance is rampant with man-centered leadership. I pray God will humble those who oppose His will before your post turns into prophecy.
Mr. Eddings, thanks for stopping by. It's an honor. I've appreciated your art for some time (http://calvinisticcartoons.blogspot.com/)
I'm sure I'm extremely biased on this issue, so I wouldn't say this is a good source for "news" but as you say, arrogance is rampant within our government. And I join you in praying for more God honoring individuals to rise up in leadership; as well as that the church would be faithful in standing for truth regardless of how the government goes.
Thanks again for the comments. Keep up the good work with the cartoons. Even Calvinists need to laugh!
Hey, Scott,
How much protection do you think these laws and suits (by the states) will protect the people? Texas is involved in similar stuff though our legislature is not in session this year (I think). I am doubtful that they will accomplish much besides fist brandishing.
AC, I don't know how effective it will be, but it sure beats doing nothing at all. At least it shows that our local legislators are listening to their constituents, unlike many of our federal folks.
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