by Tracy Frost

Created on: September 12, 2009

There are times when the race factor may play a part in political endeavors . This is not one of them. The questions that surround the health care issue arise more from concern over the expense and management of the proposed system . There will be outcries from the usual individuals and groups that conservatives are being racist in their opposition to the health care reform .

So in this brave new world, the word 'no' is now associated with racism? I hope not. I use the word quite frequently, especially when I do not agree with a plan, opinion, etc. So perhaps in the minds of those that do support the health care reform proposal, I am racist . I would apologize but then I would have to backtrack on a lot of my belief . That I simply cannot do on this issue. Racism cannot be allowed to play a part in this issue .

The issue of healthcare reform has no color. It affects each individual legally living in the U.S. Ahhh, I mentioned the one word where racism will rear it's ugly head. But again, it has no place in this issue due to the one factor that even the President has acknowledged - illegal aliens will not be a part of the proposed health care plan .

So if I wanted to play devil's advocate for a brief moment, isn't the President himself being racist in this statement? Why of course he is. But unless you are currently living in a remote cave in Butte, Montana, chances are you have been aware for quite some time that even they are to be included in whatever plan is finalized.

After Wednesday's speech, I don't remember any news agency jumping all over the President's comment of denying illegal aliens participation in the healthcare reform. Perhaps their audio was clipped at that particular point. Or as usual 'unbiased' reporting was outside the building wondering if or when it would ever be allowed to show it's face in the current political fiasco.

The office of the President of the United States has no color. Any individual holding that office is obligated to serve the needs of the people he represents, not to pick and choose as he desires. Groups, factions and individuals place a color within the office when it suits their own agenda. At times this has been seen on both Republican and Democratic administrations. But at this point in time it seems to be demonstrative. If you are an individual who does not agree with current policy proposals this administration puts forth, you are a racist or far worse. Some political officials will even go as far as to make announcements claiming those citizens who do not agree must have racial leanings to oppose such proposed policies.

That is until re-election campaigns roll around. Then it is a different story, nobody is racist and love is all across this great land for everyone to see. And as for health care reform? If the current plan falls through, there will be outcries that racism played a large part. There will be little talk about the poor planning or obscure measures within the bill that even the President has not fully read. Minority groups will clamor for the chance to complain and even the White House will pull out the race card if needed in hopes of compelling a second chance. And that second chance will arrive.

And the wheels of contempt from both sides will keep on turning.

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