by Jerome Costello

Created on: January 22, 2010

Prelude to a Concession Speech?

What the Massachusetts special election means to “Obama’s America”

It was only two days ago, I listened as Scott Brown gave his victory speech celebrating his remarkable victory for the United States Senate seat vacated by the late Ted Kennedy after he passed away last year. I couldn’t help but wonder how President Barack Obama would address the loss of a critical seat in the historic Democrat stronghold state of Massachusetts as his administration defining Health Care Reform initiative lie seemingly lifeless on the operating table. Will we hear: “The people have spoken…” or will it be “We are more committed than ever.”

Well, the following day I listened for his response. True to form (and to his credit) he was soft spoken, almost reconciliatory. He actually said “the people have spoken” and that he would wait until now Senator Brown could take his seat before any further action on Health Care Reform. Republicans and Independents were dancing in the streets nationwide.

But wait, not so fast. The Obama, Pelosi, and Reed coalition may have been given a definite wake up call, but don’t expect them to go kowtowing in defeat or appealing to the Republicans to play nice. 

They still own the majority; and in spite of what they may say to the contrary, they are indeed committed to the agenda that their actions define: That of forfeiting our sovereignty and economic superiority to lesser nations, under the guise of equality.

There, I said it. If you are honest with yourself and not too blinded by how much he “cares”, you’ll see it too. Mr. Obama spent his first year in office turning the Bush Administrations economic “snowball” into outright avalanche of government spending whose actual recipients have mostly repaid the money they received while other apparently “intended” recipients received nothing. He also seemed to make a point of apologizing to every dictator or fascist regime he could find the world over, for what I still don’t know.

He continues to castigate the banking and securities industries for their compensation of executives, which I must confess, is not all bad, as that entire industry has built itself on the ignorance of a naïve public, both parties having chosen expediency over equity by doing what seemed good for them at the time; but, alas, I digress.

Ultimately, Health Care Reform is nothing more than a political football; and the ball is loose. The Democrats are still trying to convince us that we need cradle to grave care, (which, if you ask me, is for domesticated animals, and I am not.) 

The Republicans have an opportunity to show great leadership here.  Unfortunately, history has shown, they are not likely to do. The Health Care/Insurance industry is out of control, and has been for several years. 

Reform is desperately needed, but this does not mean we need a government controlled or sponsored program. What the recent debacle has shown us is that now is that “We the people” will not sacrifice our freedoms for health care, or security, or equality. These are things we can and choose to provide for ourselves.

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