Last week the misnamed health insurance industry finally told the truth, “The Democrats are the enemy.” They really meant that “the people are the enemy.” Democrats tried hard to keep “single payer” and the “public option” out of the health care bill by denying advocates a seat at the table. But public demands would not go away and they finally had to concede and bow to the pressure of democratic populism.
Two important and competing lessons (and probably many more) can be learned from this nearly year-long battle over fixing a dysfunctional and corrupt health care system: 1) The corporate world views democracy as an obstacle that must be overcome by using the power of money and the corruption it can purchase; 2) If citizens become strongly engaged in an issue and unrelentingly continue the process, some politicians, possibly even a majority, will eventually listen to the people who put them into office.
On health care reform, the actual health care of our citizenry hardly enters the discourse. It’s all about insurance companies who do not add one iota to national health and wellness. In fact, as the debate simmers on, the harm – death, rescissions, bankruptcies, mental breakdowns, suffering – caused by these health care imposters is made aware to more and more Americans. The real question should be “Does this industry serve any useful purpose?”
A positive outcome of this lesson in mental gymnastics is enlightened citizens. It is never mentioned and few can recall that in 1945 the health insurance industry was granted an exemption to our antitrust laws. All these years they were able to prey on the health needs of Americans by using monopolistic practices, geographically dividing the country and assigning each state to one or two companies and fixing prices with impunity.
The familiar relationship between our elected officials and their corporate purchasers is corrupt. In case after case, our “principled” defenders of the status quo are shown to have close financial relationships with deep-pocketed lobbyists and campaign contributors. Also, spouses working within the industries seeking legislative and executive favors are now commonplace. A revolving door of opportunity to cash in with a high-salaried position when leaving government service almost guarantees them becoming millionaires after leaving office. The whole system is designed to thwart democracy and sell power to the highest bidder.
We deceive ourselves when we allow politicians and their masters to get by explaining that they’re “just buying access.” Unless we call it the lie that it is and start prosecuting the sale of public office and public power our democracy will continue the farce. Campaign finance is our most important issue. The silence surrounding this issue proves its significance.
History tells us we shouldn’t be surprised – 30 pieces of silver purchased…
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