Why in this day and age do Republicans feel they must find a way to silence their opposition? What remains scary about someone seeing the world from a different perspective? Spouting ignorant hate speech may seem an abomination, but it remains legal under our Constitution. It may be offensive; too bad. Bad taste is not illegal. In the long run, this tactic will help derail any real health care reform.
The suppression of ideas is illegal. Righties and lefties get to say anything they want; they can complain about this or that; they get to spew their own ideological claptrap as long as they are not advocating sedition.
Calling Judge Sonia Sotomayor a Latina racist is repugnant and distasteful, but not illegal, even if it reflects the speakers’ reflexive ignorance. In neocon parlance, hit first and clean up the mess later. It is easier to act as if you had no idea the pain and anguish caused by your assaults, but never give into attacks from the left. Make them pay for their words.
The left will always cave to neoconservative harassment. Democrats have no backbone and have too great a need to please.
All you have to look at is the way the health care plan is disintegrating in the Senate. Instead of taking a strong stand, Democrats are running away from a palatable solution that would help millions of Americans while giving in to corporate and Republican self-interest. Moreover, the Obama administration seems to be no help in these negotiations.
It is time for the Democrats to stand up for the average American and come up with a bill that will help the millions of Americans that are uninsured or underinsured, no matter the rhetoric from the right.
Ed Bowers
Everett
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