Email This StoryLariat Letters: Instructor advocates 'truly democratic' procedure in health care debate
Oct. 21, 2009I have to admit that I am frustrated with the editorial published on Oct 20, "Snowe boldly, admirably risks cold shoulder from her party."
The editorial frames Republicans as if they do not care for the well-being of Americans, a common portrayal in the media and, might I venture to say, in the American university
As a citizen who tends to vote Republican (though my politics are based much more on abortion and moral issues), I can say that I would like for all Americans to have access to health care.
But I ask, "Will this health care bill work?" I am not an evil, white, Anglo-Saxon protestant male who desires all of "my" money to remain in my coffers. I am a Cuban-American woman who admits that she thinks this current health care bill still warrants much more work to make it feasible. One Republican crossing the aisle is not enough.
The question I raise, and I believe I am joined by others in the Republican party, is this: How can health care be reformed to help those in need without dramatically increasing the national debt?
The answer to this question is not an easy one. This current bill is not the panacea for health care, Republicans want to say.
Reform is necessary, but we must look at the economic impact while considering "what is right for our country ... and what is best for the nation."
Let us now, on both sides of the aisle, lay down attacks on character and accusations of selfishness.
Democrats, please listen to your Republican counterparts as they have concerns about the bill without accusing them of not caring for the American people.
Republicans, please treat your Democratic counterparts with respect, especially our President.
The truly democratic process of passing legislation requires respect along with intelligent discussion. Don't accuse. Listen.
Amanda Martínez Beck
Instructor in the Modern Foreign Language department
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