Spring Break
Politically divisive stereotypes incorrect, misleading
Josh Phillips
Issue date: 11/3/09 Section: Opinion
"This world is a comedy to those that think, a tragedy to those that feel." So said Horace Walpole, an English politician who lived in the 18th century. Ironically this letter was sent on Aug. 16, 1776, just a few months after the Declaration of Independence was written.
While this wasn't specifically said about the formation of the United States, I cannot help but see this statement as a rather scintillating description of America's current condition.
On one side of the political spectrum, the liberal activists are weeping for the untold millions that are suffering each and every year due to lack of affordable health care. This world is a tragedy to them, and as such, they are often viewed as weak and willing to produce chaos to ensure that others can be helped.
On the other side of the spectrum, the conservative advocates are laughing at the idea of a government-controlled health care plan, or perhaps at the suffering of the untold millions. This world is a comedy to them, and as such, they are often viewed as heartless and willing to sacrifice a few of the unfortunate to ensure that order can be maintained.
The situation I have described is purely in black-and-white terms, because to suggest that no liberal can think and that no conservative can feel is ludicrous. Sadly, these are easily maintained stereotypes that seem to have trouble fading away, especially with the horrendous partisan politics plaguing our nation's capital.
For example, the Republicans, God bless their dazed-and-confused souls, have hinted that they are planning to offer an alternative health care reform bill. Supposedly, it will allow the purchase of health insurance across state lines, reduce outrageous malpractice suits and offer group discounts. And if the Republicans aren't lying or misleading us (a stretch for either party), this alternative will not require the raising of taxes.
Now call me crazy, but it sounds as though the conservative Republican Party actually cares enough about U.S. citizens that it is actually working to make health care more affordable without dragging down the hard-working half of the population.
While this wasn't specifically said about the formation of the United States, I cannot help but see this statement as a rather scintillating description of America's current condition.
On one side of the political spectrum, the liberal activists are weeping for the untold millions that are suffering each and every year due to lack of affordable health care. This world is a tragedy to them, and as such, they are often viewed as weak and willing to produce chaos to ensure that others can be helped.
On the other side of the spectrum, the conservative advocates are laughing at the idea of a government-controlled health care plan, or perhaps at the suffering of the untold millions. This world is a comedy to them, and as such, they are often viewed as heartless and willing to sacrifice a few of the unfortunate to ensure that order can be maintained.
The situation I have described is purely in black-and-white terms, because to suggest that no liberal can think and that no conservative can feel is ludicrous. Sadly, these are easily maintained stereotypes that seem to have trouble fading away, especially with the horrendous partisan politics plaguing our nation's capital.
For example, the Republicans, God bless their dazed-and-confused souls, have hinted that they are planning to offer an alternative health care reform bill. Supposedly, it will allow the purchase of health insurance across state lines, reduce outrageous malpractice suits and offer group discounts. And if the Republicans aren't lying or misleading us (a stretch for either party), this alternative will not require the raising of taxes.
Now call me crazy, but it sounds as though the conservative Republican Party actually cares enough about U.S. citizens that it is actually working to make health care more affordable without dragging down the hard-working half of the population.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 4
jimmy
posted 11/03/09 @ 7:00 AM MST
Very well said...
Cheers!
Arvensis
posted 11/03/09 @ 9:55 AM MST
Great article, Josh.
Davidivad
David Klausa
posted 11/06/09 @ 2:42 PM MST
Does the Republican party care enough about people to work on a health care bill, or do they just realize that some legislation is inevitable and prefer to do it on their own terms?
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