THE ISSUE: President Obama’s push for passage of his health-care bill, despite public opposition.
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“Bam Pushes Pols on Health” (March 4) really tells it like it is.
I have been a registered Democrat all of my voting life. But I assure every Democrat running for office in the next election that if this abominable health-care plan is shoved down our throats through backdoor approaches, such as reconciliation, I will vote for every Republican on the ballot.
I will also do my best to convince others to do the same, because we can no longer trust the Democratic Party.
I truly hope that the health-care plan does not succeed.
Arthur A. Mannarino
Manhattan
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Americans have indicated in poll after poll over the last eight months that they’re against the health-care reform bills pushed by the Democrats and the president.
Yet President Obama and the Democratic leaders seem to be tone-deaf to this clamor and are forging ahead.
It is apparent that the president is applying unbelievable pressure on Democratic lawmakers so that he can save his presidency, as well as the Democrats’ election chances in the fall elections.
This is a trillion-dollar push being foisted upon the American public.
Harold Fishman
Manhattan
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The inevitable is about to rear its ugly head. Obama failed to mention that providing us all with health insurance may require ramming the plan down our throats.
Now that the president and his fellow Democrats are convinced that a booming economy is right around the corner, the so-called rich and middle-class businessmen may gladly pay for this last-ditch health plan.
But Obama must be careful how much he taxes the rich. It consists of power brokers who are influential in the election process.
It is obvious that the president and his Congress consider unemployment a second priority to a mis- calculated commitment. It’s no wonder people are sick and tired of politicians.
Carl Rosenberg
Great Neck
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No matter on which side of the aisle you sit, there are several concerns this health-care bill should raise.
First and foremost, where is the emergency in passing this bill now without complete review? When signed, much of it wouldn’t take effect until 2013-2014.
This is an obvious attempt to protect the architects of this bill come this fall.
Even though the benefits wouldn’t kick in until 2014, taxes would begin immediately — a creative illusion that will succeed in the short term.
Even though the majority of the people do not want this bill, the Democrats are willing to go to extraordinary lengths to pass it, even though it will cost them dearly in the midterms. It sounds like they are searching more for a legacy than for what’s best for the American people.
James Lynam
River Edge, NJ
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ObamaCare is nothing more than redistributing health care across the population.
Americans who work hard, provide for their families, follow the rules and pay for their health-care policies should not have to feel guilty because others either choose not to or are unable to afford a health-care policy.
Government policies should never punish hard-working folks. Confiscating money in the form of taxation to pay for others’ health care does just that.
Matthew Nugent
Staten Island
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I agree with Obama that elections have consequences, and, as he moves his government takeover of health care forward, we can voice our support or displeasure this November.
Where I disagree with Obama is in his contention that he was elected to radically change our health-care system in ways he did not let on during the campaign and still denies daily.
Mr. President, the American people deserve to vote on this plan. Let us have our say in November and then act accordingly.
Anthony Varriano
Staten Island