Paul Simon: A Message to Republicans Who Voted Against the Children's Health Bill

My name is Paul Simon.

I earn my living by writing and singing songs. It's a very old and low-tech profession that feels increasingly age-appropriate. I am honored to have the opportunity to express my opinions concerning SCHIP.

I am the father of four healthy children, knock on wood, but if they get sick or need medical attention I don't knock on wood; I take them to a doctor whose care and attention I am, fortunately, able to afford. Millions of American children do not receive the same medical care. They are uninsured.

The president's veto of the re-authorization of SCHIP was a heartless act.

Mr. Simon, perhaps you should actually read the bill that the President vetoed and see WHY he vetoed it in the first place.  President Bush agreed to a bill that would give a 20% increase in the program.  However, Democrats wanted a 140% increase.  Bush said it was too expensive and threatened to veto it.  Rather than talking with the President and various people, they sent it to him regardless in hoping that the veto would get people out against the President with half truths.

You sir, are one of those people.

Perhaps if you bothered to see what the Democrats plan would actually cost Americans, you'd see that it was way too expensive of a program and would include people who rightfully shouldn't be included.

I am asking those of you who supported the veto to reexamine your conscience, to find compassion in your heart for our most vulnerable and sweetest citizens -- our children. I am asking you to change your vote. If you do, I believe it will be one of the proudest days of your life.

Trying to invoke children into the argument is a sad point to try to make.  Would you be so impassioned if the program covered 25-35 year old white people?  What about any other particular group of people?  The simple fact is that Democrats love to complain about the federal deficit and how we're all creating debt for our children to have to pay back, but then they throw programs like this at the President to sign.

Perhaps if they offered to cut the 140% increase out of fat in other parts of the budget, they'd have an argument.  But since it was an added cost that was WAY above what we could afford, the President simply said "no" to their proposal.

If they had come to him with the 20% increase that he had said ok to, then we wouldn't be having this debate.

 

Travis

travis@rightwinglunatic.com