Today Ted Cruz, politically speaking, put his money where his mouth is and began a filibuster which, as of the writing of this article is ongoing, to prevent the approval of funding that would allow the implementation of ObamaCare.
The American Health Care system has many flaws, none of which the “Affordable Care Act” addresses. It is still the finest Health Care system anywhere in the world. You are treated regardless of your ability to pay and physicians and their patients are allowed to decide what is best rather than being told what is allowed by Government Bureaucrats. In America, both the elderly and premature babies are given care and given life. In EuroSocialist countries with Universal Healthcare, the elderly and prematurely born are called “bed blockers”. Nothing more clearly illustrates American exceptionalism and the American way of Life.
If this isn’t worth fighting for, if this is not to be our “Red Line”, what is? What is left?
GOP leadership has fretted for months about being blamed for a possible Government shutdown if Ted Cruz’ strategy succeeds. Yesterday, Pew Polling released a survey showing the parties would be blamed equally. 39% of Americans would blame the Republicans, 36% would blame President Obama, and 17% would blame both parties. Of course, this should not be about poll numbers and being blamed. This should be, and for leaders like Cruz it is, about doing what is right.
Unfortunately, it is highly unlikely that the Senate Republicans will hold together in sufficient numbers to prevent the passage of a Continuing Resolution that funds ObamaCare. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has actively undermined Senator Cruz’ efforts.
Democrat Dick Durbin even showed up to challenge @SenTedCruz . But Mitch McConnell and many other GOP sens nowhere 2 be found #MakeDCListen
— Matthew Boyle (@mboyle1) September 25, 2013
Where's Mitch McConnell? John Cornyn? Still standing against @SenTedCruz ? Or will they #StandWithCruz #MakeDCListen #DefundObamacare
— Matthew Boyle (@mboyle1) September 25, 2013
Mitch McConnell will be voting to fund Obamacare via his announced procedural vote… http://t.co/PjSKMOIMhx
— Mark R. Levin (@marklevinshow) September 23, 2013
The only way we will ever #makeDClisten is if we replace frauds like Mitch McConnell http://t.co/ccWAXm6RvV
— Daniel Horowitz (@RMConservative) September 24, 2013
It will, therefore, be up to the House Republican Majority and Speaker John Boehner to hold firm and prevent the passage of any Continuing Resolution to fund the Government that also contains ObamaCare implementation funding. They must not only threaten to allow a government shut down, they must mean it.
In many ways, Speaker Boehner and the Republicans would be giving the Democrats the easy way out when it comes to ObamaCare. Even long serving Democrats like Max Baucus of Montana has called the “Affordable Care Act” a “train-wreck”. If you see the train coming, get off the tracks. By filibustering today, Senator Cruz is giving us more time to do just that.
Yes, there are political risks involved. There are always risks when the very future of America is at stake. Risks are why we need Congressional Republicans to be real leaders. The Founding Fathers risked their lives, fortunes, and sacred honors. All these elected officials are risking are their seats in Congress.