“It was sort of his classroom,” Senator Lamar Alexander, the Tennessee Republican who delivered his party’s opening statement, said in an interview.*
“I am the president” said President Barack Obama in a Nixonish manner, explaining his importance, and rationalizing his taking more time than anybody, which means talking more than anybody, which is a very important part of his life.
And on and on it went, like a bunch of children on a playground. There they were arguing over who had spoken the most… or at least spoken most of the time.
There was only one thing said there that had any bearing on the outcome: “I am the president,” meaning the bill I like will be passed, no matter what you say. In other words, get with it or get out of it.
It was an unrestrained display of ego and assumed superiority. Not just superiority over republicans, but over Americans, as Obama declared what the American people want.
Here’s the thing, MR. President, sir, and you are the president. As Americans express their opinions through national polls, that’s NOT what they’re saying. In fact most don’t agree that what you’ve decided is best. In fact, a new Rasmussin Poll released just yesterday says just the opposite.
“Voters still strongly oppose the health care reform plan proposed by President Obama and congressional Democrats and think Congress should focus instead on smaller bills that address problems individually rather than a comprehensive plan.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 41% of voters favor the proposed health care plan, while 56% oppose it. Those figures include 45% who strongly oppose the plan and just 23% who strongly favor it.”*
Americans are speaking loudly and clearly. Mr. President is speaking loudly and clearly. Who’s right? Why the president is right. He says so. And he is the President.
Unfortunately, this isn’t just a playground.
