Media

Many Oklahomans are understandably concerned about the health care takeover President Obama signed into law last week and what it will mean for them. Some of the more jaw-dropping aspects of the law -- like the $569 billion in tax hikes and $523 billion in Medicare cuts -- have been extensively covered in the news. But other provisions that have not received as much attention are just as damaging to our health care system and economy.

After over one year and an extraordinary abuse of the legislative process, President Obama has managed to force his health plan through the House. While he and his liberal allies may consider this a victory, it's a defeat for the American people, the economy, and our health care system.

With headlines dominated by the Democratic party’s single-minded determination to pass their unpopular health care plan, vital economic issues are getting short shrift. That’s fine for members of the Obama administration, who would probably just as soon the American people not learn the full extent of the damage their policies are inflicting on our national economy.

The process Democrats are pursuing to pass government-run health care has become as flawed as the legislation itself. And that's really saying something. From the beginning, the attempt to force through a government takeover of health care has been marked by disregard for the views of the American people. Now, Democratic leaders are disregarding standard legislative procedures and well-established precedents, as well.

Last week, we were treated to another episode of political theater, courtesy of the Obama administration. The vaunted White House health care summit featured the same themes we've come to expect from previous performances: a partisan political ploy presented as bipartisan dialogue, and big government, big spending policies masquerading as reform.