The healthcare reform package will “control” the American people, says Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., a staunch supporter of the bill.
Asked by Detroit radio host Paul Smith why if the bill’s insurance coverage is so important that the coverage isn’t implemented until 2014, Dingell said, “We’re not ready to be doing it. This has been going on for years.”
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The process isn’t a speedy one, he says.
“The harsh fact of the matter is when you’re passing legislation that will cover 300 million American people in different ways, it takes a long time to do the necessary administrative steps that have to be taken to put the legislation together to control the people.”
The important point is that the bill will put a halt to the 18,000 deaths that occurred last year due to lack of health insurance, Dingell says.
He has harsh words for Republicans who opposed the bill.
“Our Republicans have spent a long time not participating, not helping, carping and delaying. But at the same time they have contributed nothing to this and have made no offer whatsoever as to what it is they want and stand for.”
Democrats regret not attracting any Republican votes, Dingell says. “But we passed a piece of legislation that is fiscally responsible and will save over 20 years well over $1 trillion, for the American people. So the accomplishment is enormous.”
Smith asked Dingell why the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Business opposed the bill if it’s so favorable to business.
“Those are lobbying groups and have always opposed this kind of thing,” including Social Security and Medicare, the congressman said.
“The numbers are against them. Small businesses will receive a significant tax subsidy of as much as 50 percent.”
Of course Republicans have strong arguments of their own for why they oppose the bill. Many, including Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah, believe it’s unconstitutional.
“They want to force people to do whatever they want them to do. That’s what you call totalitarianism. It is not really good government,” he said on Fox News’ “On the Record” program.
“In this country we believe in liberty. We believe in freedom. We believe people ought to have choices. We believe they can make their own choices. If they choose not to buy something, that is their privilege.”
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