Congress vs. Test of the People

In the 1950’s and 60’s, one comedian stood out as a great storyteller. Myron Cohen (1902-1986), who came from the Borsht Belt, towered in the field of great comic “yarn-spinners.” The following is one such tale he told. I have paraphrased it and changed the names to protect the innocent.

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The Obamawitz family entered Ameristein Kosher Deli & Butcher Shop on 1 st Ave. Mr. Obamawitz immediately went to the pickle barrel. Taking the tongs he reached a good specimen, lifting it just under his nose. Smelling it he said to the deli help, “I’ll take a half dozen”. The wife proceeded to the meats case pointing to a good looking plump chicken and asked Mr. Ameristein to see it closer. Obliging her he carefullylifted the fowl from the meet case and she began sniffing the bird from the neck to the rear. She turned away from the case and headed for the door. Mr. Obamawitz had completed his purchases and left with her. Mr. Ameristein came running, caught up with the couple as they reached the door, and asked Mrs. obamawitz “Do you think you would have past the smell test”. For Congress the summer recess started but two weeks ago and immediately their task was daunting. The ruling parties headed by President Barack Obama, Senate majority leader Harry Reid and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi test, to convince the Nation that the Health Care reform passed by the House and currently being work on in the Senate is the way to “save the country from itself”. As they and those in their party spread out for a normal piece of Constituent Politics in Town Hall meetings we have born witness to the happenings. Those of all walks, Democrats, Republicans, Independent or other have shown it’s a topic taken seriously. Questions are being asked. People attending want to know how the suggested type of Governmental Health Care affect’s them now, and in the future. The tasks are--explain the program, why it’s the government’s job instead of the private sector. It could be because it seems on the surface not the Federal Governments area, rather a test of the citizen’s to be controlled. It could be the economy, and the amount we know our country is in debt already. It could be it goes beyond the scope of our moral responsibility. The examples of the system that’s being suggested have brought rationing boards or commissions that decide not just for us, but for the Doctors that treat us.(what , how and when something can be done for our betterment.) Our Nation is one of private enterprise not a test of social experiment. We all feel that we will never die individually, even though intellectually we know finality is ultimately there. We don’t feel it’s the governments job to council us ever five years or less on end of life issues. Nor will we allow a board, to over rule either our decision or our family’s decisions of what being very personal, is “only” ours an our Maker’s. No one wants citizens and resident’s not to have Health Care. Their currently have care but it can be improved. Their current suggestions don’t seem to current suggestions don’t seem to meet the test. Our Nation is not a nation built on the government allowing us to do thing certain ways. Our Nation is one founded on us having the government do certain thing at our behest. Lately, it doesn’t meet the test. As our representatives come home, hopefully to explain their party’s bill, there has been disruption, noisy protest, raucous talk, mob tactics and sabotage and contentious manufactured opposition. I certainly can see where they might feel that way. No one likes anything pushed down their throats. So the question is, do you think they are meeting the TEST?