Persons who disdain politics often maintain that it has little effect upon their lives.
When pushed, they may admit that in economic matters their well-being may be affected.
But I have long maintained that when politicians pass laws, it is often a matter of life and death. Here are some examples.
President Trump appointed Scott Pruitt to head the Environmental Protection Agency.
He couldn’t have proposed anyone more opposed to protecting the environment.
Upon entering office, Pruitt’s plan was to slash the EPA’s staff and budget. How would this affect the country?
The president of the Environmental Defense Fund, Fred Krupp, has an answer.
He states that following Pruitt’s plan would lead to the death of thousands. “Revoking the Clean Power Plan…will cause up to 3,600 premature deaths each year, 1,700 more heart attacks, [and] 90.000 more asthma attacks.”
But no politician has ever stood trial for voting in favor of laws which lead to death and disease. And no president has ever been jailed for leading our country into a war no matter how costly in terms of human life and treasure.
What happens when a politician screws up his courage and speaks truth to power?
The story of former Congressman Alan Grayson from Florida is instructive.
On the evening of Sept. 29, 2009, Harvard-educated Grayson rose to oppose the Republican health-care proposal.
He carried two signs with him. The first simply read “don’t get sick.” The second advised, “if you do…die quickly.”
A hue and cry went up from Republicans who demanded an apology.
Grayson’s response was to apologize “to the dead and their families” who passed away thanks to the callousness of Republican lawmakers.
I am aware that some readers will feel that Grayson was intemperate — that his style leaves much to be desired.
I counter by arguing that the only obligation a legislator has is to the truth.
If a policy or law has the effect of killing citizens, this must be stated.
Obviously, Grayson thought so because he doubled down by launching a website called “Names of the Dead.com.”
This was designed to memorialize all who were unfortunate enough not to have medical coverage. There is a post-script. In 2017, the Republican controlled House finally repealed Obamacare and has proposed substitute legislation called the American Health Care Act.
There is only one thing wrong with the Republican plan.
By 2026, 24 million fewer people will be covered. And some, if not many, will die.
These figures come from the Congressional Budget Office, the non-partisan agency which “scores” legislation before it is voted on. Already horror stories have surfaced about individuals who literally fear for their lives if the A.H.C.A. becomes the law of the land.
The clear lesson to be learned from the above is that when you exercise your franchise you are not simply checking a box or pulling a lever.
You may be enhancing the quality of life of your fellow citizens or you may be signing their death warrant.
Dr. Hal Sobel
Great Neck
