Democratic Leader Laughs at Reading the Healthcare Bill Before Passing It

Reader Comments

Back to blog

Our representatives should and read the bill before voting on it. Why they are there in the 1st place? that is a good indicator that our representative don't really care about the people who they represent and who we put them in office.

S. Dabboussi of CA 3:17AM September 09, 2009

There is a solution. What we don't seem to realize is that we (the constituents back home) are legally obligated to abide by some of these bills that are useless and stupid. If we don't, we're breaking the law. What's the solution? www.HonorInOffice.org It won't take but just a moment to check it out. Tell your elected officials about it. Ask them to adopt it.

Patricia A. Jones of TX 9:20PM September 08, 2009

You can be sure they will read it when they haul you up before a judge and jury for violating part of it. The prosecutor will read it to the jury.

Rick of SC 9:46AM August 05, 2009

No person who represents their constituents would ever vote in favor of a bill that he or she hasn't fully read, understood, researched and debated.

When a person votes blindly in favor of a bill, they are taking someone's word for it that it is good. This advice is coming from lobbyists, fellow legislators, political pressures and special interest groups.

So, as soon as they vote in favor, they are not representing us, they are representing these special interest groups. That's why they don't need to read it.

It's time we had some laws that protected us from them. Check out www.HonorInOffice.org

Jerrol LeBaron of CA 4:56PM July 15, 2009

Apparently to get a controversial bill passed, all you have to do is make it long enough that no one wants to read it, then advertise it in a way that gets the majority on your side. Oh, and don't forget to load it up with all sorts of pet projects and other things that you want passed while no one is looking.

James of TX 3:46PM July 15, 2009

Whatever healthcare plan they (Congress) come up with it should include an amendment that ALL Federal Employees including Congress and the Whitehouse be required to participate. They should be prohibited from opting out. They would start reading it then. Whether they read it or not they still should be required to participate. Why should Congress have a special plan while the rest of us are shoved into a one size fits all plan where some bureaucrat makes healthcare decisions for you instead of your doctor. Makes me sick. Oh wait, I'm too old to be sick, I just have to tough it out. Take two aspirin and call me in the morning.

Charlie of GA 4:26PM July 14, 2009

What do we expect??? We continue to elect the same people over and over again and expect them to solve all of our problems for us. Since when did we become a country of sheep, that prefer not to be bothered with important issues and expect that a bunch of out of touch lawyers will fix everything?? Who made these elitist experts in such areas as health care, environment, banking, auto making, etc, etc???

If the argument for strict term limits isn't self evident by now, it should be. Time for us to get away from our addiction to the 2 party system and start electing people that share our values. And make them accountable to read the bills they are trusting upon us.

Rich Angelo of GA 9:01AM July 12, 2009

you people of congress need to read and be 100% sure. We as a USA need to fire all of congress.

judy klein of FL 9:13PM July 11, 2009

Dear fellow citizens,

I would like to apoligize that my district keeps blindly voting this arrogant clown back into office election after election. I am truly embarassed that he represents the 5th district of Maryland. To laugh at the notion that our representatives should actually read and know everything they're voting for is beyond ridiculous.

Alex of MD 9:17PM July 09, 2009

My Letter to Congress

July 4, 2009

Dear Congress,

I Want You To Take Your Time

I want you to “read” the papers

I want you to take your time

I want you to think of Americans

Before you sign on the dotted line

I want you to think of your duty

I want you to put away, “mine”

I want you to work with your “neighbor”

And to sometimes cross party lines

I want you to harness your greed

I want you to be an American

I want you to think like a Union

Not, “Vote my party or run!”

I want you to be an example

I want to see our “united” spirit

I want you to stop with divided

The rancor, I want you to quit

I want you to put back the dignity

I want you to honor your word

I want you to bless our sweet country

By relinquishing the “bitter” absurd

I want you to mirror our forefathers

I want you to celebrate this 4th

I want you to echo their bravery and brilliance

With a simple renewed pledge of “worth”

I want you to look at the fireworks

I want you to see in the red, white and blue

I want you to hear in “God Bless America”

That it’s not just about - you, you, you..you.

Sincerely, Janine Turner

Janine Turner of TX 2:42PM July 09, 2009

Add Your Thoughts
Your comment will be posted immediately, unless it is spam or contains profanity. For more information, please see our Comments FAQ.

Back to blog

Peter Roff

Peter Roff

Peter Roff is a contributing editor at U.S. News & World Report. A former senior political writer for United Press International, he is currently a senior fellow at the Institute for Liberty and at Let Freedom Ring, a non-partisan public policy organization. His writing has also appeared on Fox News' Fox Forum.

advertisement

Robert Schlesinger

Obama's Mixed-Bag Week

The Obama camp can celebrate Dick Lugar defeat, but should worry about the Scott Walker recall.

Mary Kate Cary

Obama Attacks as Economic Cliff Looms

The president can't afford to talk about the economy, but with a 2013 fiscal time bomb approaching, the rest of us can't afford not to.

Latest Video

advertisement