Health care vote nears, what is our response?

On December 23, 1776, Thomas Paine wrote “The Crisis” which famously begins: “These are the times that try men’s souls.”

What most people don’t recall is the profound stuff that follows: “The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.”

“Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated.”

Over 200 years later, freedom is still “highly rated”  – and the struggle for power is made obvious through the hurried attempts to win votes for the new health care bill.

I’m not here to tell you what to believe. Since I’m quoting Thomas Paine and talking about freedom, you can probably guess which side of the aisle I fall on. But that doesn’t really matter. What matters is our willingness to engage in “by the People, for the People” government. If you believe in government-run health care, educate the 55% of us who oppose it, and use your First Amendment rights to tell your representatives how you feel. If you oppose it, be equally vigilant. Talk to your friends and neighbors. Get educated about these issues and be willing to engage in debate.

America has been through a lot this last year, and more tough times are probably ahead, whether we pass this bill or not. Are we sunshine soldiers and summer patriots, or are we willing to stand up for our country, even if we feel out-numbered?

For information on how to contact your Representative, click here.

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