January 26, 2010

Republicans claim to be the party of fiscal responsibility, but they doubled the national debt in eight short years. Their fiscal policies brought the nation to the brink of another "Great Depression," which was only averted by a massive Wall Street bailout. Democrats claim to represent the middle class, but their efforts to create affordable health care have been a disaster. After a year of wrangling, they have little to show for their efforts. 

 Many Congressional Democrats and most Republicans are owned by the health insurance and pharmaceutical companies. Now a "far-right" leaning Supreme Court has issued a ruling that allows unrestricted campaign contributions by industry. McCain/Feingold is dead, and the insurance companies can spend whatever it takes to achieve runaway profits. 

 Where does Congresswoman Betsy Markey fit into this mess? She claims to be a Democrat but votes like a Republican. When she went to Washington, she conveniently forgot to take her campaign promises along. With health-care reform near death, she could cast the deciding vote to kill it, or she could help to achieve real reform. Which way will the congresswoman go?

If Markey thinks the Republicans will help re-elect her, she is crazy. If she continues down the path she is on, the Democrats will also desert her. Wake up, Ms. Markey, or you could be a one-term congresswoman. Join the fight for health-care reform and keep your campaign promises if you want to stay in Washington.

John Kotson,

Fort Collins