Where is America’s heart?
All over the news, I hear politicians reference religion and their belief systems to justify their actions. And that is fine. It’s a right in this great nation to hold those beliefs. However, what’s interesting is that even a cursory glance at all major religions shows one major similarity: treat others with kindness.
Kindness. We don’t seem to see that much anymore. But I ask one question. The new healthcare bill written in total secrecy by the GOP. Does it evoke the idea of kindness to others?
From all the experts and advocacy groups and even from the president himself, the bill appears to be “mean.” It targets women (maternity leave and birth control), seniors (Medicaid cuts) and those suffering from mental health disorders the most. Premiums are expected to rise, and the richest 1 percent get a massive tax cut.
Outside of the tax cut for the richest 1 percent, where is the kindness to others? The heart? The caring for the common man? Our representative, Erik Paulsen, supports this bill. He claims to be a “nice guy.” Really? Would a nice guy support the disenfranchisement of this many Americans? All of us should be thinking about this answer, because he has a lot of lives in his hands.
We need to make sure he understands how we feel.
Gary Severson, Chaska
Chaska Herald, June 28, 2017