(Snippets from the frontline)
Congress doesn’t go on Medicare
With all the recent headline hubbub concerning creation of a new healthcare law, the public must realize Congresspeople don’t go on Medicare at the age of 65. They have their own health plan with premiums and deductibles subsidized by the American people, and they choose their doctors and don’t fear denial from pre-existing conditions.
Despite all their rhetoric and chest-pounding, Congress has no vested interest. True democracy though should dictate: Those who make the laws must live under those laws.
If they still feel privileged and want to continue to receive free healthcare, mandate Congresspeople go to a VA hospital or clinic. To the benefit of our veterans, the VA system might then improve.
Gene Uzawa Dorio, M.D.
I am learning more and more everyday from your post Dr. Dorio, this is an amazing and informative report you present to us.
Thank you!!
I share this with friends. Hope that is OK.
The law already in place is disregarded,
“At the foundation of our civil liberties lies
the principle that denies to government officials
an exceptional position before the law and which
subjects them to the same rules of conduct
that are commands to the citizen.”
— Justice Louis D. Brandeis
(1856-1941) US Supreme Court Justice
Source: Burdeau v. McDowell, 1921
“The House of Representatives, restraining them from oppressive measures, that they can make no law which will not have its full operation on themselves and their friends, as well as on the great mass of the society. This has always been deemed one of the strongest bonds by which human policy can connect the rulers and the people together. It creates between them that communion of interests and sympathy of sentiments, of which few governments have furnished examples; but without which every government degenerates into tyranny. If it be asked, what is to restrain the House of Representatives from making legal discriminations in favor of themselves and a particular class of the society? I answer: the genius of the whole system; the nature of just and constitutional laws; and above all, the vigilant and manly spirit which actuates the people of America — a spirit which nourishes freedom, and in return is nourished by it.”
These words written by James Madison appear in the Federalist Papers, Federalist No. 57, February 19, 1788. This foundational belief that Congress cannot make laws for others, while exempting themselves, was upheld by United States Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Barndeis in Burdeau v. McDowell, 1921. Members of Congress, however, have disregarded the Original Intent of our Founding Fathers and have treated themselves as royalty.
This is a wonderful and informative column. I am really enjoying the subject matter. Thank you for taking the time to keep us updated and informed.