Exactly what consequences are you talking about? Sorry Tanker but I dont mean to isolate you out in this but I ask this question of every American that says this from Glenn Beck all the way down to the average joe.
I mean what are we going to do really? Oh, perhaps take their job away? Wow... some consequence there while they get a great retirement package and maintain their benefits. Meanwhile back in reality we suffer greatly on the brink of economic collapse and total government intrusion of our lives.
So then we vote in Republicans that will not repeal the bill for it is too large of a prospect and too much money involved that entices anyone in power. If you think they can repeal it, go ahead and get them to do the same to social security while your at it folks.
The Republic is dead.
I do not mean this in metaphor, you now live under tyranny. So whats the point of any voice or vote? You watched the constitution burn on the House floor tonight as they cheered its death.
Welcome comrades to the new Amerika.
Lots of weeping and gnashing of teeth, Javelin, and while I understand it, I don't necessarily agree with it.
Ever live in Europe? I'm guessing that's doubtful since you are a former Marine and there just aren't that many Marines in Europe.
Socialism in Europe is a way of life. Just about all of those countries have adopted the nanny state to the point of ridiculousness. One small point to illustrate -- it's a cardinal sin to enter an office where you are personally expected to appear to obtain all the usual things (driver license, marriage license) without knocking first and being invited to enter. This may seem like simple courtesy to the uninitiated, but I'm here to tell you that those who work in those offices look upon themselves as having their own personal fiefdom and if you don't play the game their way, they conveniently forget you exist.
In other words, you exist for the state. THEY do not exist for you.
This is what is happening to America, slowly and painfully. The state is omnipotent and all-reaching, more powerful than even John Adams had dreamed.
Tax loads are somewhere about 30%, depending on income. That'll soon assume the European model of somewhere between 50% - 60%.
Having lived in Europe with my then-wife being a part of that system, I can tell you that people simply adjust and learn to deal with it.
Are we going to do the same? Roll over and simply accept it? I dunno -- I'd like to think not, but time will tell on that.
You're right in one sense -- once a gubmint program is enacted it's practically impossible to get rid of it. But it has been done and on even a broader scale (Prohibition comes to mind).
I feel the anger and the bitterness as well, but not only are those who voted for this POS legislation on the record, the rage and affront felt by all of us who were loud and certain in our objections can make a difference.
That's our system and I, for one, am not ready to give up on it.
