“Suffer the little children…”

President Bush promised in July to veto legislation reauthorizing and expanding the decade old State Children’s Insurance Program [SCHIP] to include about 3.3 million more children in addition to the 6.6 million already enrolled, and expanding eligibility requirements. The bill had bipartisan support on the Hill, but Bush objected on philosophical grounds.

The philosophy is well known by now – Grover Norquist’s vision of shrinking government until it’s small enough to “drown in a bathtub.” Which might seem hypocritical coming from the man responsible for the largest increase in government since the New Deal, but we’re not supposed to notice that. This is the man who glibly sells our children’s economic future to China at the rate of $10 billion per month ($3,800 per second) just to keep his war of aggression going against the nation of Iraq. So it can’t really be about cost…

This past week Bush went farther in imposing his silver spoon will on strapped working families and sick children. The administration issued a late-night order directing states to cut back on enrolling children in the SCHIP program, and imposing a 12-month “waiting period” before a child can be enrolled in the 20 states who offer the coverage for children of parents who earn up to twice the federal poverty level income.

Bush explained his position in an interview with The Washington Post back in July.

“I support the initial intent of the program. My concern is that when you expand eligibility [...] you’re really beginning to open up an avenue for people to switch from private insurance to the government.”

Democratic candidate John Edwards quickly issued a response, extolling congressional Democrats and ‘responsible’ Republicans to override the order and expand the program as soon as they return from summer recess. It remains to be seen whether the newly Dem-controlled Congress can negotiate a veto-proof majority on this issue. If not, we can expect the fallout to further affect the chances for re-election of Republicans next fall.

Our dismal national health care standing and shameful lack of basic access for tens of millions of citizens – including children – does not speak well of the self-styled “Pro-Life” crowd. It’s time for meaningful change.

Links to articles and blogs on this subject:

Washington Post

Art Levine – Huffington Post

In These Times

Medical News Today

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Filed under Bush, Health Care, John Edwards, Presidential Candidates | Comments (4)