The Federal Government has shut down. Without a doubt the most vulnerable–the poor, the infirm, those without homes, those on fixed incomes, veterans, children, and the elderly–will bear the brunt of the closure. But here’s the rub–their suffering was already in the works. This administration and the GOP enablers in Congress have already shown us–they don’t care about the vulnerable among us. In fact, they seem pretty determined to make even more people vulnerable. Republicans decided, with their BIG BILL to keep their president happy by threatening the healthcare of Americans, by give tax breaks to the wealthy, and by completely over fund the brutality of an unaccountable ICE agency. These priorities mattered to them more than their constituents.
The reason Democrats could not, in the end, vote for the CR to keep the government open is because they were never included in the budget discussions. Republicans simply refused to negotiate. They wouldn’t even consider extending the ACA subsidies or reversing cuts to Medicaid. Their decision, if left unchallenged, would leave hundreds of thousands of Americans without insurance and millions with considerably higher premiums. So, Dems picked one issue–out of the many they could chose from–to focus the country’s attention on: Healthcare.
With the country watching, Dems have one chance to communicate to the American people just how damaged our country is under the current administration. Republicans are counting on their ability to lie and point fingers (AKA blame undocumented migrants even though it is impossible for them to qualify for any of the services Dems are talking about) to keep their constituents in line. After all, lying and blaming is a strategy that’s worked for the GOP in the past, why not try it again?!
Of the 31 states that receive more money from the federal government than they send to the federal government 18 are considered Red states. If fully enacted, the Republican budget bill will strip those states of federal healthcare dollars. Rural hospitals will close (if they haven’t begun to do so already), and healthcare premiums will sky rocket, some by as much as 300%.
Blue states typically send more money to the federal government than they receive from the federal government. Red states do just the opposite. (There is at least a 7% differential). In a recent announcement from this administration, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Russell Vought, is impounding already approved federal funds for projects in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington. (The states in bold are among those that send more money to the federal government than they receive). Not only is this action illegal, it is a calculated attempt by the Federal Government to inflict pain on US citizens in Blue states.
Given this administration’s desire to weaponize the federal government against Blue State, in combination with their preferred tactic of shoving the financial burden for all kinds of programs onto the states, it sure would be nice if Blue States could refuse to pay federal taxes and instead just decide to take care of their own. When federal dollars began to dry up completely, especially for the 18 Red states that depend on it, I bet we would see at least a few of those Red states turning Blue. It is a crime, however, to refuse to pay our taxes.
Still, taxation without representation was enough to cause a revolution when this nation was birthed. Will it be enough to cause the people to rise up in protest today? To support the Democrats who are willing to take a stand? Can we amass the famed 3.5% of the people needed to topple an authoritarian regime? Are we willing to foot the bill for legitimate representation in Congress and for the health and welfare of our families, our friends, and our communities? We will soon find out. In the meantime, get ready to meet the needs around you. If you have–give. If you have not–join together. We are better together.