More Constructive Obstructionism in Action

Wednesday, July 8, 2009
From America's Right blog

Louisiana congressman introduces bill that would force any member of Congress who votes in favor of government-run health care to enroll themselves in the program.

Yesterday, I wrote a little about the Doctrine of Constructive Obstructionism, about how congressional Republicans must propose alternatives to the plans and proposals put forth by their counterparts across the aisle, unify behind those alternatives, and refuse to budge with regard to each and every piece of legislation proposed by the Democrats that weakens our economy and undermines our national defense.

It seems as though, when it comes to the health care debate, one House Republican is getting the ball rolling. In a recent press release, Louisiana Congressman John Fleming, M.D.--that's right, a medical doctor--described a new piece of legislation he has introduced which would hold his colleagues accountable as they seek to enact groundbreaking reforms to the American health care system. Fleming's statement:

As a physician, I am amazed at the number of bureaucrats in this House who are quick to claim a government-run health care plan is the reform this country needs. This resolution will offer members of Congress an opportunity to put their money where their mouth is, and urge their colleagues who vote for legislation creating a government-run health care plan to lead by example and enroll themselves in the same public plan.


Fantastic. What better way for congressmen and congresswomen to truly represent their constituents than to subject themselves to the very same rules they enact? I love it.

Fleming's legislation, of course, will likely not go anywhere -- but it's the idea that Republicans are offering alternatives and new ideas while at the very same time strongly saying "no" to the Democrats' plans. Regardless of whether the health care reform legislation passes, the GOP can and will be in the position of looking back upon the debate and informing the electorate that, no, the Democrats refused to play by the very same rules which they were foisting upon the American people.