Preident Bush and his conservative allies didn’t manage to accomplish much during their waning years in power, but they did block reauthorization of SCHIP, the public health insurance program for kids that enjoys wide and deep support on both sides of the aisle. At the time, Bush framed his veto as a principled stand against the encroaching forces of American socialism. But what he really did was jeopardize ongoing health coverage for millions of kids while slamming the door on millions more who lacked coverage. But what a difference a year can make. Today, the House passed an SCHIP bill that is almost identical to the one Bush vetoed. It’s likely to gain swift approval in the Senate and be signed into law soon after Obama is inaugurated.
This is why elections matter.
May we continue to be greeted with such good news.