I Triple Dog Dare You

Who created the game of Chicken? Do you think it was a couple of cavemen who thought it would be funny to run full speed at each other and see who flinched? Or maybe the origins aren't quite that ancient. Maybe it was in Rome with gladiators and the lions. Wherever it started, I think that we can all agree that it is not a game that should be played between the President of the United States and the American public.

Today, President Obama mocked talk of repealing the healthcare bill in a speech in Iowa. In his prepared remarks he said, "They’re actually going to run on a platform of repeal in November. You’ve been hearing that. And my attitude is: Go for it. " That of course was followed by applause by the University of Iowa crowd. My question is Mr President, did you hear the thunderous roar outside of the arena? That was the barrage of the American public as you once again pooh-pooh their will and their convictions.

Already in the past 48 hours, the Attorneys General for 14 states have filed suit against the healthcare bill. There are at least 25 other states considering the same types of litigation. That's 39 states. The last time I looked three quarters of fifty is 38. Sixty-eight percent of people think that the quality of healthcare will either stay the same or worsen once this legislation is enacted. Seventy-six percent of the American public think that the cost of healthcare will stay the same or be raised. Seems to me that the majority of the American people are probably not going to be terribly thrilled when the IRS is charged with monitoring healthcare policies every month and probably less thrilled when they realize that even the immediate benefits that have been touted (lifting of pre-existing condition provisions for children and coverage limits) don't and won't actually go into effect until 2011.

So is it really a stretch to think that the (dare I say 3/4) majority of the country might be a little angry at the big government takeover of the healthcare system. I don't know if repeal is possible. I don't know if de-funding of the bill is the answer. What I do know is that throwing down a challenge to the people of the greatest country in the world is probably not the best idea unless you are ready for the fight of your life. Anyone remember the mood after September 11? We're pretty easily rallied when we're threatened.

So here it is, the President has dared us to fight. Well Mr. President, okay, I triple dog dare you. Now watch us go. Make sure the Secret Service has some hot water and gauze before you put your tongue on the flagpole.

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