Classic eloquent Obama. Arizona, Alabama and Texas are rolling over in their borders at this very moment, but asking both sides of the aisle to come to the table, willing to understand each others point of view for the good of the American people is the stuff that greatness is made of. The diction of his speech offered Wednesday night, full of action and fervor and a concern for the welfare of the American people, was surpassed only by the words of the late Senator Ted Kennedy, whose passion for the well-being of his fellow man puts this debate squarely in the context in which it belongs.

The health care issue is our anti-vietnam/civil-rights/women’s suffrage movement. It is a monumental change that brings all Americans to the table and ultimately determines the shape of our future, both through economic change and through the medical attention we will inevitably receive. Our generation has never experienced a debate of this magnitude and for that reason we find ourselves consumed with fear of defeat out of fatigue. Our generation has never known a fight this difficult or a mountain this tall. But while we climb to the summit, a powerful health care lobby is standing on top hurling boulders at us. Nowadays, it seems like Republican senators are toweling off their brow. “You lie!” Senator Joe Wilson yells. Republicans stubbornly wave what must be their version of the health care reform bill over their heads in sneering defiance of rational conversation. Even as President Obama declares the benefits of health care reform, Republican Senators sit with their arms crossed, angry that they aren’t getting their way. Its the same ol’ song and dance — in the words of Aerosmith — but even a rock icon like Steven Tyler can understand that half-measures and conciliatory compromises in order to appease the right will do no more for patients than legislation mandating free donuts in hospitals.

The fact is this: our legislators are pulled in every direction by constituents and special interests, but the most powerful force of all is money. Senators need re-elected in order to keep voting for legislation and shaping our country and without campaign funds that cannot happen. Just watch, all Republican senators who oppose the public option will receive payoffs from the industry they defend. That’s a promise.

And we’re okay with that? I have no problem with the idea that too much government is bad for citizens but this is not a government take-over of health care (trust me, read the bill). The fact is that the industry is broken and we are paying the price. Yet, at the same time, we let senators like Chuck Grassley and Charles Boustany pocket payoffs while opposing progressive legislation all with a straight face. Not only is this indefensible, it is dishonest and violates the relationship between representatives and their constituents.

The point is that we can all agree on health care reform. Rising costs and skyrocketing deductibles are crippling our ability to take care of ourselves. Furthermore, the President’s bill finds a good deal of compromise between the left and right aisles. Yet despite this, prominent Senate Republicans continue to belligerently block progress on a bill that has the potential to change the way we live our lives here in America, free of fear from getting sick and able to afford the attention that we need to stay healthy, vibrant and active late into our days. You can defend your camp my right wing brothers and sisters, but do yourself a favor and see that while you’re preparing for the fight, your generals are cutting you off at the knees.

Ian Barker

Senior, chemical engineering