Republican policies are detrimental to America, now is the time to change them.

[procon]

Think about all the things Republicans say they either oppose or promote over the past decade or so. Their solutions usually evolve around hurting, punishing or retaliating against some group of people they deem unworthy. Now, in the midst of this deadly corona virus outbreak, these Republican policies are doing even more damage.

A prime example of this is the Republican's prolific efforts to kill off every provision of Obamacare, putting millions of American's health at risk. Republican states refused Obamacare and denied their vulnerable citizens access to expanded healthcare coverage under Medicaid. The resulting financial strain on local hospitals forced many to close, now with the pandemic where do all those uninsured Americans go? Maybe they're slow to seek medical attention because they can't afford it, untested they are potentially spreading the virus wherever they go.

In another policy Republicans have been fighting against expanding internet access to small communities ignored by the telecom industry because there is no profit in serving pockets of a few hundred people scattered across the country. Now with the Stay Home Orders in place in most states people living in those small town without internet service are cut off from everything. Breaking news, scientific information about the virus, testing and treatment center locations, staying safe guidelines, is out out reach. They cant run their businesses or work from home without that vital internet connection to their workplace, their kids can't reach their schools and teachers to continue their classes at home.

They can't shop from home to order food and cleaning supplies. They can't even apply online for unemployment money, public assistance aid, or apply for a job because Republicans blocked bills to provide internet connections for small towns.

There are lots more instances of Republican policies that are made even worse under the corona virus crisis. Maybe there is an opportunity now for Dems to find enough Republicans who will be willing to finally change these harmful policies and get help to those in need. What are some other Republican policies that negatively impact people who need help?

[pat_k]

1. I have a dream...

I have a dream that perhaps more of the nation will come out of this with a new appreciation for how interconnected we are and how much we rely on each other, as well as an appreciation for the fact that any one of us can be thrown for a loop and need a hand up. "Social safety nets" aren't just for "those people." We are all vulnerable.

Perhaps out of that we will finally be able to build the necessary political will to make some fundamental changes for the better.

And when I really get to "dreaming," I wonder if perhaps more of the top 10% might even begin to make peace with making an annual, substantial, investment in the health of the nation in the form of a wealth tax. At this point, investing in building a more equitable, stable, and resilient social system and economy could be the most effective way for them to recoup losses. (Post related to that notion here.)