Reading the Constitution, Repealing Obamacare and Ambassador PennDear Mark: I was impressed with the opening of the 112th Congress and the reading of our Constitution by both parties. However, I was disappointed yet not surprised by liberals who had the nerve to be critical of the reading as some sort of "gimmick" and that Republicans have a "fetish" with the Constitution. Don't you think that is an insult to one of the most sacred documents the world has ever seen? — Patriotic Pam in Palm Springs Dear Patriotic: Of course it's an insult, but then most liberals find the Constitution distasteful because it was designed to limit the power of the federal government. Although it's ironic that the majority of Democrats who worship at the altar of the aborted fetus conveniently wrap themselves in the Constitution whenever a bill gets close to touching a woman's right to end the life of her unborn child. Funny how liberals never defend the Constitution when it comes to the Second Amendment and gun rights. They sure don't like to talk about the 10th Amendment and states' rights either. Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., who came up with the idea of reading the Constitution to open the session put it best: "This historic and symbolic reading is long overdue and shows that the new majority in the House truly is dedicated to our Constitution and the principles for which it stands." Critics like Keith Olbermann and Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., should have kept their mouths shut and let the rest of us continue to merely think they are fools. Dear Mark: House Republicans want to vote to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This vote is a waste of time and a political stunt aimed at appeasing those crazy tea party people.
Dear Fargo: What a great name for legislation that neither protects the patient nor shows any signs of making health care actually affordable. For the sake of column inches, I'll continue to call it Obamacare. Questions about the law's constitutionality aside, reopening this debate is important because the uncertainty of Obamacare's true cost is one of the major reasons businesses are reluctant to hire new employees and why the country is experiencing a jobless recovery. Is the repeal vote a theatrical and symbolic stunt by Republicans? Yes. Will it ultimately be struck down by the Senate and the president? Yes. Obamacare may be the law today, but laws can be changed. The vote, even if it fails, will restart the conversation about health care reform, and because the Republicans are in charge of the House, full and open hearings will be held every time the Department of Health and Human Services writes a new regulation. At least the Republicans will follow through on Obama's promise of transparency. Dear Mark: That maniacal dictator in Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, has demanded that Sean Penn be our ambassador to his country. He generously offered that he would accept Bill Clinton. Where does that runt get off telling us who to send him? — Angry Al Dear Angry: Penn is good choice by Chavez's standards, as they are two socialist peas in a pod. But if Chavez wants a celebrity, let's send Mickey Mouse — who could easily deal with El Presidente Goofy. Dear Mark is a public platform for your enrichment and entertainment. E-mail your questions to marklevy92@aol.com. To find out more about Mark Levy, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2011 CREATORS.COM
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