Beware the "reformers"

Well, well, well. "Reform" is in the air. Industry groups, from finance to health care are jumping on the "reform" bandwagon. Realizing the air they have contaminated is so fetid, they've decided to join the chorus of "reform."

But beware these "reformers." Wolves in sheeps clothing are still wolves. Saying they agree reform is needed doesn't mean they truly buy it. Their aims "sound" benign enough as they realize it is better to be seen at the table of reform rather than be openly condemning and resistant. But, behind the scenes they'll do everything to co opt the very idea of reform. Their "game" is a ruse, a well orchestrated propaganda campaign that masks their true intent which is to water down anything meaningful. At best,make a few concessions on the fringe, but overall, do what's necessary to maintain the status quo.

Last month the health insurance behemoths voluntarily offered to "save" two trillion dollars over 10 years if only a public health care option was off the table, saying they couldn't compete with such a plan. What they didn't say was their bloated overhead of excessive executive perks, bonuses and salaries precluded their ability to compete with the public option. As to the two trillion in "savings" that's pure chutspah. Once the smoke screen of reform lifts you can bet they won't be held to account(despite Obama's saying he's going to hold them to their word).

They and their political sycophants in Congress(poignantly described by Senator Dick Durbin,D. Ill. in his remark..."and frankly they own the place"... refering to the financial industry's sway in the Senate) have rigged the system making all their business practices "legal." Well, segregation was legal at one time, but that didn't make it right. And like segregation, until it was fought against and demanded that it be legally stricken from the books, real reform of health care, financial regulation, enforcement of environmental standards, the elimination of unnecessary weapons systems against an enemy that no longer exists, will all remain business as usual unless bold decisive leadership is exercised.

For this to occur however, we the people must make our voices heard and demand corrective action. If we don't demand our elected leaders enact real reform, our indifference, acquiescence and lack of vigilance will ensure "business as usual" remains in place. And that doesn't include you and me.

Views expressed on this page are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Campaign for America's Future or Institute for America's Future