Democrats still aren't listening

Massachusetts sent a clear message to President Obama and the Democrat-controlled Congress. While some Democrats immediately scrambled to the center, others inexplicably ignored the significant vote. President Obama appeared unwilling to connect the special election result with the national mood of the people. In response to the loss of a Democratic seat that had been held for four decades, he could only encourage us to "look at the substance of this [health care] package."

Mr. President, we've looked at the substance and details. We've looked at the process that camouflaged bribes as compromise. We've heard congressional leadership threaten reconciliation in order to pass legislation that's terribly unpopular to both supporters and opponents of reform. We've listened to you. We've looked at the proposed health care bill and other legislative debacles. Maybe it's time that both you and our congressional leadership start listening to us.

Stop blaming everything on the previous administration like some adolescent trying to avoid responsibility. Your party has been in charge of Congress since late 2006. You've been president for a year. You've added $1.7 trillion to the debt in 10 months, selectively bailed out businesses and banks, nominated tax cheats to financial regulatory positions and levied the largest tax increase ever on the poorest Americans. You've granted constitutional protection to terrorists. You chose to tackle health care while largely ignoring the economy.

You've failed to listen, and the wind of change that swept you, Pelosi and Reid into power may sweep you all out in 2010 and 2012.

CHAD CRAFT, Jackson