Healthcare: The 21st Century Alamo (“Remember America”)

This New Englander is a little fuzzy on Texas history, but one thing I do remember is the true story of the Battle of the Alamo.  It was at that Spanish Mission that about 100 Texans and others stood their ground against overwhelming Mexican forces.  All but two defenders died that day, but the temporary loss would soon become a rallying cry that would to victory.

About six weeks later at the Battle of San Jacinto, the Texan army launched a surprise attack against General Santa Anna’s camp near Lynchburg Ferry.  During the battle the phrase, “Remember the Alamo” was uttered continuously and the Santa Anna’s forces were routed quickly.  Just a few weeks later Santa Anna was captured and the Treaties of Velaso were signed, effectively ending the bloody conflict and paving the way for Texan independence.

I do not wish to trivialize war by comparing the clash between the Texan and Mexican forces to the recent healthcare battle.  I do wish, however, to draw out the sentiments from the conflict because I think they are applicable.

What was witnessed yesterday was an end (not the end) to a protracted battle between statist and anti-statist forces over healthcare legislation.  Despite overwhelming public opposition, the House leadership was able to marshal enough support and endure dozens of defections over concerns of cost and legislators not convinced that the civil rights of the unborn were being protected.

A major battle was lost yesterday.  The will of the people has been arrogantly thwarted.  The future prosperity of our nation has been compromised.  The sustainability of quality medical care has been jeopardized.

But all is certainly not lost.  Just as “Remember the Alamo” became the rallying cry that ultimately brought about victory, so too should the events of yesterday propel those who believe that individual freedom, limited government and personal responsibility leads to a free people and society and prosperity of both the individual and the nation.  These are the foundations our nation was built upon and what made us into the greatest nation history has ever seen.

Today our rallying cry is not “Remember the Alamo,” but “Remember America.”  We cannot disengage from the fight, we must press on.  There are more battles ahead.

We must “Remember America” in midst of every policy debate from the local level on up.

We must “Remember America” as we continue to hold our elected officials accountable to the people they serve.

We must “Remember America” when we head to the ballot box this spring, summer and fall and decide who best represents our nation’s future.

Today we nurse our own wounds, but tomorrow it’s back to work dressing the wounds of nation.  If we “Remember America,” and stay vigilant and engaged for the cause of freedom, not only can we win battles, but we will win ultimate conflict against statism and the tyranny it brings.