January 4, 2011
It starts this week. We'll know soon how serious the new Republican House majority is in living up to promises to reduce the cost and size of government. They can't do it without the Senate and White House, but they can make a start, embarrassing the left by pointing out the waste, fraud and abuse, as well as unworkable and unaffordable government programs.
And then will come the investigations. When Democrats run government they spend countless hours investigating Republicans, so turnabout is fair play.
House Republicans will conduct a largely symbolic vote to repeal Obamacare and when they lose they will try to dismantle it piece by piece. The courts may help, but this needs to be an education effort. Most people still don't know what's in the bill. The administration is selling it with TV ads touting cheaper drugs, but the real impact won't come for several years when denial of care based on cost will effectively usher in a form of euthanasia.
Most of all it's important that you pay attention and make your wishes known. Politics can't be part-time work for citizens. It isn't for the politicians and lobbyists.
Cal Thomas is a nationally syndicated columnist based in Washington, D.C.
