( – promoted by DocHoc)
Dear Senator Coburn,
We get it. Time and again you have shown us by word and deeds how much you hate government spending. We know that you believe the free enterprise system is a better way of solving problems than the legislative process. We know that you hate any bill proposed by a democrat. We get this about you; but for once, would you please put the health and welfare of the American people above your ideology? We know it’s a lot to ask, but The Food Safety Modernization Act (SB 510), which seeks to protect Americans from tainted food, deserves a vote.
We know it’s been a long time since you’ve practiced medicine, but, did you know that each year millions of Americans get sick (and some die) from complications associated with tainted foods such as eggs, peanut butter, and lettuce? Is it too much to ask that we vote on a bill that tries to protect Americans from poison foods? Aren’t you the one who constantly criticizes Washington, and the other party, for placing ideology and politics above the good of the people? Why then are you blocking this bill by political maneuvering so that you might have your 15 minutes of national fame to discuss earmarks?
We’ve heard your arguments. The bill costs too much, 1.4 billion dollars by your estimate; the bill won’t solve all problems associated with food poisoning outbreaks; and your claims that this legislation will hurt small farmers. You’re not all wrong here; but we also know that your contempt and attempts to trivialize this bill doesn’t justify holding it hostage so that you might focus attention on your pet subject–federal spending. There’s time enough for your rants on the evils of earmarks. Right now, it would really be great for all of us if you could focus your attention on matters of health and safety. We really don’t get to do this very often.
So, Senator Coburn, Dr. Coburn, would you please, pretty please, with whipped cream and a cherry on top, set aside your personal agenda and broken record rhetoric long enough to allow the rest of your senatorial colleagues the courtesy of a vote on a matter that affects the well-being of millions of your countrymen–even Oklahomans? We promise it won’t take very long. Who knows? Perhaps your opinions will prevail and defeat the vote. Then, you can get back to doing what you do so well, mystifying the rest of the nation about the sanity of Oklahoma.