This legislation, a dramatic step towards socialized medicine and representing a monumental shift in our country’s approach to health care and the role of government, would impose new taxes and unprecedented mandates on Americans, provide federal funding for abortion, and cripple private insurance right at a time when people need more access to private insurance, not less.

As I’ve said during this entire campaign, the Democrats are not interested in real health care reform – to them, it’s about control. In fact, part of the arrangement in passing this bill is that they will go back and “fix the bill” in reconciliation, and the most progressive elements of the Democratic Party have made it clear they will not settle for anything less than a government option.

Make no mistake – that’s what President Obama wants too – while he conducts his dog and pony shows with Congressional leaders complete with lies about wanting to incorporate conservative ideas, he has made it clear he is not interested in incorporating those ideas at all. After all, why would he? He doesn’t believe in free markets or the ability of individuals to choose their own health care – he believes in a one-size-fits-all approach to government, where we’re all forced to buy health insurance, pay abortion fees, pay higher taxes, and anything else that he, Nancy Pelosi, and their left-wing ilk demand we should buy, do, or not do.

This isn’t just about health care either – it’s about liberty. In the words of Andrew Jackson, ‘eternal vigilance is the price of liberty’ — and it is liberty that is under assault by the current crew in Congress. Under their socialist world view, it’s not your health care; it’s the government’s health care. Just by being born, you will be forced to buy something – eventually, from the government. If you don’t approve of abortion, too bad – never mind what it does to the life and liberty of the unborn child. It doesn’t matter the issue – they know best, not you.

President Obama, Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi and their liberal water-carriers in Congress have all turned a deaf ear to the voices of the people who elected them. This includes Dennis Moore, who due to his lame duck status, clearly no longer cares about the views of his constituents. In fact, Dennis might as well shut down his Congressional offices because he’s made it clear he’s done listening. In fact, the only substantive thing he’s offered of late is a strong hint that his wife may run for the seat.

2010 is not the year for moderation or weakness. With the Democrats arrogantly attempting to ram through legislation without even voting on it, I believe the Republican Party must field experienced, strong conservative voices in 2010, and that is why I am running for Congress here in the 3rd District of Kansas.

The Tea Parties ad Town Halls have taught us we must be firm in our convictions and in our purpose for seeking office — and then have the fortitude to back those words up with actions. This is never more important than now, when it is increasingly likely we will have to act to repeal and defund ObamaCare next year. Make no mistake – once government programs are enacted, they are very hard to repeal, and many in both parties will suggest compromise.

Let me be clear – there can be no compromise in defending liberty and upholding the Constitution. If elected, I will demand a repeal of all aspects of government health care — including all taxes, mandates, fees, and other moves towards government control. I have signed the Club for Growth “Repeal It” Pledge and I believe that should include returning all new taxes paid under ObamaCare directly to those who paid them.

Aside from the attack on our liberty and freedoms, the most troubling aspect about this entire ordeal has been the fact it is a colossal waste of time – time that could have been spent on passing reforms that would truly improve the system. Ideas such as tort reform, tearing down artificial barriers to competition like state lines, expanding health care savings accounts, enacting new health care tax credits, and allowing small businesses to pool together to purchase health insurance could have all been passed in a matter of weeks – yet they were ignored in this progressive lurch towards socialism.

The good news is the fight is far from over, and we can, through the electoral process, reverse what has been done by electing a new Congress who will defend the liberty of the American people and uphold the Constitution.

We can do our part in the 3rd District – and in that spirit, I humbly ask for your support. Please join my campaign today at www.patricialightner.com.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Rep. Patricia Lightner
Candidate for Congress

Patricia Lightner is a Republican candidate for Congress in the 3rd District of Kansas.  Click here to visit her website and click here to find her on Facebook.