[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 160 (Tuesday, October 17, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1959]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           AMERICAN CIVILIZATION TAKES A GIANT STEP BACKWARD

                                 ______


                          HON. MAJOR R. OWENS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 17, 1995

  Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, movement toward universal health care 
coverage was the centerpiece of the Clinton health plan during the 103d 
session of Congress. Concern with the achievement of that ideal 
generated great complexity in the proposal prepared by the 
administration. It was a noble plan in pursuit of a most compassionate 
purpose. Among the industrialized nations our Government stands almost 
alone in its refusal to sponsor universal health care coverage. In this 
104th Congress the majority has chosen to catapult our American 
civilization further backward and away from the health care coverage of 
the poor provided by the Medicaid entitlement. To end the provision of 
health care for the poorest Americans would be a barbaric act. 
Nevertheless the plan for this heartless public deed is going forward.
  If the Republican health care bill is passed thousands of Americans 
who now have health care coverage will lose it. The Republicans are 
giving notice to the uncovered that when the Declaration of 
Independence declared that all men have a right to ``life, liberty and 
the pursuit of happiness'' it did not mean them. This mean and extreme 
position cannot be accepted. The tree of life must be allowed to bloom 
for every human soul. Attached is a summary of the notice that the 
Republicans are sending to the uncovered.

                   Republican Notice to the Uncovered

     Health and happiness
     The majority can pursue
     But the tree of life
     We won't let bloom for you
     The medicine
     Modern miracles make
     Not available for your sake
     A dose of penicillin
     Cost less than a penny
     With no HMO
     You don't get any
     Why should the government
     Pay everybody's doctor bills
     Only the evil poor
     Contract expensive ills
     Drugs cost dollars
     The uncovered can't pay
     On this beautiful earth
     Not everybody
     Is scheduled to stay
     Health and happiness
     The majority can pursue
     But the tree of life
     We won't let bloom for you
     Your days of strife
     Our policies renew
     O say can you see
     Your liberty to die free
     From heavenly hospitals
     Mothers hustle your
     Discharged babies home quick
     Abuse will be charged
     If you let them get sick
     For the elderly
     It is wise to stay well
     Unregulated nursing homes
     Will be harder than hell
     Health and happiness
     The majority can pursue
     But the tree of life
     We won't bloom for you.

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