Curmudgeon's Corner

We often hear about “special interest groups” trying to influence decisions especially during the debate on the health care “crisis” that I mentioned in my last blog. Special interest groups have gotten the reputation of being somehow improper or part of something almost subversive in nature. Somehow many of us have been conditioned to shudder whenever we hear the term “special interest group”.

There are some special interest groups with which I take exception and there are other special interest groups with whose positions I concur. I am an intentional member of some of these groups. I am also a member of other special interest groups without even being aware of the fact.

Let’s take a look at some of these special interest groups. The list is almost endless, but here are a few examples. If you are a union member, you are part of one or more special interest groups. If you are a member of a local organization such as a Chamber of Commerce, you are a member of one or more special interest groups. Nurses, insurance agents, church members, homeowners, tire dealers, tavern owners, pharmacy companies, police officers, golfers, AARP members, auto club members, teachers, and parents belonging to a parent/teacher organization are part of a special interest group.

My point is this: each of us, whether we know it or not, is likely part of at least one special interest group. Some of us are members of such groups because we chose to be and, as mentioned before, others of us are members of such groups unknowingly.

When you hear a news commentator or a radio talk show host talk about special interest groups, remember that you’re probably part of such a group whether or not that is a specific group or family of groups.

What does all this have to do with the health care debate? It means that just about every position that is advanced will favor one group over others. It means that the members of a particular group are trying to protect their interests. This often also means that the interests of other special interest groups will be subverted. It means that politicians who have accepted donations from one or another of these groups may have more at stake then you or I understand.

When more than 15% of our country’s gross national product is in play, there will be some very tough fighting going on behind the scenes. This is really brought to light by the recent combination of several special interest groups that have heretofore been opposed to each others' position. These groups include an insurance company group, a labor union group, and a “family values” group. What are we to make of this alliance?

For one thing, we can safely conclude that not only does politics make for strange bedfellows, money does as well! Remember that, in spite of the rhetoric, the bottom line is about the money and in whose pockets it will be found when the dust settles. That is not to say that the health of we Americans isn't an important part of this debate, it is just that money is always a part of each position that we see staked out. We risk being greatly disappointed if we are not constantly aware of this truth. There are indeed times when to be a cynic is a wise thing.