Health care reform and the US Senate
Submitted by James on Wed, 08/26/2009 - 5:58pm
But if health care reform fails, liberals need to understand who to blame and how to fix it. They need to start knocking off Democrats like Conrad and Joe Lieberman, who seem to be trying to kill health care reform, even if this temporarily costs the Democrats some seats. They need to commit the party to reconstituting the rules of the Senate along majoritarian lines -- yes, even if this helps Republicans pass their agenda when they're in charge. If health care reform can't pass now, then a filibuster-proof Democratic majority isn't worth having. At that point you have to consider blowing up the party and waiting a decade or two to rebuild a new one that's able to address the country's actual needs.
In 2008, Democrats earned their chance to govern both in Washington and here in North Carolina. Should they prove incapable of wielding their majority power effectively, you can be sure that incompetence will be punished at the polls next November. But it won't be liberals doing the dirty work of knocking off guys like Conrad and Lieberman. Unaffiliated, independent voters like me will take care of that for you.
I think that there is a difference
I believe that the line is Democrats actively working against Democratic platform should go. Those that merely do not vote the party line should stay. To me that is the difference between an organized party and one that is so doctrinal that they risk destroying themselves with a circular firing squad (e.g. the current Republicans).
I like that distinction
Well said ... and good to know you're out there lurking!
Do good. Be nice. Have fun.
Well said TarGator
and great to read you! Will you be stopping by more often, have things started to loosen up in your life?
You will not have to worry.....
about blowing up the party if healthcare reform fails, it will disintegrate. Without a strong unified message, the Democrats look weak and the Republicans will push the weak, incompetent meme to swing votes their way.
I never meant to say that the Conservatives are generally stupid. I meant to say that stupid people are generally Conservative. I believe that is so obviously and universally admitted a principle that I hardly think any gentleman will deny it.
John Stu
Why I am unaffiliated
Liberals wanting to knock off Dems not liberal enough. Conservatives wanting to knock off Reps not conservative enough. All eating their young.
Why should we bother electing individuals if the real expectation of our representatives is that they vote along their party lines?
Anyone daring to think for themselves and apply reason or diplomacy to an issue is either "unreliable" or one of those universally-hated "centrists."
We allow this and thus get the government we deserve.
Just say: "Mission Accomplished."
Greetings from a born again redneck right wing fruitcake.
The Dems have the opportunity to pass health care reform. But rather than do it they are flying around the country trying to make sure everyone is in agreement. Which ain’t ever going to happen. President Bush took us to war to look for some WMD’s and the mealy-mouthed liberals went along for the ride. If President Bush can get us into war and pass the Patriot Act and torture prisoners and curtail our basic freedoms…….well, looks like to me the liberals could find enough backbone to pass health care reform. Jesus, you aren’t talking about getting thousands of American soldiers killed. You pass something and then refine it. Like buying your first house. Fix it up and then later move on up to the east side. I sure hope you liberal long-haired fancy coffee drinking people will pass some health care reform. I am all for it but being a right wing nutcase my friends would disown me. Plus in my church we handle snakes. I need insurance for that too. Help out a brother. Stand up and be counted. Don’t slouch out on us now. You got the votes so use them.
Then say "Mission Accomplished" and everyone will love you long time. We are counting on you guys to get this done for us. Don't be a bunch of whimps!
P.S. How about lay off Sen. Burr and that "thing" car he drives. Us rednecks may be mean and hateful but we would never attack another man's car or lawnmower. Have some decency!
Good show!
Do good. Be nice. Have fun.
How funny, they aren't afraid of anything.....
well except the dentist!