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How Can the GOP Still Say No?
Well, as the final version of health reforn emerges, it sounds like it appeals to all of things Republicans talked about wanting to support and it does not have a public option-the one condition they made clear to their support. So the bill will get lots of GOP votes, right? Reality check: probably not one! So Grassley was right when he said he would not vote for it even if it had everything he wanted. How typical! This "say no to everything" GOP Party is getting ridiculous and I sure hope this strategy backfires.
Here's what MSNBC First Read had to say on the topic:
*** How many times can you say 'no'? While all the
attention is focused -- correctly -- on the tenuous Democratic
coalition as the president and Senate Dems attempt to get health care
passed, does the likelihood that the legislation WON’T include a public
option OR a Medicare buy-in mean that some Senate Republicans are
running out of reasons to oppose this bill? Isn't the legislation, as
it potentially stands, something that Snowe and Collins should be able
to support? What about Grassley? It may be that the politics of this
and the bitterness that's descended inside the Senate prevent anyone
from crossing party lines. But do Republicans risk looking totally like
obstructionists if some of their bigger concerns about the bill are
gone? Similarly, Republicans are criticizing the administration’s
decision to relocate Gitmo detainees -- to the president’s backyard of
Illinois (!!!). At some point, don’t Republicans have to agree (or at
least try to cut a deal) on something besides Afghanistan?
Any thing associated with Obama = instant no. Welcome to the next three years. Need to keep the right happy and that means avoiding anything that may be associated with Obama's agenda.
Since the Bush presidency the answer for everything other than war is doing almost nothing and tax cuts. There will be very little in the way of bipartisanship that will actually accomplish anything and nothing put aside for the good of the country. Democrats won't have the backbone either to unite for any legislation because they're all so split with moderates and liberals. Hate to admit it and it's horrible for meeting half way for the good of the country, but whether they were the majority or the minority, the Republicans are pretty damn lockstep in their goals.
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It's sad that we've reached a point where 'government service' is a dirty word... If we're the greatest country on earth, maybe we can have the greatest government.
Lewis Black
How Can the GOP Still Say No?
Because they do it so well.
You and me both.
I usually like to vote in primaries or participate in caucuses, but as of now I am an independent.
I have been a member of both major political parties, and here's what I think now--- they both SUCK!
The GOP- just NO, no matter what it is. The Dems, who have large majorities in both houses of Congress, and have the White House, can do NOTHING with it.
Direct democracy would be better than this representative democracy. It would take months to hear from everyone and get anything done (that's different than what we have now?) but at least we wouldn't have to worry about corporate interests trying to sabotage anything remotely resembling progress.
I guess the old saying is right: CONgress is the opposite of PROgress.
From MSNBC.
Hmmm...what's Harry Reid got planned for Christmas Eve? A nice ham dinner? A big family gathering with children and grandchildren? Nope-just a health care bill to pass. Not sure if he's a religious man, but I'll bet he is saying some extra prayers these days.
Wow-it sure seems it would take a miracle to get this thing passed throught the Senate before Christmas. I admire this ambitious plan, but everything really needs to go perfectly to get that done. With Nelson still not committed, (will he make beat Lieberman in the 'most hated' category?) it will sure be a huge mountain to climb. If you are an optimist, here's the potential plan/timeline (which takes into account the ridiculous stalling techniques the GOP will impose.) BTW-Snowe was asked today about her vote (on Morning Joe) and did not express flatly that she will vote no (as most GOP members have already made clear since January 20th) so that would be a nice bonus to see her jump on board. McConnell insists the GOP is united in opposition. Let's see if he's right. Where are those CBO numbers???? Ahhhh!
Speaking of saying "NO", this from Claire McCaskill:
Rumor is Rs are going to vote no on funding the troops tonight. Hard to believe. Funding runs out tomorrow. A political game with the troops?
Won't that backfire on them with what's left of some support they have? Couldn't it also be used to show that certain Democrats care more about the troops than Republicans. These political games by the GOP and the right are getting sick. There was a tea party crowd outside the capital this week and some of the top a-holes on the right where happy to be there to speak in more hyperbole.
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Maybe those far-right prayer vigils to destroy health care reform have paid off. BTW, did I miss something? They said "snowstorm" but are talking about 5 inches. This Buffalo girl is laughing hard!This may be a good thing. If they get stranded at work, they'll have no choice but to continue with business : )
From TPM:
Snowstorm Expected In D.C. This Weekend
4 hours agoDecember 17, 2009 6:15 PMA snowstorm is expected to dump upwards of five inches on Washington, D.C., Friday night into Saturday, which could potentially delay Senate debate. The remaining debate is already tightly scheduled to bring a vote on Christmas Eve.