On The Cusp of Reform

Within a couple days, much needed health care reform will have finally made it through congress. Over 40 years in the making, strong leadership, common sense attitudes, and simple courage will make it happen.

The opponents can't decide what to do, one minute they are complaining the Left is rushing everything through, the next minute they are abusing Senatorial rules by nonsense like reading entire 700+ page amendments and delaying, stalling, obstructing. They have had their opportunities for debate, and have abused it at every turn!

One of those courageous senators was our own Sen. Al Franken. Following a significant loss of time due to the wasted reading of an amendments, other Senators needed to be more diligent with their remaining time. One of those Senators, Joe Lieberamn, wanted to extend his remarks, but it was not allowed. This is unusual, but not unusual enough considering the time that was wasted along the way by other opponents. And in typical fashion of the hypocrisy party, the one that squeaked the loudest, Sen McCain, was the one who set the precedent on the Senate floor just a few short years ago. See first he says this:

McCAIN: I’ve been around here 20-some years. First time I’ve ever seen a member denied an extra minute or two to finish his remarks. … I just haven’t seen it before myself.

But then we find out that back in October 2002 he said this:

The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator’s time has expired.

Mr. DAYTON. I ask for unanimous consent that I have 30 seconds more to finish my remarks.

Mr. McCAIN. I object.

For all the folks that through the 'lie' work around, I hope the piled on this bold face doozy of their own!

Yet it gets better, the Right is out with the name calling, claiming the Democrats are 'flipping the bird' at the people. I think the people know better. They see the Right for who they are, a gaggle of cry babies having a last minute temper tantrum to dilute the great work that is being done.

Am I happy with this bill, no way. But I am pleased with provisions that made it in, and content with that fact that some didn't. I was never a big fan of the private option, but anyone who is committed to reform, as both sides of the aisle claim they are, a competitive option is needed to keep the fat cats in the Insurance industry in check.

This piece of legislation is not the end all, it is a stepping stone. With a year till the mid terms, Congress can now get down to other business. I am not worried about where numbers are at right now for a polling stand point. See, the economy is in recovery, Health Care reform is on the way, a much needed push in Afghanistan is being undertaken, and more and more promised and assurance by this historic administration are playing out. Its kind of refreshing when you vote for people and they actually do what you expect of them once they're in office. A pleasant change from the prior administration.

Flash