It was called the Grand Old Party. That’s what G-O-P used to stand for. Some may say it still does, but for all intents and purposes one can honestly say, there is nothing grand about the current edition of the Republican Party and it has disappeared when it’s most needed. No, I don’t mean to save the country from a liberal President or even a Democratic House and Senate. It is as simple as Ying and Yang. The honest to goodness push back of the left not by simply saying “No” but with legitimate alternative ideas to bring to the table. The left needs you, not to substitute your ideas for theirs but more so to test their ideas against yours. But where are the legitimate new ideas, ideas that were not woefully followed during the Bush Administration?
Michael Steele has become the poster child for the party’s idiosyncrasies. It is no secret that as qualified as he may be for the position, he was and clearly is a GOP push back to Obama’s candidacy and Presidency. The GOP played a not so subtle race card the same way McCain played with gender when he selected Sarah Palin for his running mate in the 2008 Presidential Election. Subsequently, both Steele and Palin made for great photo ops and the appearance that the GOP had a progressive bone in its body politic, however, at the end of the day they became thin veils inadequately masking the GOP’s internal and philosophical dysfunction. Read more...(1164 words, 1 image, estimated 4:39 mins reading time)
Senate Republicans succeeded early Thursday morning in finding two flaws in the House-passed health care reconciliation package. Neither is of any substance, but the Senate parliamentarian informed Democratic leaders that both are in violation of the Byrd Rule.
Though at first blush this may appear to be a victory for the GOP, it may just back fire on the “Party of No”. Their move to send the legislation back over small issues and amendments also gives Democrats an opportunity to add amendments of their own on a much grander scale and only needing fifty votes in the Senate to achieve passage; namely, the Public Option. Read More Here.
Sunday, March 21, 2010, the United States House of Representatives voted to pass the Health Care Reform Bill which was sent back from the United States Senate for final passage. It was in effect where the rubber met the road in this long and arduous political and emotional journey to the first form of health reform since Medicare was taken on by both chambers and was signed into law on July 30, 1965, by President Lyndon B. Johnson as amendments to Social Security legislation. After Medicare’s passage, then president, Lyndon B. Johnson, enrolled former president Harry S. Truman as Medicare’s first participant. Below is a short ten minute look as to just how emotional and passionate the house debate became, before the historic vote eventually passed the bill.
Twas the night before the Health Care Vote and all thru the House not a creature was stirring not even a Blue Dog Democrat was abouts. The stockings were hung by Pelosi’s podium with care, in hopes that Sunday at 2pm the votes would be there.
The GOP and Tea Baggers were huddled with dread while visions of last minute obstruction danced in their heads. Gandma in her kerchief and Grandpa in his cap still wondered if death panels remained to plan their dirt nap.
When out of the White House arose much a clatter. The Democratic Caucus Sprang to the House to See what was the matter. Away around the Beltway they flew like a flash, even CNN, the Huffpost, MSNBC and yes Fox News wanted in on this bash.
The moon on the breast of DC’s street pot holes from a winter of snow, gave a jolting reality to cab drivers toting protesters to this final show. When, what to a blogger’s wondering eyes should appear, the Presidential Limo and Secret Service moving a figure through jeers and cheers.
Making his entrance with a cool smile yet purposeful gate, it was clear and no mistake it was America’s head of state. Still electric in presence, he shook hands and patted shoulders as he called them by name.
Now Pelosi, now Larson, now Xavier Bererra. On Hoyer, On, Clyburn, on Crawly and Weiner. To the top of the heap to the top of the wall if we don’t pass this bill we may all take a great fall. Read more...(427 words, 1 image, estimated 1:42 mins reading time)
