Can we stop this bi-partisan crap already

[AllentownJake]

Seriously,

I haven't read the bill Max Baucus is proposing, I probably won't get a chance to since I'm helping out on a municipal campaign but the reports I'm getting is that it is a giant turd. It really doesn't surprise me.

We have 59 US Senators right now in our party. Yet for some reason beyond reason we attempt to reach accross the aisle on a bill only to have our hands smacked again, and again, and again, and again. We make compromises and make the bill worthless and yet they still don't support it.

They won't they are playing a different game right now. If the past 8 years are any demonstration the Republicans do not give a shit about America or the American people. They care about staying in power and lobbying jobs for their staffs. Right now, lobby jobs are drying up (nobody needs to lobby to the ranking member of a committee from the opposition party) and they are out of power.

The sooner democrats come to terms with the fact that the other side of the aisle doesn't give a lick about America. They care about getting back in power and neutering democratic reforms is one of their tickets there. Fuck them. Let them fillibuster. Let them obstruct. Make them make a mockery of the Senate. Than in 2010. We have 65 democratic Senators.

When they had spent 40 years in the wilderness of being out of powere bi-partisanship was possible. They remember to well holding the gavels and they are playing hard ball to get them back.

[grantcart]

1. you don't have to read it - no Public Option - Cooperatives instead

[AllentownJake]

2. That is what I heard

I'm sure there is a mandate for catostrophic coverage as well.

Essentially a slap in the face to the middle and lower middle class.

[tekisui]

3. It is still just one of the 4(or is it 5) bills, right?

We still will have just one from the Senate, and just one from the House and then reconciliation, right?

[grantcart]

5. technically it isn't even one of the 5 - It hasn't passed out of committee

And if Democrats in the committee are pissed they will vote it down and Baucus will have nothing to show for his efforts.


The reason that they are likely to do so is that having Republican votes is something. During the next election they are going to run against the Democrats for "becoming socialists" but if there are a few Republican votes they can rebut the charge.


Baucus caved into the Republicans and then didn't have any Republican votes to show for it so that the Republicans get it both ways. They get the Industry bill but can still run against Democrats for being partisan.


The irony is that the Republicans have now made the Progressive Caucus the deal makers. If they walk then there will be no bill. If they hold for a public option the rest of the Demcorats will have no option.

[napi21]

4. Last week I heard (from Chuck Todd I think) that neither side wanted to

look like they waled away from bipartisanship FIRST! I realize this is just a political game, and off camera the Dems, including Obama, know bipartisanship has been dead for a long time.