Health Bill Still Has Life … Barely

Ok, you Conservatives, don’t relax yet … the Health Bill is still alive (altho’ on life support) and may still get to be considered under the Budget Reconciliation process.

The AP reports: “The White House called for a ’simple up-or-down’ vote on health care legislation Sunday as Speaker Nancy Pelosi appealed to House Democrats to get behind President Obama’s chief domestic priority even it if threatens their political careers.” I appreciate the ideological blatherings, but to how many Dems could she be talking? How many are multi-term, seasoned Dems who might want to get back home to do … what? I’m thinking that career politicians are like any of the rest of us with careers; they don’t want pre-mature dismissal, but want to leave on their own terms and timing. So, will Nancy P’s plea have an impact? I don’t thinks so. The appeal of falling on your sword for The Party won’t be that appealing to most Dems.

And, Prez O is calling for an “up or down” vote. Now that’s a great idea when you’re talking about appointing a judge, but not when you’re presenting a nationally-crippling (financially) (no pun intended) Health Bill which saddles you and me and ours with debt which is virtually un-satisfiable; and, which includes things like government funding of abortions and which adds 30mn+ persons to the “Extended Medicare” roles. Oh, I hear the argument that we need the healthy young people on the rolls to offset the expense. But, as I understand it, “mandatory” participation is required for all; those who cannot afford health insurance of any kind would get subsidized by the Government. Now, let me get this straight: We’re going to add Government premium payments to the non-affordables which will subsidize Government required premiums. Huh? Out of one pocket and into another. Appalling!

This from ABCNews: “House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says she has much in common with the Tea
Party.   The speaker now says she shares views with movement she
dismissed last summer as being “Astroturf” –  her suggestion that the
grassroots of the Tea Party were a creation of the Republican Party. In a “This Week” interview with ABC’s Elizabeth Vargas, Pelosi said,
“We share some of the views of the Tea Partiers in terms of the role of
special interest in Washington, D.C., as — it just has to stop.  And
that’s why I’ve fought the special interest, whether it’s on energy,
whether it’s on health insurance, whether it’s on pharmaceuticals and
the rest.”

This, too, from TheHill.com: “House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said Sunday that Republicans have
left their mark on the healthcare bill and should accept that the bill
will go forward.” How’s that for extending the ol’ olive branch? Some Dems are willing, after Thursday’s Summit, to be more including of Reps ideas.

I’m for simplifying the Health Bill; make it no more wordy than the Constitution. Whaddya’ say?

On this day in history: 1784 - John Wesley charters first Methodist Church in Baltimore; 1861 - Congress creates Colorado Territory; 1993 - Fed agents raid Branch Davidian compound in Waco;

On a positive note: Rep. Rob Andrews (D-N.J.), who attended the White House summit, said
negotiators should reconsider Republican proposals. “I think it is time
to take all of the good ideas that came out of
yesterday, whether they are from Republicans or Democrats, put them in a
bill, put the bills out on the floor and take a vote.” Wow, what a
novel idea! I’m sure he will not be appreciated among the Dems upper
ranks.

Blessings.

Tags: health, Pelosi, Pols