“The Democratic Party strongly and unequivocally supports Roe v. Wade and a woman’s right to choose a safe and legal abortion, regardless of ability to pay, and we oppose any and all efforts to weaken or undermine that right.” – Democratic Party Platform of 2008
Congress today thinks its supposed to do the Executive Branch’s bidding instead of doing the work of checking the Executive Branch, making laws, while also making certain bad legislation that compromises what’s needed, as well as people’s rights, gets stopped before it goes out the Capitol doors.
Political party power now rules over what We the People expect, deserve, and voted our elected legislators and the president in to do.
Then…
Democrats produced a bad bill.
Republicans didn’t produce anything.
Democrats compromised on what the public wanted.
Republicans didn’t care what you said.
Democrats dillied, dallied and made deals.
Republicans obstructed, obfuscated and obstinately wouldn’t join in.
Democrats delighted when it was done, even though they sacrificed women’s rights to do it, while the men in charge just shrugged, and one won’t quit whining, as if the consequences will ever hit the boys.
Presidents either earn the respect of people through merit or they wrangle support through sympathy. In the health care debate, it’s the latter not the former for Pres. Obama. But in the end Democrats feel they have no choice but to rescue Obama’s presidency, while throwing out the public option that would have lowered the deficit further, insured more people, and actually been democratically equitable, because it wasn’t forcing Americans into a monopoly system, while making full reproductive health care harder for women. The choices the Democratic majority and Pres. Obama made solidified that they would produce a bad bill. How it got this way is even worse.
For the first seven months of Obama’s presidency, Barack Obama sat back and watched Congress painstakingly construct health care legislation, with all the never ending meetings, maneuvering, and Republican massaging getting nowhere. By August, the champion of health care was dead, with Sarah Palin taking center stage with “death panels,” while Barack Obama was just waking up trying to figure out what had happened.
During the whole of 2009, Obama called one health care deadline date after another, only to see each one pass into history, as did the Virginia and New Jersery governorships from Democratic hands, as well as the Lion of the Senate’s seat in Congress.
By the New Year, the people paying attention were in full mutiny. They now don’t care who’s in charge of Congress, or what party you’re in, if you’re in they want you out.
By March of this year, Pres. Obama had reduced himself to begging Congress to save his presidency by passing a badly flawed bill that throws citizens into a monopoly system without competition. Pres. Obama and Congress also demanding the majority voting block of the country, women, sacrifice for their ineptitude to do their job, serving up a health care bill with language that codifies the Hyde Amendment well beyond its yearly budget inclusion, going further than anything the Republicans ever tried under a right-wing Congress and George W. Bush. That’s quite a feat.
The bill that Democrats are close to passing is nothing near to what the American public wants, which begins with a public option. But that goal was left in the dust of deals made by Pres. Obama and Democrats beholden to corporate interests.
Meanwhile, Republicans are already plotting the repeal.
Rep. Dennis Kucinich did his part after a ride on Air Force One, some presidential whispering in his ear, finally getting the attention he has so craved. It was a political move made in part to save Barack Obama, which is sad commentary when you’re in the majority and have all the power, but especially because it’s not Congress’ job to “save” a president. Kucinich gave reasons:
“One of the things that has bothered me is the attempt to try to de-legitimize his presidency. That hurts the nation when that happens,” Kucinich reasoned in a news conference Wednesday. “We have to be very careful,” he continued, that “President Obama’s presidency not be destroyed by this debate. . . . Even though I have many differences with him on policy, there’s something much bigger at stake here for America.” – Kucinich’s health-care vote could be Obama’s lucky charm
Mr. Kucinich’s claim that a democratic process would have “de-legitimized” Obama’s presidency is not only laughable, but an outlandish statement even for him. Pres. Obama has a 48% approval rating amidst economic challenges and after a horrible first year. A defeat on a bill that isn’t good legislation would not “de-legitimize” him no matter how hard Mr. Kucinich huffs and puffs. Would it ruin his chance of a second term? That might be the spin of the traditional media and the elite left, but what guarantees passing the current health care bill will result in rewards? And no one has said who exactly is going to beat Pres. Obama, even if that question should be treated as relevant by Congress.
It’s simply not Congress’ job to save anyone’s presidency. It’s their job to represent the people, period.
The fact still remains that the Democrats, with the presidency and the majority, ended up producing a bad bill with only Democratic votes to pass it, something they could have done last summer.
So much time was wasted while the American public long ago tired of the lack of focus on jobs and the economy, which Democrats say the health care bill will aid, but not nearly as much as if they’d chosen the public option, which the majority of the American people prefer.
It’s not exactly stellar leadership on anyone’s part. But we haven’t had a real Congress for decades. We simply have political parties inside the Capitol dome who either protect the presidency, if the person is of the same party, or stop the president, if not.
The reason people hate Congress is because they’re doing the work of the Executive Branch, not the people. Party over sound policy is causing a revolt.
But even a bad health care bill offered up by Congress, if passed into law and signed by Pres. Obama, will make history, because it’s never been done before.
As for the people, we got lost in this a long time ago. The day Pres. Obama made a deal with insurance and pharmaceutical companies, deciding that no matter if the people wanted the public option he didn’t; putting himself and his presidency first, above women and the people’s desires, which the Democrats in Congress helped him do.
Taylor – they wasted so much time. They could have had this done last summer had they put the public option in. 77% of the people would have backed them. Now they have one of the worst pieces of legislation ever written. I’m so glad this bunch wasn’t around when Civil Rights and Medicare were passed. They’d have made a damn mess of it.
As to women – some years ago I happened to get a glimpse of some literature that a friend had lying around on her kitchen table. She belonged to about 8 or 9 organizations who wanted to do away with Roe v Wade and contraceptives. I admit I didn’t just glance at it; I read it in horror. I wrote to Gloria Feldt who was President of PPFA at the time and told her that pro-choice groups had to be much more aggressive in their programs to make sure that women would never lose the right to choice. I received a very condescending letter from her saying that PPFA was at the forefront of the pro-choice movement and please send more money so they could continue the fight. I don’t believe this anymore. And I don’t support any of these groups because to me they exist just to give themselves jobs. Call me a cynic if you will but after years of supporting groups like this I have no more to give. They’ve let me down.
I’m glad so many more will have some form of health insurance. I’m sad that coverage will be with the same insurance companies that have caused the break-down of our health care system. I’m beyond angry that women’s fundamental right to self-determination has once again been traded away to appease religious zealots. And I’m exhausted by this political sham of a process. Yes, we will make a step forward on health insurance reform and that will be historic on some level. But we have accomplished so much less than was realistically possible, and I believe that will also be recorded by history.
And Taylor – thanks for following the health care reform debate so vigorously. You have verified everything that I have read and know about what is going on. I’ve worked months on this and I am horribly disappointed in the outcome.
edgery says:
18 March 2010 at 12:36 pm
And I’m exhausted by this political sham of a process.
It’s why the country is in full tilt revolt.
Not even Bush and a Rep. Congress tried what Democrats CHOSE to do, JA. It’s a great betrayal.
“How a Bad Bill Becomes Historic” — excellent piece
Good overview of the high points (low points), turning points on the descent to the present pass.
Written with intellectually clear-eyed insight, yet with an emotional punch that zings it home to both heart and head. It feels true.
Thanks Pilgrim, I appreciate that very much, though I sure as hell wish I had a different story to tell.
According to Joe Scarborough, the deal was “done” months ago – with the ladies from Maine on board and the trigger option. Joe said as “fact” that Reid “convinced” Obama they could push for even more.
On a side note that happens to be ‘at this moment’ – while the Mormon church would love to say they are no longer a “racist” organization (there is NO question they ‘were’) – I cannot help but wonder what the odds are against putting five white guys on the floor in the NCAA basketball tournament (BYU – playing at the moment). Seems a bit unlikely in today’s world.
Hi Pmichael.
You should consider a diary on the second half of your comment, which is a bit off topic here, but certainly important. I bet people would love it.
As for your comment on Reid, etc., everyone knew more was achievable. It’s been the conversation in Washington for months.
Obama simply doesn’t know how to lead. He’s afraid of not being liked on the right.
Obama, also, isn’t a progressive. I’m not certain he’s really a Democrat – perhaps an independent.
Good post, I wish I could disagree with the picture painted, but it is sadly true.
Except that it is not all or even mostly about saving the presidency, but also about Dems needing to demonstrate to their electorate that they can govern. The failure of this bill with a majority in Congress and a President would have shown to their electorate that as a group they cannot agree on anything, not even on their flagship issues, and thus cannot govern. While most Congress Dems know that November will be difficult even with the bill, it would be impossible for any of them to make the case for a democratic majority come November with a failure on the health care front.
Also the bill is okay-ish. Edgery 12.36 sums it up quite well. Rachel Maddow also gave a timeline for some of the key points of the bill. The bill contains change, many of it positive, even if the issues raised in this post are valid.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/#35921715
90 days
• High risk pools for pre-existing condition patients. People who cannot currently get insurance will be guaranteed insurance access to a high risk pool.
180 days
• Insurance companies cannot deny kids coverage due to pre-existing conditions.
• Kids allowed to stay on parents health care plans until the age of 26.
• Insurance companies banned from imposing lifetime limits on benefits.
• Insurance companies banned from rescinding insurance coverage when one files a claim.
2011
• Free annual wellness visits for Medicare recipients.
• Insurance companies required to spend a higher percentage of premium dollars on medical care. Insurers will be required to achieve medical loss ratios of 80-85% depending on the type of group covered. If companies don’t achieve the required medical loss ratios they will have to refund premium-holders the difference.
• Rate hikes will be reviewed and must be justified.
2014
• Pre-existing condition ban goes into full effect for everyone. Insurance companies can no longer deny coverage based upon pre-conditions.
• Insurance exchanges go into effect.
• Insurance companies banned from imposing annual limits on benefits.”
President Obama bungled the whole process, and I am still wondering how he could have thought that he would get away with leading the debate from afar. Fortunately he woke up after Mass. as he worked for and is fully behind this bill. I hope that the days of surrendered leadership on key issues are behind us.
I hate to admit it – but I am pleased at this:
“Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.), the legislator who has led a group of House Democrats who oppose the Senate health care bill because of its abortion language, says his life has become a “living hell” because of the debate.”
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20000702-503544.html?tag=cbsnewsMainColumnArea
Wonder what he’s thinking about the Cathollic Hospitals and the Nuns coming out against his position? Probably part of what his creating his “living hell.”
OMG -
I don’t know if I can listen to more of this chaos (tv news)today.
Clyburn (I’m Giddy) opens his mouth BEFORE the CBO report comes out. How’s that giddy working now?
President delays now cancels his trip overseas. Giblets tries to spin it into a positive.
House still writing the bill. Senate won’t agree to anything (according to Dem Senators) unless they see and like the House bill.
After more than a year of this, with the chaos and confusion getting worse daily, does anyone here have any confidence that this government could administer ANY health care program?
Yeah, djjl, I linked to that in the post where you see “whining.”
Isis, you don’t prove you can “govern” by doing it badly. It’s also very disconcerting that Ms. Maddow has decided that codifying Hyde is unimportant. She’s been terrific in going after Stupak, which I appreciate. However, she’s been remiss in showing any concern for women’s self-determination. It’s not the first time gays or lesbians have not shown support to heterosexual women. Taking rights away from one group to give others benefits is not what we should be doing in the Democratic Party.
Kris – That’s why the best answer was simply opening Medicare, making that the only health care move in 2009.
Then you could add tort reform, pre-existing condition exemptions, portability, curtail lifetime and annual limits, among other things that Rep. agree on, in another package this year.
Also, AFL-CIO just agreed to expand the excise tax that will hit more middle class workers. They got bribes to do it, saying it’s an overall good thing.
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0310/AFL_sees_improvements_will_back_bill.html?showall
Check this out, via Roll Call:
http://www.rollcall.com/news/44356-1.html
Conrad also said the Parliamentarian has not ruled on whether changes to the “Cadillac” insurance tax would violate budget act rules prohibiting provisions from dealing with Social Security. Senate Republicans have said they are likely to mount a challenge to those changes. The Cadillac tax, which was included in the Senate-passed health care bill, would impose taxes on expensive health insurance plans. House Democrats balked because of the effect it could have on union-negotiated health plans, and it was scaled back in the reconciliation measure.
“Our people have been over this and over this. They don’t think that that would be a well-taken Byrd rule challenge. But I think in fairness, the Parliamentarian, to my knowledge, has not ruled on that. And he will be listening to both sides,” Conrad said.
djjl, this one is for you:
http://www.rhrealitycheck.org/blog/2010/03/18/bart-stupakdont-listen-nuns
Taylor – that link about Stupak has me gagging. I’m sick of men making decisions for women. Sick of it. I have to leave now. My blood pressure is at boiling point.
Really good post Taylor! What a complete hash. I wish I could take heart over the things Isis posted but with no rate controls I don’t see how it works in reality.
Everyone, including me, bitches about liberals caving but when it comes right down to it they would rather have something than nothing and having a highly developed sense of guilt which I believe many liberals share they are not going to be the ones to deny even poor benefits.
As for the President’s leadership style and it’s future…hasn’t he just started immigration reform down the same road? I’m reminded of a C-span Booknotes I saw with Dan Baltz and his book about the campaign. He talked of the long low energy summer of the primaries when Obama got depressed and needed bucking up by his staff.Gibs was appointed and he asked the candidate if he was having any fun? Obama’s sullen reply…no. Richie Love his body man said he didn’t know about the candidate but he was having the time of his life. There is something about him and the ability to sustain a focus and to relish the fight.
Me too Jane! What a classic jerk! I wish what I always wish with men like him that he would be visited with a year of bad periods followed by a difficult pregancy.As we all know if men had to suffer the consequences of producing the next generation we would not be even entertaining such discussions.
I going down to plan new tree plantings at the entrance to our lake. That should help the old BP.
I love the beg that Obama’s Presidency is on the line in they don’e pass this mess. Haven’t they already noticed its already over?
Here’s the reconciliation bill:
http://www.politico.com/static/PPM153_reconciliation.html
Really good post. Anyway, it’s back to poor bambi i guess. We had to give him votes he didnt earn two years ago and now he has to be “saved” from a disaster of his own making.
Feh, what’s going to happen to him when the GOP takes over next year I wonder? Mostly, I think if he can’t lead teh democratic party to pass legislation then he certainly won’t get the GOP to pass any. It’ll just be tons of endless investigations and he’ll have supoenas up to his ying yang.
Hey Ga6thDem, good to hear from you today.
“Feh,” indeed.
“The Democratic Party strongly and unequivocally supports Roe v. Wade and a woman’s right to choose a safe and legal abortion, regardless of ability to pay, and we oppose any and all efforts to weaken or undermine that right.” – Democratic Party Platform of 2008
Great Post.
Because Democratic leadership stands for nothing — has absolutely no conviction, they are prepared to sacrifice everything for naught, and so in the end, we will always find ourselves in a position where everyone else has to compromise their principles to save the leader. Only the more resolute will not to succumb to these blandishments.
Thanks Ramsgate.
People always make threats about not voting again, etc. The “smart” guys say, “Yeah, yeah, right…”
Well, guess what? At age 64, I am *gone*…
Not scared of Republicans.
Sick to death of lying Democrats.
Ready to vote for anyone who promises to repeal the mandate, even though I’ll be on Medicare, otherwise leaving politics for good.
Time to think about my own future, anyway. Big Brother is real, but he only thinks about himself.
…and you’re not the only one bolting. Who can blame anyone for being “sick to death of lying Democrats.” That statement says it all.
I am telling you now, the democrats better fix this bill or the party is going to go down fast. People are voting for this bill because they don’t want the president to be hurt in 2012, but its too late. They just want to protect the president and by doing so could lose their seats. It could have been a better bill but now we are stuck with this awful bill. It will be historic alright but I don’t no in a good way.
November will be interesting, that’s for sure.
Taylor said: “As for the people, we got lost in this a long time ago. The day Pres. Obama made a deal with insurance and pharmaceutical companies, deciding that no matter if the people wanted the public option he didn’t; putting himself and his presidency first, above women and the people’s desires, which the Democrats in Congress helped him do.”
I think you’re right. This is exactly the bill Obama and the Insurance industry negotiated behind closed doors way back when. Obama probably said something like: I’ll have to demonize you boys along the way, but you’ll make out all right. And the insurance industry said: You go right ahead and call us anything you like. Just deliver those policies.” And he did.
Yep, BG, I can even picture the conversation.
Great post, Taylor. You said it all. I feel like Edgery does.
Thanks Lynnette, I figured a lot of people would relate to Edgery.
I am so saddened by all of this. I had such hope when the debate began, and now only to have the dems crack open a backdoor to sneak in an expensive piece of bad legislation.
Even the “good things” in the bill are diluted. The medicare doughnut hole thing starts with a paltry $250 and doesn’t mature until 2020. The pre-existing conditions coverage looks to be flawed.
Of course, this is on top of the no public option, which just grieves me. But what’s really remarkable is the democrat attitude regarding the bill as a victory. I’ve been on a couple posts on Balloon Juice, and I’m getting hammered by all the pro-bill zealots!
_________________________
Dave Paulson
http://www.thinkersjam.com
I think, therefore I jam
You’re right, DP, just look at the last minute cave of the AFL-CIO, who decided to accept another excise tax that will slam more middle income workers.
Without the public option there is no competition, which makes this a bad bill.
AND GOOD FOR YOU FOR STANDING UP and taking the heat.
Just because a bill is historic doesn’t mean it’s good.