The potential “stunt” by the Pelosi-led House to “deem” the Senate healthcare bill to have been passed while only voting on a package of changes is a bad idea. In the popular vernacular it’s just wrong in so many ways, to wit:
- It is most likely unconstitutional
- Using it on a takeover of at least 1/6 of the Gross Domestic Product sets an unbelievably dangerous precedent
This is like having your star-student child bring home a report card with an obviously wrong grade on it. Rather than take it up with the teacher, your child hacks into the school computer and changes the grade. The same ultimate result takes place (you child gets the correct grade) but the pathway to getting it is completely wrong. Pelosi and her minions are clearly advocates of “the ends justify the means” theory of leadership.
Please don’t misunderstand me, I don’t support the concept of healthcare reform as it’s currently proposed; it lacks bipartisanship and the cost to the country (and our grandchildren) is simply too great. But support of the program has no point in this discussion. Rather the discussion should be whether we want ANY party to use a practice that usurps the Constitution over what is a purely political squabble.
Using “deeming” for anything this important is potentially opening a “Pandora’s Box” that most likely will have serious repercussions down the line. BOTH parties have shown the propensity to use precedent as a means to “up the ante” when they want to push something through.
I would urge everyone to contact their representative and demand that the Senate proposal be given an up or down vote as it stands. It’s not about healthcare reform…..it’s about democracy!
kab
Sources:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0310/34508.html
http://andthepointis.wordpress.com/2009/06/15/a-mixed-bag/
Ken, The bills aren’t the best nor do I support either houses bills without a public option. But, your assumtion that bipartisan ship exists is not realistic. Obstructionism does exist therefore democracy can not work with those mindsets in both potical parties. New Rules are being made up on both sides of the isle. We have a stagnant government when party loyalty is more important than our democracy. Pointing fingers is just staus quo. Reconciliation is the only solution which is being expressed as a new procedure by Republicans when in fact it has been used by the last 3 presidents to site one Bush tax cuts.
By: Vito on Wednesday, March 17, 2010
at 13:17:15
Vito,
This isn’t about reconciliation … it’s about the “deem and pass” attack on the constitution and I don’t like the fact that either party has used or wants to use it. There has been NO attempt at bi-partisanship by EITHER side. But that doesn’t mean the effort is good and that the plethora of changes are all necessary.
By: kenblair on Wednesday, March 17, 2010
at 13:24:43