What did Joe Lieberman do when, in attempt to craft a compromise on Health Care Reform, the Democrats proposed EXACTLY what Joe Lieberman himself once proposed, i.e. that we extend Medicare to people 55 and over? The AP http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091214/ap_on_bi_ge/us_health_care_overhaul_18 reports that Lieberman said on Monday December 14:
"Though I don't know exactly what's in it, from what I hear, I certainly would have a hard time voting for it because it has some of the same infirmities that the public option did" "It will add taxpayer costs. It will add to the deficit. It's unnecessary""
So, Senator, why was this OK when you proposed it in 2006, but not now when Democrats are proposing this? Is the relevant phrase in this last sentence "Democrats are proposing this"? Come on Joe, at least make us work to connect the dots.
My readers, if you have an ex-spouse or ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend who couldn't get over the relationship, this probably seems familiar to you. While this is all too commonly seen behavior in failed relationships (emphasis on the "common" part of commonly when it is meant as unrefined and vulgar) I don't think we expect this behavior from someone in the US Senate.
From hearing and reading various analyses, it seems like Health Care Reform is now in a bit of a bind as a result. Never fear, I have a solution. Ezra Klein said Monday night on Countdown with Keith Olberman that Reconciliation would take a long time because it would mean starting over with house and senate committees, crafting a new bill, etc. I also understand that in order for reconciliation to be used, there has to be a budget impact on all sections of a bill. Fine, the House and Senate should immediately begin work on a reconciliation bill that is short and sweet and extends Medicare to all. A bill like that would probably be ten pages long and would take little time to craft. Senator Reid and Speaker Pelosi should convene meetings with the chairs of the committees, hammer out a bill and fast-track them through their committees. Game, set, and 51 votes in the senate later, match.
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
