A cup of coffee raised in tribute to Speaker Pelosi

In the wake of Scott Brown’s victory in Massachusetts, health-insurance reform was widely proclaimed as a hopeless cause. As recently as January, to cite just one example of many, Washington überhack Fred Barnes was chortling that “the health care bill, ObamaCare, is dead with not the slightest prospect of resurrection.”

Nancy Pelosi accepts the speaker's gavel from John Boehner in 2007, becoming the first woman ever to hold that post.

Nancy Pelosi accepts the speaker's gavel from John Boehner in 2007, becoming the first woman ever to hold that post.

Reading through various accounts of its resurrection, I’ve been struck by the importance of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. After the loss of Ted Kennedy’s seat, it was Pelosi who blew off White House suggestions to “go small” and seek small victories. And it was the speaker from San Francisco who instilled discipline into a notoriously undisciplined Democratic caucus and rounded up the votes needed for Sunday’s unlikely triumph.

“Just think,” she said from the House floor Sunday night, once success was assured, “we will be joining those who have established Social Security, Medicare and now, tonight, health care for all Americans.”

My favorite quote about Pelosi’s impact, culled from the New York Daily News, came from Democratic political strategist Mark Siegel:

“She’s Lyndon Johnson in a skirt. She was patient, tireless, persistent and cajoling – and she pulled off what no one else could.”

Pelosi has long been a designated “Object of Hate” for those on the right, for reasons that frankly escape me. All you had to do was flash a picture of her on the screen at a conservative political gathering and you could feel the room recoil. This historic success will no doubt cement that standing. And while the Republicans certainly will try to use health care as a lever to pry Pelosi from the speaker’s podium, they will find it almost impossible to undo the legislation itself.

So in this, National Women’s History Month, let’s raise a cup of morning coffee to Speaker Pelosi: She got it done. Let’s also take a sip in the hope that years from now, we may read about some hard-nosed male legislative leader who, fresh off a major success, is labeled “Pelosi in long pants.”

618 comments Add your comment

jewcowboy

March 23rd, 2010
10:13 am

Doggone/GA,

“Why? My parents charged me rent too, as soon as I got my first real job at age 18.”

Why go home if you have to pay rent? Especially if you are away at school. Get a job and apartment near campus and you don’t have to live with their rules…

RB from Gwinnett

March 23rd, 2010
10:14 am

“I see you are making up your usual BS. Nobody under $200,000 will see a tax increase.”

Is that why you’re for it, mm, because you don’t have to pay for it? Is that it? Wealth envy? Doesn’t affect you? Screw those evil rich people, right?

If you really think the rest of us won’t be paying for this, you just aren’t very smart. I asked this yesterday and didn’t get a single answer. What do you think the insurance companies are going to do when they are forced to accept anybody regardless of pre-existing conditions? Do you think they’re going to just accept lower profits or are they going to RAISE THE RATES ON THE REST OF US TO COVER THE RISK? You do understand what that means to your premium don’t you?

Do us a favor, mm. Go read the bill and find where in the bill it says that increase in your premium will be paid by people who make over $200K. Hurry back. We’ll be waiting.

mike

March 23rd, 2010
10:14 am

I oppose this bill but agree that it is a sign that Pelosi is the most competent Democrat leader.

thomas

March 23rd, 2010
10:15 am

Jewcowboy,

I never condemned the reconciliation process, not this time, nor any time before. Go look at each post I have ever made!

I attacked the method to achieve the votes needed. Some through promises of pork to representatives districts, campaign promises….. those type of deals. Some the public was able to find out about others we will never know. And no i do not think this is the first time or that the republicans have done the same before.

But it is not I who is raising my cup of coffee.

To celebrate pelosi is to clebrate her actions and i see that you have been honest enough to admit you only agree with the ends justifing the means if it helps you.

However you lose all credibility to complain if the majority is not in your favor, at a later date. You are basically saying we the people should be at the mercy of the senate and house, because you do not care what method they use to gain votes and passage of legislation.

What the democrats and Pelosi were able to accmoplish is impressive but still slimy and wrong but that basically describes them all.

Again, you jumped the gun with your accusation of me, little overreation happens to us all. Just slow down and read the post for their words and not what you wish or hoped they would say.

They were d*cks about the coming home thing. And i swear that never happened to either of my older brothers.

Doggone/GA

March 23rd, 2010
10:15 am

“Why go home if you have to pay rent? Especially if you are away at school. Get a job and apartment near campus and you don’t have to live with their rules”

Because I didn’t go to college. I graduated from High School, went to business college (where I did have a room, because it was 6 hours from home) – came home, got my first job when I was 18, but I lived at home for a while because it was cheaper than renting an apartment.

Matilda

March 23rd, 2010
10:16 am

John Birch, you meant to say, “Bush’s attempts to hand social security over to his crooked wall street buddies” who would have crashed it into non-existence, thus re-establishing the feudal system here in America, to the delight of masters and overlord types everywhere.

TnGelding

March 23rd, 2010
10:16 am

I don’t like this tax the rich mentality and have let the WH know it. We all need to contribute to the welfare and benefit of everyone. Even if just a dollar a week.

I Report/You Decide

March 23rd, 2010
10:16 am

Doggone/GA @ 8:14, if it’s true that “Strong women are anethema to conservative men, and to too many conservative women as well” then why don’t you try to explain the popularity on the right of Sarah Palin, and the left’s irrational hatred of her, within in the same context? Thanks in advance.

HDB

March 23rd, 2010
10:16 am

Chris D: I am old enough to have lived through it…and remember when the law was passed! Granted, Civil Rights legislation had bipartisan support….but there was NO Southern support…and from that point, LBJ said that the South would be lost to the Democrats for a generation! The Dixiecrats went and infiltrated the GOP, creating the racial animus that is prevalent in the party and its platform today!!

It’s true that HCR was passed on a party line…..but nowadays, the GOP lacks vision….all they want to do is maintain the status quo…which they believe is a zero-sum game…and only rich, white landowners have the right to petition and control the government……

The more things change…the more they stay the same…….

Peadawg

March 23rd, 2010
10:18 am

“Pelosi is the most competent Democrat leader.”

That’s not really something to brag about……

TnGelding

March 23rd, 2010
10:18 am

Matilda

March 23rd, 2010
10:16 am

His suggestion would have been better received if he hadn’t used the money needed to convert for tax cuts.

Road Scholar

March 23rd, 2010
10:18 am

AmVet @ 9:02: “They are a) seemingly against any and all changes/progress and b) they have lockstep loyalty that even the Mafia would be proud of.”

Mama Mia! You are giving the Mafia a bad name! Remember Bush trashed the Mafia after OBL bombed NY. If he hadn’t, the Mafia….excuse me…the Family would have gotten OBL quickly. Look how long it has taken the Conservatives after trashing The Family!!

Hmmmmmmm: “She is just ANOTHER incompetent politician…. ”

She kicked ALL the conservative asses, er Congresspeople, didn’t she!

Boehmer is against the bill because he’ll have to pay a tax when he uses his tanning bed! Or is that an Earl Schieb paint job he has?

jewcowboy

March 23rd, 2010
10:19 am

HDB,

You have to respect Congressman Emanuel Cleaver. He didn’t even press charges. More restraint than I would probably have…

I wonder if John Boehner would have handled it the same way if the situation had been reversed.

MAL

March 23rd, 2010
10:20 am

This country won’t be better for this? Let’s see….

Children won’t be denied coverage because they or their parents have a pre-existing condition. (Yep, you’re right. That’s bad….)

People who have paid premiums for years to an insurance company won’t be dropped because, heaven forbid, they actually get sick and need coverage. (Wow. You’re right. That is terrible.)

Adults with pre-existing conditions who cannot now get insurance will have the chance to get coverage. (Man, I hate that.)

No lifetime or benefit caps. You know, (I kind of like attending bankruptcy court and watching the preceedings, so this one sucks too.)

30 milliion people who have no coverage and, therefore, either depend on the ER or just die, will get coverage. (The nerve of Congress. We should just let em die, right?)

The CBO predicts it will lower the deficit. (Well, if you’re a Republican, you can’t have any of that.)

Just an aside to all of you in opposition….My son would have died when he was 4 years old if Blue Cross/Blue Shied had gotten their way. Their position on his hospitalization was, and I quote, “We already spent enough on him. We’re not going to spend anymore.”

This is the system you are defending? A system that allows insurance companies to maintain that the life of a 4 year old boy is too expensive?

Doggone/GA

March 23rd, 2010
10:21 am

“I don’t like this tax the rich mentality and have let the WH know it. We all need to contribute to the welfare and benefit of everyone. Even if just a dollar a week”

TP – we all do. There are very, very few people who actually pay no taxes whatsoever…but the “tax the rich” “movement” comes about because they are taxed at an unfairly low rate. See Warren Buffet’s statement about his tax rate compared to the tax rate for his secretary for reference.

AmVet

March 23rd, 2010
10:21 am

Yesterday Bookman made this irrefutable observation: “Just about every other industrial democracy on the planet manages to provide health care for its people;…”

To which I agreed/replied, “WAKE UP twits!”

And to which NOT ONE of you right wingers had a cogent response “explaining” this inexcusable phenomenon.

And none of you will do so at this point. Because you can’t.

You will not let yourselves figure it out.

So you soil your pantaloons and moan and groan and try to convince yourselves that the United States of America is some poor little banana republic that “can’t afford this!”

Mr. Right

March 23rd, 2010
10:21 am

“The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those willing to work and give to those unwilling to work.” “Thomas Jefferson” “I predict happiness for Americans if they can prevent government from wasting the labors of the the people under the pretense of taking care of them. “Thomas Jefferson”

Hmmmmmmm

March 23rd, 2010
10:21 am

Road Scholar,,, AND YOUR POINT…? I just love reading these blogs…. So much HUMOR….

Mr. Right

March 23rd, 2010
10:24 am

She kicked ALL the conservative asses, er Congresspeople, didn’t she!

Not only conservative but all Americans!

Doggone/GA

March 23rd, 2010
10:24 am

“then why don’t you try to explain the popularity on the right of Sarah Palin,”

Because Sarah Palin is a consummate con artist (my personal opinion) and she know exactly how to play the “wink and wiggle your butt” techniques to fool those around her. And there are a LOT of fools following that wiggling butt.

” and the left’s irrational hatred of her, within in the same context?”

I don’t see any irrational hatred of her. I certainly don’t hate her. I can actually applaud her ability to get fools to think she knows what she’s talking about. But that says FAR, FAR more about those fools than it does about her. Personally, I find her amusing.

Curious Observer

March 23rd, 2010
10:25 am

My parents charged me rent for coming home from college.

No wonder you turned out the way you are, thomas.

md

March 23rd, 2010
10:25 am

“This is the system you are defending? A system that allows insurance companies to maintain that the life of a 4 year old boy is too expensive?”

Hmmm…..they didn’t go away, this bill made them bigger – just like the banks.

$500 billion in fraud/waste in the current system (run by uncle sugar) and this bill is going to make it all better???

Folks here seem to be convincing themselves that the gov will be better overnight because they passed a bill. Helloooooo – they couldn’t stop the fraud and waste to date, and now they are suddenly more capable?

Proud American

March 23rd, 2010
10:25 am

Do you know what the sad part of this editorial is ?
Its not just about Peloser, but how easily the other Democratic Congressmen were bought off. SPECIAL DEALS, BEHIND LOCKED DOOR MEETINGS, PROMISES TO FIX SOMETHING AT A LATER DATE, NEVER READ OR UNDERSTANDING THE WHOLE 22000 PAGES, really someone to be proud of huh.

Peadawg

March 23rd, 2010
10:26 am

Doggone/GA @ 10:24
“Because Sarah Palin is a consummate con artist (my personal opinion) and she know exactly how to play the “wink and wiggle your butt” techniques to fool those around her. And there are a LOT of fools following that wiggling butt.”

So she’s a female version of Obama?

Mr. Right

March 23rd, 2010
10:27 am

So why wasn’t tort reform included in this bill? Anyone want to make a guess?

Doggone/GA

March 23rd, 2010
10:27 am

“So she’s a female version of Obama?”

Obama wiggles his butt?

Wally

March 23rd, 2010
10:27 am

I have a suggestion that should fulfill every fiscal conservative’s fondest dream.

Background. All our government entitlement programs need to brought into the realm of reality and inter-generational equity. These programs were fine when they were first conceived, but then American ingenuity and the instinct to survive were brought to bear. While medical and retirement costs skyrocketed due to medical and technological advances, voters, encouraged by a well-meaning Ronnie Reagan, refused to keep pace by self-levying commiserate “premium” increases via their contributions to FITW, SSA, Medicare, TRS, etc. They thought of it as merely exercising their God-given right to democracy (majority vote), thereby aiding and abetting the largest inter-generational scam in history, dwarfing that of Bernie Madoff. As a result of this chain of events, an individual in the current generation is costing entitlement and retirement agencies something in the neighborhood of a hundred thousand dollars more than they contributed—on average. We, more than any people in history, are getting something for nothing. We are the ultimate cheaters and thieves of all time.

Action: If the thought of being a burden on our descendants makes you feel like Ebenezer Scrooge to the Nth power, we have two choices, assuming we intend to act morally, ethically, equitably and according to religious (Ten Commandments) and Christian principles toward our descendants.

We can 1) instruct the various entitlement agencies at all levels to stop rendering entitlements to those persons, including ourselves, whose contributions to that agency have been consumed. Or 2) we can commit ourselves to enough personal responsibility and austerity to begin paying back over time what we owe to our children and grandchildren. We could even commit to devoting any or all of our individual estates to this purpose.

Me-first conservative detractors will swear that this is breaking a contractual agreement. Technically, they are correct. But the undeniable fact is that by insisting on adherence to the original specifications of the contract, no matter how flawed, could be putting an end to everything our forefathers and we ourselves have struggled, scratched, clawed, fought and died for.

Then they will swear that the additional costs were the result of greed, fraud and corruption. My response is, why didn’t you vote to raise taxes enough to pay for more regulation and oversight to prevent these infractions instead of dismantling regulation and oversight?

Deny ourselves some leisure, comfort, convenience, and joyless longevity, or look back from the grave to see our children and grandchildren cursing us. Your choice, Granny.

Doggone/GA

March 23rd, 2010
10:28 am

“So why wasn’t tort reform included in this bill? Anyone want to make a guess?”

Well, if you go by what the court in GA just said…it’s unconstitutional.

John Birch

March 23rd, 2010
10:28 am

Matilda – I didn’t like the screw the baby boomers part by letting gen X and y fund their own accounts leaving no one to pay for us. However, I don’t think his wall street buddies could have crashed it any worse than is is now, trillions in totally unfunded liabilities since the fed borrowed and spent the surplus as fast (faster actually) as it came in.

Mr. Right

March 23rd, 2010
10:28 am

Why are the Libs so afraid of Sara Palin?

AmVet

March 23rd, 2010
10:28 am

“…they couldn’t stop the fraud and waste to date, and now they are suddenly more capable?”

md, outstanding point.

And the weasels in Washington apparently have NO interest in even trying to do so…

The only difference between the Republican and Democratic parties is the velocities with which their knees hit the floor when corporations knock on their door. That’s the only difference. ~Ralph Nader

Doggone/GA

March 23rd, 2010
10:29 am

“Why are the Libs so afraid of Sara Palin?”

When did you stop beating your wife?

M Percy

March 23rd, 2010
10:30 am

Doggone/GA @8:14 am: “Strong women are anethema [sic] to conservative men, and to too many conservative women as well.”

Damn that Margaret Thatcher, she needed to learn her place.

Hmmmmmmm

March 23rd, 2010
10:30 am

AmVet,

Your right, every other industrial democracy(?) on the planet manages to provide health care for its people….. I can only say this because of my experience in this matter, when those country’s really want the best health care, where do their people go get it, at least the ones who can afford it, YES, that’s right they come to the US. We have the best health providers in the World! We have just killed that with this ABSURD legislation!

Unfortunately the US is becoming a banana republic, because of ALL the incompetent politicians, and more importantly the IGNORANT voters who put them in office. There is one thing that NOBODY can dispute, this country is BANKRUPT, and it CANNOT afford this ABSURD legislation!

GoingBroke

March 23rd, 2010
10:30 am

Salute to Nancy.. If I had the checkbook to payoff the unions like you did.. I think I could have gotten the bill passed.. be proud for offering the BIGGEST payoffs in history..

Jay.. I am curious about how you pick your idols?? I guess I will keep telling my children.. that honesty and integrity are important..

HDB

March 23rd, 2010
10:31 am

jewcowboy – You got that right!! Congressman Cleaver gets much ’spect from me….I hope that Teabaqqer got arrested for aggrevated assault!!

Bonehead Boehner probably would’ve gone off on somebody….if he’d taken a swing at me….ooooooh!!!

Peadawg

March 23rd, 2010
10:31 am

Doggone/Ga @ 10:27, cute comeback.

Obama has the same “ability to get fools to think he knows what she’s talking about.” So in my opinion, you were describing Obama as well.

Mr. Right

March 23rd, 2010
10:32 am

Isn’t Nancy soooo smart? She says you can spend$1000000000.00 AND LOWER the deficit at the same time! This is liberalism at it’s finest!

thomas

March 23rd, 2010
10:33 am

Curious Observer

March 23rd, 2010
10:25 am
My parents charged me rent for coming home from college.

No wonder you turned out the way you are, thomas.

So Curious show us all how classy and smart you are and tell us all how did i turn out?

But remember to answer for us all why you chose to attack me and how i turned out but Doggone made the same claim yet not a peep from you?

Couldn’t have anything to do with you giving us all an example of your hypocricy could it? Sad, Sad, Sad when you can’t even be honest with yourself. How does the internal conversation go when you lie to yourself? Do you accuse yourself of lying, or do you just have a guilty feeling you just can’t shake?

Or has guilt of lying left your soul after so many practices in its use?

Doggone/GA

March 23rd, 2010
10:33 am

“Obama has the same “ability to get fools to think he knows what she’s talking about.” So in my opinion, you were describing Obama as well”

We see differently on that subject.

Doggone/GA

March 23rd, 2010
10:33 am

“But remember to answer for us all why you chose to attack me and how i turned out but Doggone made the same claim yet not a peep from you?”

I caught that too.

Mr. Right

March 23rd, 2010
10:34 am

Hmmmmmmm

March 23rd, 2010
10:30 am

How true!!!!!!!!!!!!

JDW

March 23rd, 2010
10:34 am

It seems to me that the overwhelming majority of the naysayers don’t even know what is in this bill. All you hear are vague generalities and whining. So for all of you below is a summary of what is there. Tell us which parts you don’t like
1.Reduces the deficit by $143 billion over the first 10 years.

2.Creates health insurance exchanges where unemployed, self-employed and small business can purchase affordable care just like those big companies. PS does not require any funding from states for this.

3.Subsidizes the cost of insurance for those families making less than $88,000 while reducing the deficit—see point one—and not requiring a contribution from states.

4.Creates a 3.8% tax on the investment income of families making over $250,000 and individuals making over $200,000. So a family that makes say $500,000 with $150,000 coming from investments would pay a whopping $5700 a year extra.

5.Charges a tax on plans costing over $27,500 in 2018…that was McClain’s idea by the way

6.Reduces drug costs for seniors

7.Expands Medicare to include those making less than $29,327 but does not ask the states for any funding until 2016 and then only asks for 5% of the cost.

8.Excludes illegal immigrants

9.Prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage based on preexisting conditions.

10.Allows kids to stay on parents plans until 26

11.Does not pay for nor does it require plans to offer abortions.

12.Requires people to purchase coverage

13.Asks companies of 50 employees or greater to provide health insurance…95% of them do already

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20000846-503544.html

So tell me folks…what is the specific part that you don’t like?

Del

March 23rd, 2010
10:36 am

With Polosi enjoying an 11% approval rating there must a lot of folks who have joined “The Object of Hate” right wing. With that kind of disapproval it would seem that it shouldn’t be difficult for Jay to ask around and get an answer to his question. As for undoing the legislation, I agree that it will be close to impossible for the Republicans to block or repeal. I do think, however, the numerous court challenges will ultimately prevail in significantly scaling it back.

Peadawg

March 23rd, 2010
10:36 am

“We see differently on that subject.”

You would. You think Obama can do no wrong. I, on the other hand, can admit when a member of my own party is a total nitwit.

Mr. Right

March 23rd, 2010
10:36 am

what really “gets” me is the attitude that alot of the liberals have, almost like they’re so much smarter then us lowly constituents. We the little people might think we know what we want but our “parents” in charge know best (pat,pat on our wee little heads)….

Bosch

March 23rd, 2010
10:37 am

“is 7 too young to let him take over the grounds?”

Oh no, not at all.

That reminds me of that cell phone commercial that’s out now – the dad is drinking coffee while the kids are out shoveling snow cause the dad told them if they did they could use their cell phones all they want — that’s a definite Bosch move.

Mr. Right

March 23rd, 2010
10:37 am

they are actually cutting budget money from the hospitals. hellooo..where do they think health care comes from?? makes you want to say “Really?!”.

Bosch

March 23rd, 2010
10:37 am

Oh, and that 10:37 is for thomas.

zeke

March 23rd, 2010
10:37 am

Pelosi is a raving San Francisco liberal buffoon! Be rid of her NOW! I puke when I see her on screen! The dems have put us on the path to third world status! They have been trying since W. Wilson to make us the USSA because of their outright adoration of Soviet Russia, Cuba, China and the other tyrantical regimes!

The Seeker

March 23rd, 2010
10:38 am

The only thing Pelosi deserves to have raised to her is maybe a gun to her head, a noose, or an ugly stick. Wait, someone all ready bet me to the later and wore it slap out! Sad part is there is a Mr. Pelosi out there some where.

Mr. Right

March 23rd, 2010
10:38 am

Yes, and Obamanation actually had the gall to say this bill’s passing was an example of gov’t By and for the people! Where has he been that he missed all the rallies and polls, etc?

Peadawg

March 23rd, 2010
10:39 am

“makes you want to say “Really?!””

Like when my dog turns his head sideways w/ that “huh?” look on his face.

Bosch

March 23rd, 2010
10:39 am

jewcowboy,

When my son comes home from college, he pretty much does what he wants as long as he doesn’t wake me up. I figure it’s kind of pointless to enforce the rules when he’s gonna do what he wants when he goes back to school, and this way, he might just want to come home more.

Doggone/GA

March 23rd, 2010
10:39 am

11.Does not pay for nor does it require plans to offer abortions.

12.Requires people to purchase coverage

So tell me folks…what is the specific part that you don’t like?

For #11, that they don’t prohibit plans from paying for abortions…even though it would be done not using “government money”

for #12 – they think it’s unconstitutional. Can’t explain how, or why, it just IS.

Normal

March 23rd, 2010
10:39 am

Doggone/GA

March 23rd, 2010
10:27 am
“So she’s a female version of Obama?”

Obama wiggles his butt?

Well, it’s just me, but I think both butts are rather cute…

thomas

March 23rd, 2010
10:40 am

But remember to answer for us all why you chose to attack me and how i turned out but Doggone made the same claim yet not a peep from you?”

Curious Observer,

Calling Curious Observer….Has anyone seen Curious Observer,

was last witnessed making an outstanding hypocritical post and has not been seen since called upon it.

Calling Curious Observer…. be advised that this person is very challenged in reading comprhension and integrity.

calling Curious Observer?

Doggone/GA

March 23rd, 2010
10:40 am

“You think Obama can do no wrong”

This is completely false. You don’t know me as well as you would like to think you do.

Mr. Right

March 23rd, 2010
10:40 am

$940,000,000,000 somebody has to pay for it, guess who

Normal

March 23rd, 2010
10:40 am

zeke

March 23rd, 2010
10:37 am

Zeke,
Sarcasm, right?

RB from Gwinnett

March 23rd, 2010
10:40 am

Still nobody willing to sign up for their $3,500 share……

Hey Jay, maybe you can pull your seagull routine and swoop in and agree to own up to your share, eh? You did sign up for it with your support of this bill after all.

Where did our math whiz go? Local middle school i guess….

MAL

March 23rd, 2010
10:41 am

But you can spend and save. People do it everyday.

If you spend $2000 to get more efficient windows in your home and you save $500 a year in heating bills, then, in 5 years, you’ve saved and will keep saving.

If by spending $940 billion and, in doing so you bring down the rising cost of health care, then you’ll save in the end.

In 2008, we spent $2.3 trillion on healthcare in this country. At the current rate of increase, by 2028, we’ll be spending $8.9 trillion. If, however, as the CBO predicts, this bill slows the rate of increase to only %5, then, in 2028, we’ll be spending $6.1 trillion….a savings of $2.8 trillion dollars. And we will have saved money every year leading up to that, so the real savings would be substantial.

jewcowboy

March 23rd, 2010
10:41 am

thomas,

“I never condemned the reconciliation process, not this time, nor any time before.”

My apologies that I interpreted your post erroneously. I’m trying to limit myself to 1 Diet Coke a day, so I haven’t had any caffeine yet…my reading comprehension slips without it obviously ;)

“However you lose all credibility to complain if the majority is not in your favor, at a later date.”

I think we are all inherently hypocritical when it comes to our self interest. Many just choose not to acknowledge it. Of course. that is just my opinion.

“You are basically saying we the people should be at the mercy of the senate and house, because you do not care what method they use to gain votes and passage of legislation.”

Not really…I’m saying that is their job. That is why we elect them. I have no illusions of Congress being a paragon of virtue. They have a job to do, and I don’t expect any of them to pull out the Limoges and Earl Grey to accomplish their goals. Backroom deals, threats and pacts are how business works, so why not Congress?

“They were d*cks about the coming home thing. And i swear that never happened to either of my older brothers.”

Similar with my sister…my parents bought her a car, but when I turned 16, they said I had to buy their old car (and I couldn’t buy any car but their old car). I basically put the down payment on their new car.

Hmmmmmmm

March 23rd, 2010
10:42 am

and then there was JDW…. HE/SHE takes a 2500 page legal document and summarizes…. In 13 statements, HE/SHE is a politicians dream!

OMG, I stand by my statement about ignorant voters….. We get what we vote for….

Matilda

March 23rd, 2010
10:43 am

May I? “then why don’t you try to explain the popularity on the right of Sarah Palin, and the left’s irrational hatred of her, within in the same context?”

What I heard about Palin from many conservatives describes it best, I think: “Finaly, a REAL woman!” From what I observed (not a mind reader, but just my observations), the folks on the far right of the GOP like her because she embodies what they think a woman SHOULD be. She’s friggin gorgeous (always a plus), and dresses the part — at least after they had a stylist spruce her up: Pencil skirts and five-inch heels for 18-hour days on your feet? No problem, that’s what “real” women do. “Real” women also drink beer on Friday night, pray in church on Sunday, welcome the seed, and keep ALL the babies. “Real” women don’t spend too much time on fancy degrees and diplomas, but they can tell you shot for shot what happened in the hockey game while cookin’ up the meat you shot while they applauded your manliness. “Real” women are eager for the “real” men to tell them what to do, even as political leaders. They don’t need books or magazines or bein’ informed; just tell them whom to attack and they’re off and runnin’.

Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but I was offended by the implications that the rest of us aren’t “real” women, especially those of us who can articulate some measure of knowledge about a job we are seeking and CAN ACTUALLY TELL YOU WHAT WE READ.

thomas

March 23rd, 2010
10:44 am

Bosch,

I am game for any amount of lying that is required to keep me out of the snow. H3ll its 56 here in Florida today and I’m freezing.

Is an electric weed-eater better for a 7 yr old or gas powered.

Gas might be too much power and bad for enviroment too?

Doggone/GA

March 23rd, 2010
10:44 am

“CAN ACTUALLY TELL YOU WHAT WE READ”

I think it’s a bit deeper than that. We actually DO read.

Doggone/GA

March 23rd, 2010
10:45 am

“Gas might be too much power and bad for enviroment too?”

Both, and if you don’t care for them properly they can blow up in your face. Get a rechargable electric…easier to use, and lighter too.

JDW

March 23rd, 2010
10:46 am

Hmmmmmm, I am quite good but not that good…take a look at the link. CBS News did the work, I just pointed it out to the Chicken Little crowd.

Democrat Stoner For Obama

March 23rd, 2010
10:46 am

Where’s my medical weed?

And government cheeeeeeetos.

Bruno

March 23rd, 2010
10:46 am

So you Lib losers are still cheering this morning? You’re so proud that your head skank, Pelosi, bribed her buddies into signing this POS legislation.

What a bunch of F-ing idiots.

@@

March 23rd, 2010
10:46 am

Matilda:

In fact, I’m calling BS.

Why don’t you go in search of the “fact” and take your BS sandwich with you ’cause you’re gonna have to eat it.

While I may have problems with Pelosi’s pursuit of progressive policies, I’ve never had a problem with her being a woman. Hillary and Sarah shared a mutual respect for one another during the campaign….Pelosi opted out in the interest of self. NOW not only opted out but engaged in the attacks.

NOW has lost their way and Nancy is as lost as they are.

JDW

March 23rd, 2010
10:47 am

O’ by the way I agree with the “we get what we vote for” statement….bunch of uninformed folks voted for Duhbya and look what that caused. Thank goodness we got better this time, of course a trained monkey would have been better.

Curious Observer

March 23rd, 2010
10:48 am

“They were d*cks about the coming home thing. And i swear that never happened to either of my older brothers.”

I was fortunate to have parents who loved me and wanted me to come home as often as possible. They didn’t view me as a source of funds or as some sort of ignorant savage who needed to be taught the value of money. Throughout my travels—in the military or later as a college student—I was welcomed when I visited them. I honestly feel some pity for people who had the opposite experience with their parents.

And I have tried to pass the welcoming experience forward whenever my son is able to visit me.

Brett

March 23rd, 2010
10:49 am

Look at the angry, vicious, crazed Republiscum! Emerging from their deep abysses of darknes and their psychic black holes. Vomiting up the 1955 terms of “commie” and “socialist.” They chatter – monkey-like – that which they fear and have been taught to say. The ill-bred, the uneducated, the dumb, the easily preyed upon. Doing their usual dysfunctional dance with their demons. Ever is it so, ne!?

Mr. Right

March 23rd, 2010
10:49 am

MAL

March 23rd, 2010
10:41 am

We had a pilot program and it did NOT work ( Mass) If you think ANYTHING the gov has thier hands in will cost what they say it it will I would say you must be somewhere in a cave with Osama and not paying attention to what happens when gov gets their hands on our money.

Democrat Stoner For Obama

March 23rd, 2010
10:49 am

A gas-powered weed eater can blow up in your face?

Woooooe. I’ll stay away from those things.

thomas

March 23rd, 2010
10:50 am

jewcowboy

March 23rd, 2010
10:41 am

1st thing the main objective with the new HC bill should be to provide some type of rehab center for those of us who struggle with caffine and caffine addictions.

“Not really…I’m saying that is their job. That is why we elect them. I have no illusions of Congress being a paragon of virtue. They have a job to do, and I don’t expect any of them to pull out the Limoges and Earl Grey to accomplish their goals. Backroom deals, threats and pacts are how business works, so why not Congress?”

I know its stupid but with things i care about I expect perfection but understand it will never happen. I just expect them to be better, i know i shouldn’t. when they act that way (either party) it makes it seem as if they are not doing the people’s work, but rather going after their own selfish wants and desires.

“Similar with my sister…my parents bought her a car, but when I turned 16, they said I had to buy their old car (and I couldn’t buy any car but their old car). I basically put the down payment on their new car.”

Your parents are supreme beings that is the greatest and best idea ever.

New car for me in 2022, baby! (sorry too much dickie V)

Bosch

March 23rd, 2010
10:50 am

thomas,

“Gas might be too much power and bad for enviroment too?”

Exactly.

I say electric for any kid under 10 – they aren’t as powerful as the gas, and he might have to work longer, but who cares, right? And another thing with gas – they are more powerful and he could lob off a toe or two, and then that’s a wasted day for you while in the ER that you could be lounging on the porch – ya’ know cause they aren’t old enough to drive yet and you have to take them. Which, of course, sucks.

RAMBLE ON!!!

March 23rd, 2010
10:51 am

Jay, if someone had read Pinocchio to you as a little kid, do you think you’d still be a liberal?

AmVet

March 23rd, 2010
10:51 am

Hmmmmmmm @10:30,

Thanks for the plethora of statistics, facts, data and evidence to support your claim.

Pick a country, any country and try again.

France? Nope? How about Taiwan? No? OK, let’s say Israel. Nah? Then howz bout Greenland? And on and on and on and on.

Middle class American families now spend about 20% of their income for health care. Lower class American families? A staggering 60%.

The PRIMARY cause of bankruptcies in this nation. Catastrophic medical expenses.

About 40,000 Americans die NEEDLESSLY every year because they are not profitable enough.

And you excuse and justify this indefensible travesty as somehow normal and proper…

thomas

March 23rd, 2010
10:51 am

Doggone/GA

March 23rd, 2010
10:45 am

Would i be running the risk of the 7yr. old electricuting himself though?

Safety First, and my yard second. :)

Matilda

March 23rd, 2010
10:52 am

@@, I never said you didn’t like her for being a woman, and I share your disgust for the sexism. My BS was on the notion that you’d like any leader in the Democratic party (based on the nasty things you say about them every day), regardless of gender. If you tell me what current Democratic leaders you admire (for any reason other than betraying their party), then I’ll take heart, have hope, and gladly eat the sandwich.

Proud American

March 23rd, 2010
10:52 am

JDW
1. Reducing our deficit is based on lies and speculation.
2. Hiring 17000 new IRS workers to police us, I DO NOT WANT THE IRS POLICING MY TAXES.
3. I am currently unemployed, I must make hard decisions on how and what I spend my money on,
food or insurance. On what date do I become a criminal for not having insurance ?
4. I don,t make $200.00 a year, but if I did where is my incentive to invest if you want to F—ing tax
me.

I will stop now before I really get mad !

HDB

March 23rd, 2010
10:52 am

Peadawg

March 23rd, 2010
10:36 am
I, on the other hand, can admit when a member of my own party is a total nitwit.

I hope you can say that about Virginia and Clarence Thomas!! She’s a nitwit for aligning herself with the Teabaggers that spit on Congressmen this weekend…and he’s the nitwit for marrying such a twit!!

..and you wonder why he’s portrayed as “Uncle Tom”? The evidence is clear……

RB/Gwinnett: You missed where I said I’d do it….didn’t you?? It’ll only cost me a large pack of Juicy Fruit a day…and I go through at least 3……

Mr. Right

March 23rd, 2010
10:52 am

MAL

March 23rd, 2010
10:41 am

And that is pretty much the attitude of Libs when someone don’t agree with them!

jewcowboy

March 23rd, 2010
10:53 am

Hmmmmmmm,

“We have the best health providers in the World! ”

That is why The United States is ranked #24 in terms of life expectancy and #33 for infant mortality, huh?

HDB

March 23rd, 2010
10:53 am

Jay…I apologize….forgot about the word “tea bag”

Doggone/GA

March 23rd, 2010
10:53 am

“I was fortunate to have parents who loved me and wanted me to come home as often as possible. They didn’t view me as a source of funds or as some sort of ignorant savage who needed to be taught the value of money”

Since you don’t know my parents, or those of Thomas…don’t you think that’s a bit harsh? I know *I* think it is. My Mother started supporting herself at 17, my Father at 16…me at 18, my sister at 19. We’re a strictly working class family, and learned at an early age that help was always there if we needed it, but that we were expected to contribute to the expenses of living together.

I didn’t, and don’t, have any problem with that. To wander off into the realms of personal opinion, I think parents who continue to support their working children at home are trying to buy their “love” and keep them dependent.

The government will save me right?

March 23rd, 2010
10:53 am

so Jay, how big of a poster of Pelosi do you have at hime?

DT

March 23rd, 2010
10:54 am

Comparing her to LBJ is not a compliment…he was a failure as President, despite good intentions (and his many, often cruel, bad ones). Unfortunately, life ‘rates’ you based on results, not intentions. We’ll see if Speaker Pelosi is ultimately seen to be the failure that LBJ was. That’s not a comparison I’d pull out in claiming to be a winner.

jewcowboy

March 23rd, 2010
10:54 am

Proud American,

“SPECIAL DEALS, BEHIND LOCKED DOOR MEETINGS, PROMISES TO FIX SOMETHING AT A LATER DATE, NEVER READ OR UNDERSTANDING THE WHOLE 22000 PAGES, really someone to be proud of huh.”

Yeah…just Democrats do that.

HDB

March 23rd, 2010
10:54 am

Peadawg

March 23rd, 2010
10:36 am
I, on the other hand, can admit when a member of my own party is a total nitwit.
——————————————————————
I hope you can say that about Virginia and Clarence Thomas!! She’s a nitwit for aligning herself with the Teabaqqers that spit on Congressmen this weekend…and he’s the nitwit for marrying such a twit!!

..and you wonder why he’s portrayed as “Uncle Tom”? The evidence is clear……

RB/Gwinnett: You missed where I said I’d do it….didn’t you?? It’ll only cost me a large pack of Juicy Fruit a day…and I go through at least 3……

Mick

March 23rd, 2010
10:55 am

Bruno – look at repub leadership, john boehner? mitch mcconnell? Their legislative strategy consigns them as the losers, the dems the winners and right wing propagandists the ultimate winners in bloviating all the fear and hate their audience can swallow. I also can’t wait for november because then the true majority will show its face…

Doggone/GA

March 23rd, 2010
10:55 am

“Jay, if someone had read Pinocchio to you as a little kid, do you think you’d still be a liberal?”

don’t know about Jay, but read Pinoccio to myself when I was six, and I’m still a liberal.

jewcowboy

March 23rd, 2010
10:55 am

“Why are the Libs so afraid of Sara Palin?”

Afraid she’ll graffiti us with notes for her next speech?

Wreck

March 23rd, 2010
10:56 am

Liberals are so predictable.

Sexist. Racist. HATE. Fear-mongering. No vitriol is ever displayed from those on the left towards the right. Those hateful conservatives.

Yep, that’s what this debate is all about. Angry white people. What a crock.

Enjoy minority status next year, you dim-witted socialist nuts.

Keep throwing those red herrings out there.

Doggone/GA

March 23rd, 2010
10:57 am

“Would i be running the risk of the 7yr. old electricuting himself though?”

Not with a rechargable. I’ve had both a corded and rechargable and I like the rechargable. That damn 50 foot cord gets HEAVY to drag around!

thomas

March 23rd, 2010
10:57 am

Curious Observer

March 23rd, 2010
10:48 am

No need to pity me, I am living my dream and doing exactly what I always wanted to be doing.

You never told me how it is I turned out, and why I am different than Doggone?

maybe your parents should have treated you like a savage and taught you a thing or 2 about the wrongs of hypocricy (jewcowboy, I see no personal benifit of putting me down and not others. :) )and integrity.

But not my worries of whether you are a product of nature or nurture.

Doggone/GA

March 23rd, 2010
10:57 am

“Hiring 17000 new IRS workers to police us”

Seems to have gone up 1000 since yesterday.