Posted by
Andrews on Sunday, November 22, 2009 9:15:16 PM
My biggest worry in the past few days was that the senate would respond to Pelosi's abomination with a modest response, a middle fo the road, "sensible" compromise which could pass the senate. Then, in committee, they could adopt the senate bill, the blue dogs and RINOs could climb on board, and we would get saddled with this compromise, which would create the framework leading to eventual full nationalization. Even worse, it could be worded vaguely enough that the regulators could work through the "moderate" compromise to eventually enact a much more radical agenda. One way or another, any compromise bill would likely lead to much worse consequences.
Either the senate leadership is stupid and greedy, or they have decided Obama's low numbers mean something and they have intentionally killed health care reform. Either way, by passing out of committee a bill only slightly less monstrous than Pelosi's they have pretty much condemned health care reform this session. They might, if they're really lucky, get it through the senate, but I think should that happen, all those house blue dogs with second thoughts will latch on to any changes in the reconciliation of the two versions to jump ship. Far more likely, it is going to die in the senate. But either way, I don't see it making it through this session.
So, I am very grateful that the senate is either stupid or disillusioned, as it seems the worst case may not come to pass this year. Unfortunately Obama has three more. Hopefully Pelosi and Reid don't.