Health Care Reform: Republicans, You Can Run Along Now

The Senate is planning to use a parliamentary procedure that will “fast track” Obama’s proposed health care changes. Under this procedure — known as Reconciliation — a simple majority vote is all that’s required for a bill to become law.

Now, there are 100 senators, and Democrats comprise…hmmm…let’s see…

YESSSS!!!!!! YEEEEEHHAAAWWW!!!!!!! WOOT!!!!!

OK, equal time for the Rightwads: Socialized Medicine!!! Government Tyranny!!! Fascism!!! The biggest most frightening Government Power Grab in history!!!

Like it or not, America will probably be joining the rest of the industrialized world soon. Next stop — Twenty-First Century. Fifty million Americans won’t be facing bankruptcy or homelessness just because they don’t have health insurance, or because their slippery HMO found a way to push them through the cracks.

The Democrats’ plan to use the Reconciliation procedure is still a tentative agreement. It should be ratified by the House and Senate next week. This procedure has its drawbacks and not all Democrats are in favor of it.

I think these parliamentary procedures should be used as a last resort. And our health care crisis qualifies as one of those Last Resorts, IMHO.

Republicans and some Democrats are warning that using this tactic might cause divisiveness and polarization.

Oh no. You mean we won’t be having any more of these level-headed civil discussions? The Loyal Opposition might suddenly get shrill and angry?

Say it isn’t so!

cross-posted at Bring It On!