David Frum, who brought us that wonderful book - The Right Man: The Surprise Presidency of George W. Bush, has just announced his latest insightful and amazing tome - The Perfect Train Wreck: How Pelosi and Reid took Unprecedented Democratic Supremacy, a Clear Mandate, and Flushed it Down the Crapper.
These two "legislators" are enjoying a rare moment in history: a party's total supremacy and a President with a mandate. Instead of taking their Mega-Buck winnings to the bank, these two are like lottery winners who are merely intent on ending up in bankruptcy court at light speed.
The New England Journal of Medicine is not exactly the place you go for political insight. Yet, NEJM has recently confirmed that the sweeping mandate received by this ineffectual duo had to do with....you guessed it HEALTH CARE! I know it is stating the obvious but Nancy and Harry seem to have missed that part the historical election...you know change, mandate, health care.
I hate to take a page from Republican's Play Book but what do you think McCain, with a mandate, and a Republican House and Senate would do? WHAT EVER THEY FREAKING WANTED TO! Did someone fall and bump their head forgetting what we were forced to consume over 8 years? Do democrats have a genetic flaw which screams...."oh, I can't exercise my power as mandated by the voters?"
Pelosi and Reid are more intent on celebrating their place of power than carrying out the will of the people who gave them that power. Our will was pretty darn clear...we want "change" and we want it in "health care." "Change" is not tinkering around with the likes of Max Baucus. Nor should we be listening to the very Republicans who failed in war, peace, terror, torture, world's respect, economy, health care, etc. Republicans made a total mess of 2000-2008. Nor should we be listening to a group of people who have vowed to kill any meaningful legislation when it comes to meaningful change and health care. So why the *&^$%&*% is Nancy and Harry even listening to them. Isn't that what a mandate means? "Don't listen to those clowns anymore."
Harry, Nancy....winning is hard. Leading is hard. Getting use to be so darn powerful is hard. Yet, we were pretty clear about what we wanted...massive "change" in health care. (Maybe you saw the posters about "change?")
So screw up the once in a life time chance we so neatly provided you with and your silly status will go back to where you seem most comfortable...a powerless group of ankle biters who have been relegated to the back seat for 35 years.
Please, don't screw up a free lunch. Stop telling us how "difficult," "complicated," "important," etc. health care is. We already told you that when we voted you in.
Stop embarrassing us. We will be branded forever by your failures. Try channelling FDR or something. Channel Chaney/Rumsfeld and think "meaningful health care reform with a public option."