Here's a couple of stories coming out of the Senate Finance Committee, as they continue with what will apparently be the longest mark-up process in the history of the Senate.
First, we have Orrin Hatch (R-UT), as he carried out his own little filibuster by "asking waves of repetitive questions — that the staff had already answered throughout the hearings":
This is the most important committee in the United States Senate. And we ought to look at these things seriously and we ought to ask all the questions that we have.
And then from Jim Bunning (R-KY):
“I do not support a government takeover of the health-care system,” he railed. The proposal “confiscates more money from the taxpayers,” he went on. “It tramples on American freedom and liberties.”
After this vigorous display of open-mindedness, Bunning was spent. About an hour later, spectators noticed that the senator, who had been resting his chin in his hand, had fallen fast asleep. As giggles rippled through the chamber, an aide shook Bunning, who woke with a start.
So there you have it -- two different approaches to obstructing health care reform.
And the lesson that Senate Democrats should be taking from both is that their pals across the aisle have no intention or interest in working with them on this issue, so Democrats need to stop looking for ways to appease Republicans and just get the job done that they were elected to do.