How did they do it?? (politics)

[SteamWake]

As you may or not be aware of the Senate passed its first vote on the health care bill while you slept.

Yup another Sundaty in the middle of the night vote while most media outlets are on autopilot and certain commentators are on vacation the vote is passed.

But how did they get the votes? There was a lot of contention and outright doubt that they could get enough votes... So how did they do it?

Well they did it the good old American Way... they bought it.


WASHINGTON -- A $100 million item for construction of a university hospital was inserted in the Senate health care bill at the request of Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., who faces a difficult re-election campaign, his office said Sunday night.


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/20/AR2009122002956.html

Let me give Mr. Dodd a little advice. If you think its tough now you just wait... dont buy a house ;)

[August]

They have no shame. :nope:

[SteamWake]

They are way beyond 'shame' they hold you in contempt.


Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) today took shots at those who are not supporting the health care legislation. During a floor speech, he excoriated Senate GOP members for up holding the pending health care bill and accused their supporters of being birthers and fanatics in right-wing militia and Aryan support groups. He started off by citing an editorial from the Manchester Journal Inquirer, which used insults like "lunatic fringe."


http://washingtontimes.com/weblogs/watercooler/2009/dec/20/sen-whitehouse-foes-health-care-bill-are-birthers-/

Never mind the fact that recent polling shows that nearly 60% of american voters do not want this legislation in its current form.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/healthcare/september_2009/health_care_reform

So much for representative goverment. :nope:

[mookiemookie]

So much for representative goverment. :nope:

Representative government =/= voting according to polls. Representative democracy means you don't have a direct say in the matter - your elected representative does.

In fact, what you're suggesting can be construed as socialist. A government ruled by the proletariat is a socialist concept: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dictatorship_of_the_proletariat

[AVGWarhawk]

All they want to do is make history and feel good about themselves. It does not matter who stands in their way. Welcome to...."I want my legacy and I do not care how I get it." Sadly, the bill still contains a charge for abortion. $1.00/month towards abortion. Sorry, I do not want to pay $12.00/year for abortions.

[SteamWake]

Representative government =/= voting according to polls. Representative democracy means you don't have a direct say in the matter - your elected representative does.

In fact, what you're suggesting can be construed as socialist. A government ruled by the proletariat is a socialist concept: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dictatorship_of_the_proletariat

We put these pepole in office with the expectations that they will vote our will, not do whatever they think is best against our will.

This is a clear cut case of the goverment going against the wishes of the majority of the pepole. It will ultimatly end up in their demise but at what cost?

[Torvald Von Mansee]

Isn't this a bill no one likes, except the insurance companies?

[Buddahaid]

Since when our representatives have to follow the people's majority? That's not how it works,or ever really has. If you want an example of the people making government decisions, look at California's system and see how that works.

[Torvald Von Mansee]

Since when our representatives have to follow the people's majority? That's not how it works,or ever really has. If you want an example of the people making government decisions, look at California's system and see how that works.

You mean the referendum system that allows people to make all kinds of wacky changes to California law w/out considering the consequences (e.g., like how to pay for something, or removing revenue streams which pay for existing programs)?

[Snestorm]

The runnaway truck is gaining speed.
How long before the inevitable crash?

@Steamwake:
Thanks for the connection to The Rasmussen Report.
Good information source.

[August]

My solution to Representatives that won't represent:

:/\\chop

[SteamWake]

When you get right down to it one of the main problems with elected officals is the voters.

Either through ignorance or apathy the incumbents have a re-election rate of nearly 90% regardless of their party, voting records, or stances.

"We the pepole" evidently dont know or dont care.

Something tells me though that that statistic is about to change.

[AVGWarhawk]

Term limits.

[Platapus]

One useless man is called a disgrace
Two useless men are called a Law Firm
Three or more useless men are called a congress
- often miss-attributed to John Addams.

[Buddahaid]

You mean the referendum system that allows people to make all kinds of wacky changes to California law w/out considering the consequences (e.g., like how to pay for something, or removing revenue streams which pay for existing programs)?

That's the point.

[Ducimus]

Did i ever mention where i live?

The Peoples Republic of California.

Said in jest, but there's a little truth to it. :haha:

The worst part is, really stupid propositions that were passed by majority vote, have to be vetoed by a majority vote. Special interest has this state by the balls. And while the Governator is aguably more of a political tourist, the state is damn near ungovernable from my understanding due to how some laws/propositions are passed by a direct vote of the people. Calfornia i think is the only state taht does this, and I've read more then once that the state constitution needs to be redone.

[Sailor Steve]

Did The Peoples Republic of California.
Or, as I started calling it after leaving there, Cantafordya.

[em2nought]

So I can stop paying $2000 for my health insurance each year and pay a $750 fine instead? What's my deductible with that?

[Aramike]

I don't care what side of the aisle you're on: if you don't see the idiocy of this bill, you're either an idiot or have willfully put blinders on to reality. this bill spends a whole ton of money, solves absolutely nothing, and will raise the cost of healthcare in general.

The American people only have themselves to blame, though - for one, we've elected these narcissistic morons. Secondly, we've created a culture where it's political suicide to say "we were wrong", and therefore they cannot back off of trying to ram SOMETHING through.

[SteamWake]

So I can stop paying $2000 for my health insurance each year and pay a $750 fine instead? What's my deductible with that?

Thats actually one of the funny things about this bill. If you refuse or neglect to participate the 'fine' is less than you would be paying if you did participate. So guess which way alot of pepole will go. ;)