Auditorium Shores
Republicans Got It Wrong?
RECEIVED Mon., Jan. 17, 2011
Dear Editor,
The health care reform act was enacted using classic Chicago politics of backroom bribery and intimidation. A little-known floor rule designed for the purpose of budget reconciliation was twisted shamelessly in the final hours in a reprehensible act of abuse of power. Democratic Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia, congressional historian (at the time), could not find it in his conscience to support abusing this rule in this way. However, the majority of the Congress won over the majority of Americans – by anyone's poll you want to read. So, right or wrong, the Republicans are saying “shove it down our throats in 2010, and we will stick it up your ass in 2011.” Are you surprised?
The health care reform act was enacted using classic Chicago politics of backroom bribery and intimidation. A little-known floor rule designed for the purpose of budget reconciliation was twisted shamelessly in the final hours in a reprehensible act of abuse of power. Democratic Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia, congressional historian (at the time), could not find it in his conscience to support abusing this rule in this way. However, the majority of the Congress won over the majority of Americans – by anyone's poll you want to read. So, right or wrong, the Republicans are saying “shove it down our throats in 2010, and we will stick it up your ass in 2011.” Are you surprised?
Nathan L. Gibson