I read that the US Senate is poised to vote on the Obamacare repeal legislation today. This repeal legislation was passed handily by the House. If it passes the Senate, it then goes to Obama. I read a part of an article on an ABC News on-line site about this. The article says something to the effect that Demcorats control the US Senate by a margin of 53-47, and hence the repeal legislation will fail in the Senate.
I guess that is one way to look at it. A rational person could think that. However, it is also the case that a rational person could think otherwise, a rational person could imagine peeling off about 4 of those 53 Democrats and getting them to vote for the repeal legislation. that would possibly make the vote 51-49 to repeal, and a simple majority is needed for the Senate to pass this legislation. Then the legislation would be up there for Obama to veto or approve.
Let's play with this idea a little bit, while the vote has not yet taken place at any rate.
Is it possible that some Democrat Senators have analyzed the 2010 election results independently and formed a judgment that is not determined by the talking points offered by the Democratic mouthpieces? I think it is possible. Is it possible that some of the Democrat Senators who will stand for reelection in 2012 have formed an indendent judgment? Would it be possible that some of these same Democrat Senators are evaluating whether they really want to hitch their wagon to the Obama horse right now, particularly -- I say particularly -- on this specific issue? By my limited perception, the healthcare issue was a central issue in the 2010 election and continues to be a strong issue. Is continuing to dig in and support this legislation really a winning strategy? I suspect some of those Democrat Senators are not nearly so wedded to this legislation as ABC News and other analysts suppose. What better opportunity to rejuvenate yourself with your constituency and distance yourself from the Biggest Loser?
Just saw that there are now 733 waivers to Obamacare...with 40% being Unions.
Lets hope they get 4 Democraps to vote for repeal!!
__________________
I love Christmas lights. They remind me of the people who voted for Obama. They all hang together; half of them don't work, and the ones that do, aren't that bright.
For those who understand, no explanation is needed. For those who do
not understand, no explanation is possible.
A golf course is a willful and deliberate misuse of a perfectly good rifle range.
Continuing this theme. Would it be possible that some of these Democrat Senators heard -- as I have and I suspect some of you who read this forum may have -- of the ruling by a US federal judge that the individual mandate in Obamacare is unconstitutional and there is no severance clause and hence the whole Obamacare legislation is unconstitutional? Granted, this decision will be appealed to the US Supreme Court. But I wouldn't bet my money that the US Supreme Court is going to hold the legislation constitutional. Do you, as a Democrat Senator, want to get into a position where your opposition can not only broadside you for staunchly favoring Obamacare not just once but twice but also to be voting for it in the face of a clear case having been made that the legislation is unconstitutional -- and you are sworn to uphold the constitution of the US?!!! Do remember the 2012 election is going to be after the US Supreme Court has decided this issue.
Sure, sure, you can argue that constitutionality is a touchy question, and a 5-4 decision (just supposing) indicates that rational people can disagree on this subject. But do you really think that is a winning argument? Do you really want to have to address that issue during a public debate with your opponent who is campaigning against Obamacare?
As I say, I guess in a couple of hours we'll know how the vote goes down. I'm just saying I wouldn't be surprised if the Senate vote approved repeal.
One more speculative step. Suppose the Senate does approve repeal, then what? Obama just vetos it, right? What then, the Senate has a chance to overturn the veto. Surely the Senate would not vote 60-40 (or would it be 61-39? I'm not sure) to override an Obama veto?!!! Probably not, but what if?
Is it certain Obama vetoes the repeal? Maybe he takes this as an opportunity to rehabilitate himself. Maybe he sees the original bill as his losing card, the thing that is going to prevent his being a two term president. What value is his legacy if he is voted out of office in 2012 and his signature healthcare bill is repealed to popular acclaim? Would it be better to roll with the punches, accede to the popular will, join with the Republicans in a spirit of bi-partisanship, get some healthcare legislation passed, claim credit for doing this, and ride this statesmanship to a second term? I don't know. These are totally speculations, but it is less unlikely than that I'll ride a flying carpet home from work this afternoon.
Here's the problem. The Dems have invoked a rule making a claim that repealing Obama care would add 280 Billion+/- to the deficit so it now requires 60 votes to pass despite the fact leaving it intact adds trillions to the deficit.
__________________
John Adams “The moment the idea is admitted into society that property is not as sacred as the laws of God, and that there is not a force of law and public justice to protect it, anarchy and tyranny commence.”
Ronald Reagan: 'Everybody that is for abortion has already been born'
"I never said I was worth it. I only said I wouldn't do it for less " William F. Buckley Jr.
Here's the problem. The Dems have invoked a rule making a claim that repealing Obama care would add 280 Billion+/- to the deficit so it now requires 60 votes to pass despite the fact leaving it intact adds trillions to the deficit.
That is a sticky wicket.
Still, to continue with the speculation. Under this condition, it seems unlikely the Senate will vote to repeal. But . . . all those senators are going to have to cast a vote. And that vote is going to be used against those who stand for election in 2012. And if the legislation is ruled as unconsitutional, this vote against repeal will be doubly held against them -- they voted for an unconstitutional law, while they were sworn to uphold the constitution. Sure, sure, I understand they will assert that constitutionality is a slippery thing an uncertain thing a vaporous thing that is subjective. But do you really want to be put in the position of making that argument? What does that say about your committment to the constitution? Sure, sure, you can argue that the constititional issues were not clear at the time . . . but that would be a weak argument, and one that would be thrown back in your face, I think. How many of these Senators are lawyers. Can't they read a legal opinion, are they unable to appreciate legal arguments and the crux of the case? A federal judge has ruled on this: the issues are clearly drawn. Can a senator who takes their oath to uphold the constitution seriously fail to vote for repeal? A card carrying Democrat would defend them and have no problem on this issue. What about independents? My feeling is that more and more independents are getting absolutely sick of the Democrat political pettifoggery. Count on this being a campaign issue -- something that comes up in a debate -- during 2012.
Just saw that there are now 733 waivers to Obamacare...with 40% being Unions.
Yet unions only comprise...11% or so--less than that in the private sector--but they comprise 40% of the waivers?
__________________
"We can have no '50-50' allegiance in this country. Either a man is an American and nothing else, or he is not an American at all."-- Theodore Roosevelt
A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left. Ecclesiasties 10:2
The last four letters in American..........I Can
The last four letters in Republican........I Can
The last four letters in Democrats.........Rats
Senate Obamacare Repeal Vote Today
