What’s the best way to pay tribute to a Lion of the Senate? For some, it seems to be to rubber-stamp his top legislative priority when it seems his career in public office is nearing its end:
Senators on both sides of the aisle as well as operatives on K Street were candid that [Ted] Kennedy’s half-century push for universal health care could receive a boost because of his brain cancer diagnosis and the accompanying understanding that his days in the Senate could be limited. Capitol Hill veterans believe comprehensive health care legislation — with Kennedy at the wheel — is in its best position yet to advance.
“Having him there gives this a sense of urgency. And, they appreciate what an effort he’s making personally — with his own health struggles — to be there, and that has value to it,” said Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), Kennedy’s closest Senate ally…
“The entire Democratic caucus and even some in the Republican caucus know it’s the final thing for Kennedy, and they want to get it done and put his imprimatur on it,” said a former Senate Democratic aide who now works downtown. “They’ll probably put his name on it…”
But implementing a major health care overhaul could be the pinnacle of a career that, in terms of passing legislation, could prove to be among the most productive and influential in the chamber’s history. Considering Kennedy’s illness, some in Washington believe Kennedy recognizes this, and would not have rushed back to Capitol Hill had Obama not won the presidential election.
Ask any Washington Democrat about the Iraq war, and he or she will tell you it was a mistake precipitated by willful ignorance of the facts, combined with a grudge against Saddam Hussein and the emotionalism of the Bush administration. Yet it seems these same Democrats are eager to bring the efficiency of the DMV into the operating theater, all because it would make a nice parting gift for Senator Kennedy.
Let’s hope some sensible Democrats see the irony, and consider this idea on its merits rather than rush into an expensive mistake.
I always thought
10ksnooker Tuesday, January 13th at 3:05PM EST (link)The Oldsmobile in the creek water, with Mary Jo Kopechne underneath, was Ted Kennedy’s legacy and character formation moment. At least it was in my eyes.
I say just say no to Communism in all it’s forms, including healthcare.
You give up your responsibilities, you will have no rights.
Teddy Kennedy legacy will be leaning over and
bobojake Tuesday, January 13th at 3:10PM EST (link)yelling liar at George W. And I could see the words go like a boomarang and land right back on Teddys head. I was stationed in Newport RI 1962-65 and teddys legacy lies by a bridge. Thank You George W for keeping us safe the last 8 years.
Teddy Kennedy legacy will be leaning over and
bobojake Tuesday, January 13th at 3:10PM EST (link)yelling liar at George W. And I could see the words go like a boomarang and land right back on Teddys head. I was stationed in Newport RI 1962-65 and teddys legacy lies by a bridge. Thank You George W for keeping us safe the last 8 years.
And the list...
tsquare Tuesday, January 13th at 3:15PM EST (link)… of those raped by a Kennedy will grow ever longer
And I want NAMES of any and all GOP votes for this
It will be a Disgrace if Republicans vote for this
jencab Tuesday, January 13th at 3:57PM EST (link)If republicans ever fall for this sentimental mistake, they should be reprimanded from the RNC, eliminated from the party, and all funding for re-election should be eliminated.
I’m afraid that republican senators such as Orrin Hatch who wrote a song for his buddy, Kennedy, will likely vote for this.
I hope the GOP listens to Reagan’s speech on the dangers of socialized medicine.
This “compassion” of socialized medicine from a man that didn’t care about the health of that young woman he left to die. A disgrace and a murderer. I can’t forget that and never will.
It's the thought that counts, I guess
ss396 Tuesday, January 13th at 7:03PM EST (link)“Having him there gives this a sense of urgency. And, they appreciate what an effort he’s making personally — with his own health struggles — to be there, and that has value to it,” said Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), Kennedy’s closest Senate ally…”
If you pay people to sit on their duffs, you cannot be surprised when they do.
Please go away Ted
DerKrieger Tuesday, January 13th at 8:23PM EST (link)Ted Kennedy has been one of the most disastrous senators in US history. He is largely responsible for our current immigration nightmare and now he wants to destroy our health care system. What drives this Marxist? White guilt? Patrician guilt? Guilt over killing MJK? The man needs to retire and stop sabotaging our country.
The biggest failing of the Democrat party is that they make decisions based on feelings rather than reason. When a Republican starts making emotion based decisions it’s time to go.
“In questions of power, let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution.” - Thomas Jefferson
“I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted a right to Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence (OBAMACARE – mine), the money of their constituents.” – James Madison