The DNC Self-Executes Their Credibility

“Public Citizen asserts that it is irrelevant that the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate both signed a version of the proposed legislation identical to the version signed by the President. Nor does it matter, Public Citizen argues, that the congressional leaders’ signatures attest that indistinguishable legislative text passed both houses.”

Wow. That reads a lot like the Republican argument against the use of Deem and Pass (though obviously they have no trouble using the rule, either). But I haven’t gotten to the good part yet. This argument is, in my opinion, a cogent one, check out who added their imprimaturs to the brief.

Henry Waxman – who recently said: “If the Republicans refuse to support the end of debate so that a majority can work its will we’re fortunate enough to have a process (Deem and Pass) so the majority can work its will through the reconciliation activities.” Evidently he no longer has a problem with the self-executing rule.

Louise Slaughter (of recent ‘Slaughter Rule’ fame) – who less than a year ago said of Deem and Pass: “Supporters of the weak Senate bill say ‘just pass it — any bill is better than no bill.’ I strongly disagree — a conference report is unlikely to sufficiently bridge the gap between these two very different bills. It’s time that we draw the line on this weak bill and ask the Senate to go back to the drawing board. The American people deserve at least that.”

And (drum roll please)…

Nancy Pelosi – who evidently now loves the idea of Deem and Pass: “But I like it (Deem and Pass), because people don’t have to vote on the Senate bill.” And: “The fact is, what we’re talking about here (Deem and Pass) is the regular order that has been used hundreds of times.”

I know Deem and Pass has been used before, and it will most likely be used again, but to use misuse such a parliamentary tactic simply to force an unpalatable bill down our throats is despicable. And at the end of the day, that is why any application of the newly christened Slaughter Rule will ultimately backfire on the DNC. No matter how legitimate deem and pass may be, it will only been seen as another way for the Democrats and Barack Obama to step on America’s wishes.

All that is important right now is that that the DNC gets exactly what they want, and everything else be damned. Remember, a vote against this terrible bill is much more than an attempt to properly address the very real concerns of health care reform. A vote against this bill is a vote against truth, justice, freedom, the American way, puppies, butterflies and common human decency. Right, Mr. President?