"...simple reality: Republicans are politically tethered to Mr. Trump, who remains broadly popular with Republican primary campaign voters, and any hope of legislative accomplishment runs through his desk."
To borrow from the eminent H.L. Mencken: No one ever lost an election catering to the lowest common denominator.
As in any endeavor be very careful what you wish for. Or vote for...
To borrow from the eminent H.L. Mencken: No one ever lost an election catering to the lowest common denominator.
As in any endeavor be very careful what you wish for. Or vote for...
5
The only thing that has been defeated here by the Republicans, as well as by the Democrats the last eight years, is the middle class's well being via skyrocketing deductibles and premiums that have severely degraded the usefulness of millions of families health insurance policiies, and stagnating wages while the top 1% flourished under Obama, and now Trump. Meanwhile, the vast majority of the know-it-all elitests who read the NYT and the deplorables who watch Fox continue to allow our top 10% Congress people receive 75% subsidized Obamacare healthcare plans paid for with my middle class tax dollars. I am angry with the superior intellectual elitest readers here, and the coarse uneducated Fox viewers because all they care about is "winning" a debate, while the middle class continues to suffer and pay for Congress's healthcare, and for that matter everyone else's healthcare. No one seems to want to focus on addressing the true cost of healthcare. Winning and Trump and Obama bashing are the only things that seem to matter.
7
This continuing story, or set of stories, is a difficult one for journalists.
American conservatism is in need of what the Chinese, over the centuries in times like these, have called zhèng míng，正名，rectification of names (a tenet of Confucian philosophy). The idea, pretty obvious to us all I would think, is that at times our language tends to lose meaning, cluttered with arch pretences of poseurs and particular interests, and it's time to get things straight again. All branches of American conservatism are deeply corrupted in such, or other, ways, and are in need of a little rectification.
They will be happy that the root of the word is "right."
Simultaneously, the Republican Party has steered itself assiduously onto the rocks prepared for it by racists, by commercial interests, by religious fulminators and by imitations of religion. Sturdy ALEC and the various chambers of commerce resemble political forces in some ways, but are all immensely corrupted by simple ignorance and greed. Other than them, all that remains of the GOP is a large mob of confused, often angry, and very often stunningly stupid, legislators, lobbyists, fanzines, cultists, and the occasional power junky and psychological misfit.
Your humble Lord Fnord has often speculated that commercial television was the way civilizations commit suicide. Donald Trump, who is these last two, may be its creation for the current period.
American conservatism is in need of what the Chinese, over the centuries in times like these, have called zhèng míng，正名，rectification of names (a tenet of Confucian philosophy). The idea, pretty obvious to us all I would think, is that at times our language tends to lose meaning, cluttered with arch pretences of poseurs and particular interests, and it's time to get things straight again. All branches of American conservatism are deeply corrupted in such, or other, ways, and are in need of a little rectification.
They will be happy that the root of the word is "right."
Simultaneously, the Republican Party has steered itself assiduously onto the rocks prepared for it by racists, by commercial interests, by religious fulminators and by imitations of religion. Sturdy ALEC and the various chambers of commerce resemble political forces in some ways, but are all immensely corrupted by simple ignorance and greed. Other than them, all that remains of the GOP is a large mob of confused, often angry, and very often stunningly stupid, legislators, lobbyists, fanzines, cultists, and the occasional power junky and psychological misfit.
Your humble Lord Fnord has often speculated that commercial television was the way civilizations commit suicide. Donald Trump, who is these last two, may be its creation for the current period.
5
Ignore Trump. Do your jobs, which last I checked was to try to make the lives of American citizens better, not worse. History has no shortage of mad kings and queens, dictators off the hinges who filled the streets with blood to maintain and grow their power and wealth. Trump is just a man with a big mouth, a short temper, and a twitter following. So far it appears that operation of the government will not happen with Trump, but must happen in spite of him.
14
Our system of checks and balances is beginning to work as intended. An unbalanced president is being checked by a few members of the senate. The think red line of responsible Republicans is thickening as the repeal and replace mantra is drowned out by "He said what?" and the congress overwhelmingly passes a sanctions bill putting Trump in his place, a straight jacket in a padded cell.
1
True, to the extent that Congress has doubled down on its determination to avoid doing anything meaningful.
1
"Time to move on". Thought for a second we were talking about the insanity of the whole government investigating "hacks" by Russia.
But no, just joy on a pause in discussing 16% of the country's GNP that keeps all Americans alive.
But no, just joy on a pause in discussing 16% of the country's GNP that keeps all Americans alive.
Trump will only become more reckless as unimaginable as that may be. His eroding base is all he has left along with his family which Mueller will compel to make some tough decisions about loyalty.
The GOP Congress allowed itself to be neutralized by Trump. This could not have happened without the complicit hypocrisy of weak men like Flake, Thune, Burr etc. McCain also shamed them.
But most of all, the GOP misread the public. 2018 awaits.
The GOP Congress allowed itself to be neutralized by Trump. This could not have happened without the complicit hypocrisy of weak men like Flake, Thune, Burr etc. McCain also shamed them.
But most of all, the GOP misread the public. 2018 awaits.
8
Unfortunately, his base is not eroding. They remain as faithful as ever. Ironically, only by Trump getting legislation through - legislation that will have an ill effect on his supporters - will they learn the true consequences of their continuing support.
4
Instead of jumping to conclusions we should wait and see what these GOP senators could actually do in the matter.The situation is so volatile !
The existence and effectiveness of our Democracy as viable, reliable, and valid depends upon the separation of powers in the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of our government.
In order for our society to be viable, reliable, and valid the above concept must be adhered to as well for the good of all the members of our society.
Giving too much weight to any one of the above government entities only leads to an unbalanced system that cannot survive as a viable, reliable, and valid system for the electorate.
May the numbers of Republican Senators, who grasp the dangers of an over-reaching Trump in his over-reliance on his flawed view of his executive position, continue to grow.
May they encourage their fellow legislators to join their ranks in order to keep the executive branch from running amok - any more than it has already demonstrated it can do.
Our immediate future depends upon an enlightened Republican Party.
Or their own future is in jeopardy, based upon an enlightened electorate.
May the elections in 2018 be the determining factor for our existence as a viable, reliable, and valid society with economic and social justice for all.
Surely it can be done ...... for the Common Good ..... or else (?).
In order for our society to be viable, reliable, and valid the above concept must be adhered to as well for the good of all the members of our society.
Giving too much weight to any one of the above government entities only leads to an unbalanced system that cannot survive as a viable, reliable, and valid system for the electorate.
May the numbers of Republican Senators, who grasp the dangers of an over-reaching Trump in his over-reliance on his flawed view of his executive position, continue to grow.
May they encourage their fellow legislators to join their ranks in order to keep the executive branch from running amok - any more than it has already demonstrated it can do.
Our immediate future depends upon an enlightened Republican Party.
Or their own future is in jeopardy, based upon an enlightened electorate.
May the elections in 2018 be the determining factor for our existence as a viable, reliable, and valid society with economic and social justice for all.
Surely it can be done ...... for the Common Good ..... or else (?).
They created Trump and now they are stuck with him. Maybe our system of government needed a reset and Trump could be the answer. One can only hope the wall between both parties is starting to crack. Both parties need to stop their tribalisms act and start thinking about all of the people.
2
If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck - its usually a duck.
If it acts like an ideologue and preaches down to us all - its usually a servile Republican in the service of their party or president, not the people Don't believe in individual GOP political independence until you and two witnesses have seen it.
Trump's not embarrassing enough, now the House Judiciary Committee is investigating Hilary AGAIN on Donald's orders.
If it acts like an ideologue and preaches down to us all - its usually a servile Republican in the service of their party or president, not the people Don't believe in individual GOP political independence until you and two witnesses have seen it.
Trump's not embarrassing enough, now the House Judiciary Committee is investigating Hilary AGAIN on Donald's orders.
5
After Health Loss? The only health loss here is the millions of middle class Americans who have had to endure skyrocketing deductibles and healthcare premiums that have rendered their insurance policies virtually useless. And, we have a Congress that voted for this disaster, and a now a Congress that can do nothing about it, that gets a 75% subsidy of their Obamacare plans while my family and millions of middle class Americans get nothing except a lot less for their healthcare dollars and healthcare taxes.
2
You get protection against losing your insurance over a pre-existing condition, coverage limits, and rescission. You're also guaranteed baseline coverage. Which of those do you want to give up?
4
Do I get to keep my doctor and have lower insurance premiums, too? And why again is there no outcry for Congress getting a 75% subsidy? Why is the cost increasing? Why am I paying more and my wages stagnating while the top 1% have flourished? Thanks for your "answers".
1
Again, of pre-existing conditions, coverage limits, rescission, and baseline coverage, which do you want to give up in exchange for lower premiums? Which would go up anyway.
Why should you, for example, get to forego coverage limits if that means everyone else foregoing them too, whether they like it or not? Because that's what it would come down to.
No insurance company will guarantee choice of physician unless you are willing to pay through the nose for it.
Why should you, for example, get to forego coverage limits if that means everyone else foregoing them too, whether they like it or not? Because that's what it would come down to.
No insurance company will guarantee choice of physician unless you are willing to pay through the nose for it.
3
Nothing will gall trump more than being ignored. He has to have adoring crowds chanting his name. He has to have everyone in Government submissive to him. The Senate, by ignoring trump, has begun to regain the mantle as the deliberative branch of Congress. McConnell has become an enfeebled leader because of the last 4 months of trying to give donny a win. And trump? He is seething.
5
The great irony of Trump's many antics is that we may soon see the house work collaboratively on numerous issuers, including health as the representatives recognize that it is their constituents they serve - not the president. And Trump will then tweet it was part of his "master plan" all along.
3
If republicans don't want to deal With trump anymore they have the power to impeach and remove. They can do so by The end of the year. There have been shocking abuses of power by trump and Pence would be much more respected and productive.
2
I think we've started to see what can happen when a non-politician politician with zero practical governing experience, takes the reins in a place as overwhelmingly complicated as Washington. Capriciously severing ties with knowledgeable and savvy Washington insiders like Reince Priebus will only make matters worse for the President.
The irony? That the gridlock in Washington will be worse in a situation where one party controls all the levers of power than was ever the case under Obama or previous administrations. The swamp will just get deeper as a result.
The irony? That the gridlock in Washington will be worse in a situation where one party controls all the levers of power than was ever the case under Obama or previous administrations. The swamp will just get deeper as a result.
2
The President's office has become too strong under both Republican and Democrat presidents. I am grateful that the Congress is more powerful.
1
Problem: middle-class income. Republican fix: corporate and 1% tax relief? Uh, how has that worked out these past 30 years?
Dems need to point these things out: LOUDLY. It's like they're afraid to anger Repubs, or something.
Dems need to point these things out: LOUDLY. It's like they're afraid to anger Repubs, or something.
5
McConnell: “We didn’t have 50 Republicans.”
And there, in a nutshell, lies much of the nation's problem. We've got a major congressional leader who thinks nothing of bipartisanship at all. Which means that half of Americans don't matter. We are a nation of red and blue, whereas we ought to be a nation of magenta.
And there, in a nutshell, lies much of the nation's problem. We've got a major congressional leader who thinks nothing of bipartisanship at all. Which means that half of Americans don't matter. We are a nation of red and blue, whereas we ought to be a nation of magenta.
8
@Jeff
The republicans DO HAVE 50 VOTES.....(52 to be exact).
They just don't vote lockstep with this idiotic plan that allows McCain Cadillac Health Care subsidies and throws 23 million other Americans OFF healthcare.
The republicans DO HAVE 50 VOTES.....(52 to be exact).
They just don't vote lockstep with this idiotic plan that allows McCain Cadillac Health Care subsidies and throws 23 million other Americans OFF healthcare.
1
"If this was our Faustian bargain,” Senator Jeff Flake, Republican of Arizona, wrote in a new book, “Conscience of a Conservative,” reckoning with the Trump age, “then it was not worth it.”
The Republicans don't quite get it. Trump is not some chip laid on the bargaining table by a higher power. His electability was the direct result of the strategic escalation of Republican fear, cynicism, and selfishness over decades. Trump is the Republican Party's logical conclusion.
Senator Flake and his colleagues are not Faust. The American public is. I'll let you come to your own conclusions on the devil.
The Republicans don't quite get it. Trump is not some chip laid on the bargaining table by a higher power. His electability was the direct result of the strategic escalation of Republican fear, cynicism, and selfishness over decades. Trump is the Republican Party's logical conclusion.
Senator Flake and his colleagues are not Faust. The American public is. I'll let you come to your own conclusions on the devil.
8
You know you are a lousy president when you own party considers you to be irrelevant.
3
To be fair Trump really can not help sell policy to the Senate or the American people because all he knows about .it is it's beautiful.
2
The Republicans talk the talk, but in the end they vote together . Talk is cheap, only how you vote matters.
6
Republicans may be rolling their eyes with greater velocity but that's just a teenager's response to their petulant toddler-in-chief. The crux of the problem here is that they made this monster and planted him firmly in the seat of power. Now, they are realizing their plan is backfiring and they are impotent to extricate themselves.
Like all of trump's other victims, the republicans were conned at best and were complicit at worst. What is the remedy? The same for all sociopathic grifters...revealing the con for ALL to see. At this point the republicans have to rely on Robert Mueller to shine the light. The vermin of course will try to scurry back into darkness, but at least they will be exposed for a time.
Like all of trump's other victims, the republicans were conned at best and were complicit at worst. What is the remedy? The same for all sociopathic grifters...revealing the con for ALL to see. At this point the republicans have to rely on Robert Mueller to shine the light. The vermin of course will try to scurry back into darkness, but at least they will be exposed for a time.
5
In France the parties united together to defeat the odious Le Pen. Here the Republicans installed an odious racist, conspiracy theorist and incompetent boob putting party not only ahead of country but ahead of global stability. They're all Putin's puppets now and their racist, under-educated base is going to get nothing from them except more vile behavior that seems to thrill them while appalling the majority of us who voted for Mrs. Clinton. Angry white people could have had a raise in their wages and stable health care but making sure people of color shared in the prosperity was too much for them. It isn't economic anxiety that animates Republicans rather it is pure unalloyed racism, misogyny, homophobia and hatred of multiculturalism.
8
Your fixation on race blinds you to reality. We haven't been close to stability in health care in decades, and likely won't be for decades to come. What we have proven is that government-run health care for the masses is as big a joke as other government-run programs, like Medicare and the VA.
Republicans put Trump in the Whitehouse. They allow him to remain there. They could oust him tomorrow in several different ways. That's the way the Constitution is set up to deal with Presidents resembling Caligulla or Hitler or any other historical villain. But they are willing to put up with him to remain in power. The irony is that with a tyrant like Trump nobody will have any power except him and his horrible family before he's through.
6
A Faustian bargain is an apt metaphor for the deal Republicans have struck with the so called President. Here's hoping they have hell to pay in the 2018 elections.
3
“It’s pretty obvious that our problem on health care was not the Democrats,” Mitch McConnell told reporters on Tuesday, challenging Mr. Trump’s logic on the prospective rule change. “We didn’t have 50 Republicans.”
----
Actually, it's pretty clear that your problem on health care was that your health care bill didn't have much health care in it but had a giant pile of gold for a few rich Americans in it.
Greed Over People is an offensive, immoral and inhumane political approach, and occasionally, Americans notice the naked misanthropy, malice and ill will toward all embedded in Republican politics.
It's nice to see GOP Death Panels drop dead.
----
Actually, it's pretty clear that your problem on health care was that your health care bill didn't have much health care in it but had a giant pile of gold for a few rich Americans in it.
Greed Over People is an offensive, immoral and inhumane political approach, and occasionally, Americans notice the naked misanthropy, malice and ill will toward all embedded in Republican politics.
It's nice to see GOP Death Panels drop dead.
68
"Mr. Flake, one of the few national Republican officeholders who declined to endorse Mr. Trump last year, was asked if Mr. Trump is fit to be president.
“That was decided by the voters,” he said. “They decided.”
Yes, and we decided, to the great unhappiness, hatred, and chagrin of the GOP in 2008 and 2012 that Obama was fit to be president. What did the GOP do in return: refuse to work with a duly elected competent, smart president.
There is one word for Flake, McConnell, Ryan, and the rest of the GOP when it comes to their actions on Obama and Trump: HYPOCRITES!!!!!
“That was decided by the voters,” he said. “They decided.”
Yes, and we decided, to the great unhappiness, hatred, and chagrin of the GOP in 2008 and 2012 that Obama was fit to be president. What did the GOP do in return: refuse to work with a duly elected competent, smart president.
There is one word for Flake, McConnell, Ryan, and the rest of the GOP when it comes to their actions on Obama and Trump: HYPOCRITES!!!!!
79
We should accept reality, declare the office of president vacant, and hold new elections. In future, Electors of the Electoral College should be required to have SAT scores of at least 600.
38
Agreed!
And, just like Masters and Ph.D. candidates, a would-be Commander in Chief CEO should be required to take oral exams before a reputable, objective, non-partisan body or panel (a jury, if you will) of interlocutors with experience in and knowledge of some subjects a president will or may be required to have some expertise in. The candidate should be able to demonstrate working knowledge of such essential matters as economics; the political, social and military history of the nation they wish to govern; the Constitution and its precursor, the Federalist Papers; and science and technology. Topics and questions would not be dogmatic or cerebral--but not shared in advance either. Bonus points for concise, thoughtful, practical extemporaneous reasoning. With everyone's full understanding that the panel would be posing honest questions to a political pro and not a scholar, the candidate must nonetheless articulate some proficient comprehension of the facts and complexities of our age. One key goal would be to gauge the intellectual curiosity that underlies potential leadership and problem-solving skills, not eye-of-the-beholder charisma and debate ideology. Branding executives, flim-flam philanthropists and reality TV stars need not apply.
And, just like Masters and Ph.D. candidates, a would-be Commander in Chief CEO should be required to take oral exams before a reputable, objective, non-partisan body or panel (a jury, if you will) of interlocutors with experience in and knowledge of some subjects a president will or may be required to have some expertise in. The candidate should be able to demonstrate working knowledge of such essential matters as economics; the political, social and military history of the nation they wish to govern; the Constitution and its precursor, the Federalist Papers; and science and technology. Topics and questions would not be dogmatic or cerebral--but not shared in advance either. Bonus points for concise, thoughtful, practical extemporaneous reasoning. With everyone's full understanding that the panel would be posing honest questions to a political pro and not a scholar, the candidate must nonetheless articulate some proficient comprehension of the facts and complexities of our age. One key goal would be to gauge the intellectual curiosity that underlies potential leadership and problem-solving skills, not eye-of-the-beholder charisma and debate ideology. Branding executives, flim-flam philanthropists and reality TV stars need not apply.
1
A more realistic solution would be for the rest of the States to follow the example of Maine and Nesbraska and award their Electorial College votes on the basis of proportional representation instead of the current system of "winner take all".
4
Mark, Why stop with the president? I've often thought that anyone running for Congress should go through the same exercise.
I've also thought that when it comes time to pass legislation, that there should be a number of experts in the subject area being legislated (say, healthcare) who come and present to the House or Senate the FACTS of the issue. All members hear the same information at the same time from the same experts.
There can be experts with opposing points of view, but overall the presentations should be balanced. Then the crafting of the bill and the discussion on the bill can begin prior to a vote.
I've also thought that when it comes time to pass legislation, that there should be a number of experts in the subject area being legislated (say, healthcare) who come and present to the House or Senate the FACTS of the issue. All members hear the same information at the same time from the same experts.
There can be experts with opposing points of view, but overall the presentations should be balanced. Then the crafting of the bill and the discussion on the bill can begin prior to a vote.
Bannon's third party, figure-headed by the reality show host, is just around the corner. Strange times ahead
16
Note to Headline Department:
I would have preferred ‘Time to Move On’: Senate G.O.P. Flogs Trump After Health Care Defeat"
I would have preferred ‘Time to Move On’: Senate G.O.P. Flogs Trump After Health Care Defeat"
10
Or, "Trump Implodes, Health Care Survives"
2
I'll believe when I see it. I saw it with the sanctions bill. Now I see articles, a book by Flake, a few senators making public statements. But I'll watch their votes.
26
These guys don't appear to be worried about paying their health care premiums.
19
I would be more impressed if 1) the Republicans weren't so complicit in getting Trump elected in the first place, and now allowing him to stay in office even as he disgraces the Office of the President, and disparages the rule of law and our freedoms.
44
“We have principles for a reason,” Mr. Flake said in an interview, alluding to concerns “in matters of demeanor and character.” “If we’re willing to abandon those principles at the drop of a hat, then we aren’t very committed.”
Sorry to say, Mr. Flake, that train has already left the station. You Republicans were boarding it during the obstruction of Obama during his 8 years, and the conductor took your tickets when you refused to consider the nomination of Merrick Garland. Now it's time to relax and enjoy the ride on the Trump Express. I can only hope that it's a one-way ticket home when the next election comes.
Sorry to say, Mr. Flake, that train has already left the station. You Republicans were boarding it during the obstruction of Obama during his 8 years, and the conductor took your tickets when you refused to consider the nomination of Merrick Garland. Now it's time to relax and enjoy the ride on the Trump Express. I can only hope that it's a one-way ticket home when the next election comes.
128
karma
1
I'm not telling anyone here anything new, but Trump's threats, regardless of to whom they are made, are empty, his promises are lies, and his words consistently ring false, rendering his input into the day-by-day operation of the government moot. It seems pretty clear that the United States can function reasonably well without this "president", and certainly better than it can with him, so perhaps the best thing for the Legislative branch to do is ignore him completely and carry on with their vision of the people's business without him.
15
Well, the honeymoon is over! Looks like 45 should worry more about the controversies that are beginning to swirl around him and his White House than the senate.
I hope this leads to a more normal type of legislating that involves both parties, instead of the bull headed stalemate we have had for a number of years.
45, be careful of the icebergs in your path!
I hope this leads to a more normal type of legislating that involves both parties, instead of the bull headed stalemate we have had for a number of years.
45, be careful of the icebergs in your path!
9
Is it possible we've reached a tipping point where both parties will realize they have to talk and work with each other to make progress? I sure hope so.
9
After years of demonizing Obama, it is fitting that the republicans have their own very real demon in DT. Years of whipping up their base has now created a situation that places any Republican who questions the madness and incompetence of this administration at risk in the next election. The only way out for Republicans is through the exorcism of an impeachment. But that takes conviction and courage that few if any Republicans possess. Where are the Howard Baker's and a William Ruckelshaus's?
25
The mission of Republicans should be much more than ignoring our pseudo POTUS, their obligation is to impeach a character who is deceitful, disrespectful and lies to all of us on a daily basis. If his actions aren't considered below the dignity required of the President of the United States, I simply don't know what it takes. We are allowing him and his tweets to make the office a sick joke.
16
We need to wipe the slate clean, both DT and MP must go. New elections?
“It’s time to move on,” Senator Roy Blunt, Republican of Missouri, said as Mr. Trump and Mick Mulvaney, the budget director, said that no other votes should be held until lawmakers try again on health care."
The only reason Mulvaney wants ACA repeal is because his budget proposals depend heavily on the cuts to ACA. We all need to remember (Dem and GOP supporters both) that Mulvaney is a deficit hawk looking to cut social Security if he can. That alone should illustrate to all just how misguided and dangerous he is.
The only reason Mulvaney wants ACA repeal is because his budget proposals depend heavily on the cuts to ACA. We all need to remember (Dem and GOP supporters both) that Mulvaney is a deficit hawk looking to cut social Security if he can. That alone should illustrate to all just how misguided and dangerous he is.
16
*dt's going to be very, very angry with you, Republicans! He's going to bluster and spout more and more and more nonsense insults at you........
Because, in the end, childish insults are all *dt has.
No grasp of policy, no understanding of how the legislative process works, no set of clear and articulate policy goals he really wants to achieve.
Unless, of course, you count his kowtowing to Master Putin, the man who installed *dt as President. But for goodness sake, don't tell his "base"...they think shaking up a hornet's nest and actually accomplishing recognizable goals is the same thing.
Because, in the end, childish insults are all *dt has.
No grasp of policy, no understanding of how the legislative process works, no set of clear and articulate policy goals he really wants to achieve.
Unless, of course, you count his kowtowing to Master Putin, the man who installed *dt as President. But for goodness sake, don't tell his "base"...they think shaking up a hornet's nest and actually accomplishing recognizable goals is the same thing.
15
Well, this seems to be a tiny breath of fresh air. Senator Shelby said, "We have three branches of government." Now, that's amazing. History has elevated the Executive branch way beyond its original task of enforcing laws. At one point the checks and balances of our government became blurry and the presidency took on a far greater voice than intended by the Constitution. This country, in theory, is a democracy all the way up the ladder, but we wouldn't know it these days. So, perhaps through his insults, commands, blunderings, and childish behavior, the American Congress will finally see the president for what he represents. He is not our king. He is not our dictator. He is one third of a triad along with the Judiciary and Legislative branches of our government. He ain't the boss of America. He is part of a group of people who have been charged with leading this country. He needs them as much as they need him, and until he starts to respect and realize the limits of his office, his proclamations and tweets mean little to nothing. There is indeed a lot of work to do, but it is the work of the people, and not at the bidding of one childish man. Congress has been bowing to an illusion. It is time to bow to the American public.
43
I am, if I may say, thoroughly unimpressed that Members of Congress (Republican, Democrat, and Independent alike) are actually finding themselves motivated to do their job. The Chief Executive should not have to use a megaphone to persuade the Legislative Branch to timely achieve its constitutional duty.
However, I am also weary of their continued attempt to resuscitate a dead horse: a "for-profit" health care and pay-for health-care model which has failed investors, providers, and patients for more than the last thirty years. (Despite having "the Senator from HCA" in office the entire time.)
We don't need Senators and Congressmen who think that their job is to please the lobbyists who walk into their offices bearing briefcases full of money. We need leadership with the vision to do what is right for the people of this country. Why do we not now have what the English and the Canadians both have? Why are medical bills the number-one cause of personal bankruptcy?
The "for profit" model is intrinsically flawed and therefore cannot be successfully implemented. If it could be, it would have been done long ago. This old nag is dead. Stop feeding it hay.
However, I am also weary of their continued attempt to resuscitate a dead horse: a "for-profit" health care and pay-for health-care model which has failed investors, providers, and patients for more than the last thirty years. (Despite having "the Senator from HCA" in office the entire time.)
We don't need Senators and Congressmen who think that their job is to please the lobbyists who walk into their offices bearing briefcases full of money. We need leadership with the vision to do what is right for the people of this country. Why do we not now have what the English and the Canadians both have? Why are medical bills the number-one cause of personal bankruptcy?
The "for profit" model is intrinsically flawed and therefore cannot be successfully implemented. If it could be, it would have been done long ago. This old nag is dead. Stop feeding it hay.
12
Now it's all about the tax cuts ( like it wasn't before )
The President was a nice distraction ( the press' shiny thing to follow ) during all those late night and in the dark health care votes for repeal, but now he is just getting in the way.
The ''world is coming to an end '' with the artificial debt ceiling crisis that is just around the corner and only tax cuts will able to fix everything. The usual republican mantra.
Bi-partisan indeed.
The President was a nice distraction ( the press' shiny thing to follow ) during all those late night and in the dark health care votes for repeal, but now he is just getting in the way.
The ''world is coming to an end '' with the artificial debt ceiling crisis that is just around the corner and only tax cuts will able to fix everything. The usual republican mantra.
Bi-partisan indeed.
11
Wouldn't it be ironic if it took someone like trump to push the GOP toward more compromise.
14
The American public needs the GOP. And we need the GOP to act as responsible adults who are charged with writing laws that benefit the Nation. Enough of these childish POTUS tantrums and putting their TP-influenced political wags ahead of the Nation. Discussing ideas, comprising to find middle-ground and passing legislation is what these all 100 of these Senators were selected to accomplish - now get on with it!
15
Why does the American public need the GOP? Or the Democratic party for that matter? The duopoly has failed spectacularly and with so many voters opting out (independents are now a plurality, soon to become a majority of all registered voters) it is far from apparent that either party is truly needed.
Alternatives abound and serious discussions of those solutions are what is needed.
Alternatives abound and serious discussions of those solutions are what is needed.
4
I guess Trump's persistent "antics" are now getting to this GOPer. Hatch might as well retire, because the "antics" ain't gonna stop anytime soon! Still "happy" Mr. Hatch?