I like the idea of the screening committee, providing you could find enough competent people. On its face it seems like a good way to remove some of the politics of the decision. Maybe not.
I don't think that's the same thing at all. I meant the specific strategy you suggested: passing an amendment the minority wants even though they won't vote for the final bill, just so that you can brag about your bipartisanship. I kind of doubt it ever happens, and I think there is a reason for that: it wouldn't work. People would shrug and say, well, you passed it, you must have thought it was a good idea. If you think it's a good idea, and they think it's a good idea, then everyone thinks its a good idea and it is pretty much a no-brainer, so why are you bragging about it? barfo
"We reached across the aisle." Either they accept that hand or they don't. As it is, all they can say is "we rammed it down everyone's throat, no matter what anyone wanted or thought of it."
I think it is clear that they wouldn't, so why make the gesture? They already spent months trying to compromise with the 3 R's in Baucus's gang of 6, and that led to a big fat zero. Yes, that's the way it's gonna be. But it's not "no matter what anyone wanted". It's "despite the objections of the minority". It is, after all, what the majority wants to do, presumably, or they wouldn't be doing it. barfo
I know. As much as this is gonna cost, though, I'd be sure if I were them. Probably won't happen, though.
As long as he does it in the privacy of his bedroom, I don't think it's any of our business. But seriously, I'm not sure what you mean. The CBO said what it said. You can read the letter yourself, you aren't tied to any interpretation Mr. Rangel puts on it. barfo
I read it, and it talks about all kinds of uncertainties. It doesn't mention the additional spending bills the democrats intend to enact to recover some of the cuts they made to make the bill appear budget neutral.
Yeah, can't get anything over on you. Heh. Anytime Rangel's name is involved, though, I get nervous. Don't know why, just do. Other than Elmendorf, I wonder whose names are on that CBO document? It all doesn't really matter, though. I'm over 50. I'll just bend over and take it all like I've been advised.
It doesn't mention the costs of fighting off the invasion from Mars, nor the increase in GDP from the creation of sex robots, either. barfo
