Gridlock Problem Solved

by: Chris Bowers

Wed Jan 14, 2009 at 18:20


As I already mentioned in quick hits, so far today children's health insurance expansion (in the U.D. House) and an omnibus land management bill (in the U.S. Senate) have both been passed with veto-proof margins. That a veto-proof margin is not even necessary with Barack Obama as President demonstrates just how easily these bills will pass into law.

Further, right now the only piece of legislation that is in danger of not passing through Congress is the second $350 billion of TARP Wall Street bailout funds. As David wrote earlier today, the coalition manifesting against the release of the funds is bi-partisan in nature.

So, the only type of coalitions we have now are either bi-partisan or veto-proof. It would appear that "gridlock" or "partisan polarization" is over in Washington, D.C.  It turns out, however, that the problem was not politicians refusing to talk to each other out of spite, or an unwillingness to find common ground.  Rather, the problem was a large presence of Republicans in Washington, D.C. With Republicans largely swept aside, gridlock is gone. Admiral Stockdale would be sad:
Chris Bowers :: Gridlock Problem Solved

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Gridlock Problem Solved | 7 comments
Phil Hartman (RIP) really did nail him (Stockdale) (4.00 / 1)

I really wanted a YouiTube of Hartman (0.00 / 0)
Hartman's Stockdale was an all-timer. But, I couldn't find it anywhere online. I think SNL tends to wipe their content of the Internets. Its too bad.
[ Parent ]
I checked for the same thing online. (0.00 / 0)
Another clip I'm wanting is the Anita Hill hearing skit. No such luck.  
[ Parent ]
Ask and ye shall receive... (4.00 / 3)


REID: Voting against us was never part of our arrangement!
SPECTER: I am altering the deal! Pray I don't alter it any further!
REID: This deal keeps getting worse all the time!
[ Parent ]
Don't get too excited, yet, Chris... (0.00 / 0)
...it's early... McConnell hasn't found his minority sea legs just yet...

Still... it's very encouraging... I hope it continues! :-)

REID: Voting against us was never part of our arrangement!
SPECTER: I am altering the deal! Pray I don't alter it any further!
REID: This deal keeps getting worse all the time!

In other words (0.00 / 0)
Sometimes it's hard to pass laws because people have different ideas about what the law should be.
Good point, Chris. (0.00 / 0)
Much of the railing against Democrats "caving" last year was really better spent understanding that it's a numbers game. If there are not 60 votes for progressive legislation, it will not pass.There were too many Republicans in the Senate last year. this year, we have enough.

I am happy that for renewable energy, (with the two Independents and with the two Republicans Collins and Snowe who support it) ---we have the mandate now needed to pass the Renewable Portfolio Standard which failed 8 times under Republican filibuster ---and many more other good ideas for advancing climate change solutions.

So where's my green collar job?

Gridlock Problem Solved | 7 comments
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