To the Senate: Health care NOW!

On health-care reform, the strategy of President Obama and Democratic congressional leaders is psychologically understandable -- as well as delusional.


Obama's health reform gamble raises questions of judgment
By Michael Gerson
Washington Post
Wednesday, February 24, 2010

That's the least fervid of the opposition. Listen to talk show hosts such as Mark Levin and you'll hear accusations that Obama (and me, by association) is attemprting to subvert the nationa and the 'American' way.

Knowing that they might lose this fight (at least the first round), the opposition grows more shrill. The opportunity seems more self-evident: it's time for rational health care, and it's time now. The Senate must vote on Obama's health care plan, and rely on a simple majority. There is no Constitutional requirement for 60 votes for the measure to pass. Those Republicans who are crying foul conveniently forget that members of their own party have done so for important legislation in the past.

Obama needs to lead now. Explain to the American people that this bill will improve access to health care. Explain that reform will be an ongoing process to rein in costs that are more and more preventing access to health care.

As to the 51 vote in the Senate:

Explain to the American people you understand their impatience. The Constitution does not require 60 votes in the Senate to pass legislation. A majority will do. That’s called democracy.


It's Time To Enact Health Care With 51 Senate Votes
Robert Reich
February 21, 2010