Thanks to the 2006 and 2008 elections, conservatives no longer control the American government. They do, however, continue to essentially control the American media. As a case in point, you’ve probably heard that part of the Obama administration’s plan to pass health reform is to use the budget reconciliation process. The reason you’ve probably heard is that the press has been obsessed with the topic, repeatedly labeling it a “controversial” move that would “ram” legislation via an end-run around the normal legislative process.”
In fact, though most bills do not go through the reconciliation process—typically because their subject matter makes them ineligible—the process has been invoked frequently since 1980. And the reason it’s remained obscure until 2010 is that until the health-care debate, the press never saw fit to go into conniptions over congressional procedure.
Some of the mainstream media coverage of the reconciliation issue has been bad. Some of it, like this excellent NPR story, has been good.
Continue reading here.
It amounts to preaching to the church choir for both sides.
Those loyal on both sides already know what they want to know.
On the Republican side they already know that reconciliation is forcing the entire bill through.
So no matter how many time it is repeated that it is only certain parts and not the entire bill.
They will not listen, since they already feel they know the truth.
On the Democratic side it is kept repeated that is only a part of the bill and pointing to the reality that the Republicans have done in before. Which the ground level Democrats already knew, so exactly who they are expecting to inform?
What is that ole saying about a lie will travel around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on!
Those paying attention already know that the Republicans are being hypocritical and out and out lying.
The provable facts and this is all a mind-less game being played.
Those who are not paying attention are not going to take note either way.
Republicans are good at being indignant when someone besides them uses their own ploys.
* War is only good when Republicans control Congress and the presidency.
* Deficits don’t matter until Republicans lose the majority.
* A Republican president can hack at our civil liberties and that’s praised because he needs those powers to keep us safe and if you aren’t doing something wrong you have no worries.
* As long as abortions are illegal all is well with the world. Republicans can easily ignore that they are performed just as often, they just can’t be legal.
* Theologies are bad forms of government unless they’re based on Christianity. Each individual Republican knows which tenants of the various Christian religions is the only right interpretation. And, of course, once the Constitution is rewritten to more closely resemble the Bible everyone will conform, and never question the interpretation used. It’s only those other countries who base their theologies on inferior religious beliefs that fight about such things.
* Science — ppppfffftttt!
* Business, corporations, free markets provide jobs and opportunities! They are to be revered. Regulations are evil and those providing jobs have earned the right to take advantage of the peons in any way they want to. Nope, that doesn’t interfere with any Christian beliefs! Bowing at the alter of tax cuts can be written in that new Constitution more closely resembling the Bible (they’ll write a new bible if necessary!).
“Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from a religious conviction” — Blaise Pascal
And the beat goes on.
What can you add to the list of what’s fine and dandy for Republicans, but an absolute outrage if Democrats hold the majority?
Well, all those fidelity-challenged Republican males comes to mind.
Of course, that does not depend on if Democrats hold the majority or not.
But, then again, the Republicans claim to be the Party of God, the morally superior party, the party of family values and blah, blah, blah..
At least some Americans don’t contribute to their own downfall. Elected Republicans can’t say that and be telling the truth. But then, truth doesn’t matter to them — they don’t even try any longer to actually have ideas or solutions. Obstructing is their job, making sure nothing positive is happening under democratic majorities is their goal. If and when they regain majorities they can go back to being a do nothing bunch.
“Those who believe absurdities will commit atrocities” — Voltaire