Recently, the Senate Democrats announced they would use the parliamentary procedure, called reconciliation, where an up-down vote takes place instead of requiring the 60 votes needed in most other scenarios. This procedure seems very tricky and non-democratic. Our country doesn't want this bill--a new poll shows 55% oppose this bill--yet the Senators keep pushing the bill. More and more Americans realize that they don't need the government telling them what's best for themselves, and I for one, find it insulting to hear these Senators and Representatives asserting themselves as knowing what is best for me. They serve us, they don't dictate us.
The news media asserts that Republicans used this controversial measure as well when they were in power, which is true, but the circumstances were much different. The bills where reconciliation was used, such as a tax bill and childhood education bill, still got much more than sixty votes, and had the citizens' support. I fear the day where our country has Congressmen that decide every issue; without any concern for the public's thoughts. However, we appear to be headed down that track.
This shouldn't be a partisan issue. In my mind, any Democrat should be furious at their Congressmen for using such a controversial measure. I can guarantee you that if this bill passes, Democrats will lose BIG in 2010.
