The Legacy of the Lion?

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Senator Kennedy was a man of incredible, vibrant, energy who did in fact spend his life in the service of his country. I believe that he was true to what he believed was best and right for this country. We just have a fundamental difference about what those things are. Senator Kennedy lived a life of affluence and privilege- life where a different set of rules applies. A life where he(in a somewhat larger than life fashion) could make sweeping decisions and influence the fabric of American life. Raised by a father who served as Ambassador to Nazi Germany, in a time when socialist values were held in high esteem it is not curious to me that he would believe that the government knows best for her people. Not surprising that he would believe and be able to convince others that his agenda was really best for them. His life work is said to be Health Care Reform. Democrats now have little chance of passing a Health Care Reform Bill (HR3200) with the required 2/3 majority.

Today there are 57 Democratic senators one of whom Robert Byrd of West Virginia will like not be able to vote. Current Massachusetts law requires a special election for Senator Kennedy’s seat to be filled, which will not occur for several months.

This means one of two things MUST occur in order to obtain Obamacare. A short-circuit of the traditional Senate legislative process by passing a more partisan bill through reconciliation, or the mass defection of Republican Senators so committed to honoring Senator Kennedy’s memory that they simply roll over and pass whatever comes in front of them.
Since reconciliation (a budget tactic that only requires simple majority) was designed simply for deficit reduction, not change to legislation impacting the populace, Republican’s are calling this legislative warfare and even some Dems are not very comfortable with the idea.

Every poll reflects huge anger and opposition from the American people both to public option, and to passing this bill without a 2/3s majority. According to Fox News: "So there may be a great irony here," Ornstein said. "Kennedy, by not being there, may have increased the chances of getting something closer to what he would have preferred." so if Democrats do go it alone, they may as well get as much as possible.

The bigger question is - if the will of the people is ignored by their current representation in the Senate - do we as a people have the courage to honor the memory of the Lion of the Senate, and his brothers who stood so strongly for the rights of the people and TAKE BACK EVERY SEAT IN CONGRESS from those who vote favorably on this proposal? Call your Senator today!