It did not take long for the media and politicos to start speculating about what the death of Senator Kennedy will mean to the current debate on health care and other vital issues.
Just hours after his death, a call from some to turn Obama-care into Kennedy-care. Some are vowing to “win one for Teddy.”
Top Democrats are hoping to rally the troops – to reenergize efforts to pass health care legislation.
There’s growing speculation on what will happen in the Senate – in the quest to replace Sen. Kennedy. With his death, Senate Democrats no longer will have a 60-vote majority in the 100-member chamber – the vote needed to break any filibuster that may occur. The Washington Post is reporting that the filibuster-proof majority held by the Democrats “is on hold for the foreseeable future.”
And, there’s plenty of speculation about who will fill that seat. There are reports that his death will likely set off a fight in Massachusetts with no clear successor apparent.
And, the Washington Times indicates this vacancy could take some time to fill: “His seat could be vacant for months, forcing Senate Democratic leaders to woo at least one moderate Republican if they hope to advance key Democratic proposals such as health care reform and limits on greenhouse gas emissions – issues with little support in the minority party.”
There’s a lot at stake for Americans right now in Congress. There are many critical issues – including health care reform. Issues that we will continue to debate right here.
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posted August 28, 2009 at 11:39 pm
http://www.discoveringjesusfishing.net
The Democrats should not use Sen. Kennedy’s death as a vehicle to emotionally sway people to be in favor of the health care plan, although it seems as if this movement is already underway. Huckabee relayed an interesting statement, that under ObamaCare, Kennedy would have had “to take pain pills and die” http://bit.ly/2td0g8 With promotion of end of life counseling, the reality is that to cut costs, hence indirectly keep the highest national debt under the Obama Administration from skyrocketing any higher, even though undercover, the government has an interest to cut medical costs by promoting euthanasia over quality and decent medical care at the end of life. I have seen and experienced this phenomena with my own eyes as a Direct Service Worker with youth. The bottom line has become the dollar in the significant cuts made to mental health care funding in North Carolina, slicing Community Support, and leaving clients hanging, denying them the critical services they need. By shortcircuiting services, we the people will pay in the long run since many clients receiving treatment are one step away from a prison door. 1 or 2 years of mental health services versus possibly 5 years in prison: your choice, Uncle Sam.
posted August 29, 2009 at 11:09 am
I am still waiting for “Win one for Mary Jo Kopechne” and an admission that Edward Kennedy was guilty of a wrongful death, acted cowardly in the aftermath, and was given a free pass because of his name.
Too indelicate? When President Richard Nixon died, all we heard were his political mistakes, and very little about some of his very important achievements, particularly vis a vis China.
posted August 29, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Actually, history was extremely kind to Nixon and his legacy. Here’s the article in the Washington Post the day he died. Yes, it mentioned his resignation in disgrace, but there were mostly tributes from both sides of the political spectrum.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/watergate/stories/nixobit.htm
Of course, we shouldn’t forget Chappaquiddick, but given Kennedy’s accomplishments over the years, perhaps it shouldn’t be the only thing remembered. Especially in the hours immediately after his death.
You’re arguing against your own point. If you’re saying we should have dwelled more on Nixon’s positives (and we did), then you should be happy that Kennedy’s many accomplishments are being heralded, rather than his failure.
On a personal level, my two daughters have grown into the successful young women they are today because of the rights accorded them through Title IX, which Kennedy fought very hard for. I’m forever grateful to him for that.
posted August 29, 2009 at 11:17 pm
The court ruled that Senator Kennedy was not guilty of the death of Ms. Kopechne. If you disagree, take it up with the court. I happen to agree completely with the court decision.
posted August 30, 2009 at 5:14 pm
I get sick and tired of these right-wingnuts claiming that Democrats have a 60 member majority in the Senate. The Democrats have always been divided between those Democrats who follow the party platform, and those who refused to call themselves Republicans after Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Formerly Dixicrats, now Blue Dogs, their conservative, anti-platform egos have to be appeased before the Democrats can get even the minimum majority of votes they need to pass anything. As Will Rogers said, “I don’t belong to an organized political party — I’m a Democrat.” Whether it’s Social Security, Medicare, or Civil Rights, the Democrats have always been the party of bipartisan cooperation.
It is ridiculous that the minority Party of No can threaten to fillibuster every bill proposed by the majority. And now they are even making noises about requiring 80 votes!
Friday Senator John McCain said that there has been no attempt at bipartisan cooperation from the Democrats, yet the Fincance Committee proposal includes 160 amendments presented by Republicans — yet not one of them — including the hypocrite McCain — voted for it.
posted August 30, 2009 at 8:28 pm
The Dream Lives On but the Nightmare is Over.
posted September 1, 2009 at 8:32 pm
Nightmare, hopefully is over. Sometimes people create nightmares around you even when your not a part of it. Avoid them and do what you can do to make the world a better place.
Pippy
posted September 3, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Babies Murdered
C
posted September 8, 2009 at 2:24 am
Oh the Democrats will find someother Kennedy to idolize………
The funeral for Kennedy was over the top. Who paid for it by the way?
If he had been a quiet man of prayer, he never would have condoned the money, pomp that was given to his burial, sorry.
He was not even a president for crying out loud.
I believe he did feel bad for Chappiquidick he should have, he failed for nearly half a day to report an auto accident that was fatal to his young female passenger. He was guilty whether a court convicted him or not of doing this, but he was given a free pass. If you’re a Kennedy you can do anything and get away with it.
William Kennedy Smith……..remember that trial?
Must be nice to live in Camelot.