With his singular style, Tom Toles tackles the complex issues of the day. This Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist skillfully targets political, economic and social concerns — in particular complicated environmental issues — with a clear-eyed precision that hits the mark every time.
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Comments (24) (Please sign in to comment)
Ken Warren said, about 3 years ago
The GOP attacks, never defends, if the DEMS do something it is wrong, unamerican, and evil, if it is pointed out that the GOP has done the same thing, they reply that what the DEMS are doing wrong, unamerican, and evil.
That’s why attacks never bother or stick to the GOP. You can say what you want, show them the facts and the truth, and like the elephant they are they will just keep plowing on.
jaxaction said, about 3 years ago
complicated=majority wins. they have a heath care plan for self-deafness…or a simple ear cleaning…
HabaneroBuck said, about 3 years ago
And, to compound what Churchill said, Obama was actually CORRECT in stating that reconciliation is a budgetary maneuver, not a means of changing the way the entire country functions in a significant fashion.
4uk4ata said, about 3 years ago
Church, your statement applies no less to both parties - those who defended the use of reconciliation then oppose it now. Positions have changed, otherwise it’s the same thing. Hypocricy exists on both sides.
Obama basically tells the GOP that if they want to fillibuster, the Dems should bypass it, just like the GOP used reconcilliation to bypass Dem fillibusters. I don’t like it much, personally, but I think healthcare reform (even in its current half-neutered state) would be an improvement, and the Dems can’t seem to find a spine to do it otherwise.
Ironically, the CBO noted that the last available bill would reduce deficits, so Obama has somewhat of a leg to stand on. Both Senate and House have already approved similar bills in the past, as well - they just haven’t approved the same bill.
Adam Sperry said, about 3 years ago
I say that we restore the Filibuster to the point where tyou have to stand up in congress reading fromt he phone book for as along as you want to stall legislation.
wminfield
said, about 3 years ago
The CBO can only go by the facts that it is given. In this case 10 years of tax collecting for revenue on 6 years of benefits paid out. To top it off it assumes that the program will stay on budget, which no other entitlement program or gov’t agency has been able to do.
Obama has a crooked leg to stand on. CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN!
motivemagus said, about 3 years ago
How about an “up or down vote,” the way the GOP demanded for Bush, eh?
benbrilling
said, about 3 years ago
Reconciliation is just a band aid to the filibuster. The real solution is to abolish the filibuster. It is totally undemocratic for 41% of the senate (representing 10% of the population) to jam up the democratic system. Democracy means majority rule. (And don’t tell me the Democrats used the filibuster too. Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it.)
Jade
said, about 3 years ago
BOTH sides are hypocrites on Reconciliation and BOTH sides have used it to pass non-budgetary bills. But a “complicated undemocratic process” it is not. A “nuclear option” it is not. Republicans call it the “constitutional option” they wish they could use “every year” when they are in power.
Anthony 2816
said, about 3 years ago
Church seems concerned that if reconciliation is used, we wouldn’t get “a full and fair debate”.
Uh, watched any news during the last year, Church?
Herbabee said, about 3 years ago
That’s our Mitch - no eyebrows, no eyelashes, no chin… and that’s just for starters!
churchillwasright said, about 3 years ago
TONY: You didn’t tell me whether Democrats were wrong then or wrong now.
Maybe you don’t have broadband to watch the videos. Here’s a transcript of their remarks– and more– for your enjoyment.
http://www.examiner.com/x-268-Right-Side-Politics-Examiner~y2010m2d24-Democrats-were-against-reconciliation-nuclear-option-before-they-were-for-it
Here’s the best. Sen. Byrd on why reconciliation shouldn’t be used to pass Clinton’s healthcare:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ormXLyyJtr8
Jade
said, about 3 years ago
Non-budgetary amendments can’t be added to the health care bill at this point. It is up to the Senate parliamentarian to decide which parts are budgetary. Health care is budgetary. The CBO, which is bi-partisan, projects a 1 trillion dollar reduction to the deficit in 20 years. The CBO is the “metric” for measures, Democrat or Republican. It doesn’t suddenly become “wrong” just because we’re not passing solely Republican legislation.
ahab
said, about 3 years ago
Tools at hand . Gloat when you use them for your purpose. Pout and temper tantrum when used against you.
jaxaction said, about 3 years ago
as lame as the bill is…no public op-(yet), if it passes drug fiend mush limb will leave next tues after it passes, added bonus.