Daily Rundown, 11-10-09
Against Public Opinion, Reid in Race to Pass Bill Quickly
From the story: Without Snowe and Lieberman, Reid is at least one vote shy of the 60 he needs, and he risks losing weeks to a fruitless push for the public option. Should work spill into next year, breaks in the schedule and looming elections may open the effort up to the same types of criticism that dogged Democrats during their August recess. “The longer any bill is hanging in the winds, the harder it is to pass,” said Sean Spicer, a former aide for the House Republican conference. “When you have a 2,000-page bill, there is always something you can find to rally opposition around” (Bloomberg). Meanwhile, this Rasmussen poll shows voters still oppose this legislation. Particularly troubling for Democrats in 2010, 42 percent are “strongly” opposed (Rasmussen). With average Americans against Obamacare, Democratic leaders hope Bill Clinton can convince fellow Senators to ignore the public (USA Today). This opinion piece examines why Democrats would risk so much for this bill (WSJ). Abortion is one of the key issues hampering the bill (Politico). Some Democrats admit this bill does not fulfill Obama’s promise of slowing healthcare spending (NY Times). A list of Democrats who voted against Obamacare (NRO). Somewhat related: Michael Barone examines the voting habits of the very fickle young (Townhall).
What This 1990 Page Bill Does
Among the many things: when you file your taxes, you must include proof that you are in a qualified plan. If not, you will be fined thousands of dollars. Illegal immigrants are exempt from this requirement.
Obama’s Attorney General to Give Keynote to Controversial Muslim Group
From the story: Attorney General Eric Holder has agreed to give a keynote speech next week to a Michigan group which includes the local branch of the Council on American-Islamic Relations even though the FBI has formally severed contacts with the controversial Muslim civil rights organization (Politico). Quite troubling considering recent events at Fort Hood (NY Post).
Terrorist’s Motives Were Crystal Clear
Dorothy Rabinowitz examines the insanity of those who don’t understand this simple act of terrorism (WSJ). From Thomas Sowell: It was fascinating to see Barack Obama warning us not to leap to conclusions about the killings at Fort Hood, Texas– after the way he leaped to conclusions over the arrest of Henry Louis Gates, when he knew less about the facts than we already know about the massacre at Fort Hood (Townhall). From Dennis Prager: It is a given that the vast majority of American Muslims are loyal Americans. But that’s not the only given.
It is equally a given that a certain percentage of Muslims in and outside of the military are Islamists who want Americans dead (Townhall). If the terrorist were to be put to death, Obama would have to make that decision (Telegraph). This story about Muslims fighting for America reveals conflict our US troops don’t need, such as one who “returned from Iraq without ever pulling the trigger” (NY Times).
Obama Still Indecisive on Afghanistan
Many reported he was ready to send tens of thousands more in (FOX News).
But the White House issued the statement “Reports that President Obama has made a decision about Afghanistan are absolutely false” (CBS News).
25 Students Arrested for Food Fight
They were charged with “misdemeanor reckless conduct.” Who’s kids aren’t guilty of that every day?