Our entire country is a battleground state. Despite a rough and sometimes raucous primary season, Democrats are uniting. I think that in short time hurt feelings will be overwhelmed by what this country is actually facing under continued rule by wealthy elitist Republicans, and the real implications that keeping Republicans in government will have on every person in the US.
Today Republicans played a destructive game with the our health, finances, economic futures, the environment and a host of other needs.
John McCain and his Republican colleagues allowed the oil industry to hold the American people hostage at a time when the American people have neither the patience or interest in being played with or lied to or lectured about what great ideas Republicans said they had for this country.
The fate of three important fiscal year 2009 spending bills was left hanging, paralyzed by Republican attempts to sabotage them. Two bills that were scheduled to be voted on ( Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education, and Agriculture) and a measure related to the Interior (Environment, Energy, EPA and lots more) were put on hold due to Republican political tactics. McCain is just waiting to become the latest ringleader of botched policies and disreputable and self-interested Republicans who just want theirs. We're not included, although the like to talk as if they somehow knows us and what we need.
It can't be stated enough times that both the House and the Senate races this year are the key to actually protecting American's interests. In two words: Vote Democratic
So while everyone is trying to maintain a tight schedule and get things done - which is why we sent them to DC in the first place, no? - Republicans pull one of the slimiest ploys ever in what seems to be a direct payback to their campaign contributors. As we all know, when some Republicans talk about National Security or Energy Independence, they're thinking of the money that specific corporations can make off of our concerns. It's also just another reminder that when a Republican talks about ethics or acting in a collegial manner, it means they are going to, or have just done something radically opposed to the meaning of those words.
Trusting that Republicans will only try one horrific ploy a day - which too many Democrats have the habit of believing - yet another wrench gets thrown in the works by yet another Republican, putting at risk the lives and well being of millions of Americans. If not serving their corporate masters, what have some Republicans been reduced to believing and doing? Nothing that addresses the needs of working or middle class Americans, especially those struggling in ever increasing numbers with a health care system that many Republicans simply do not want to be responsive. Another hit of the day:
Reid Raises Spectre Of Sunday Vote On Medicare MeasureThu. Jun. 26, 2008
by Anna Edney and Ben Schneider, with Humberto Sanchez contributingReid was unable to resolve a standoff with Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., regarding his energy tax amendment that has been holding up consideration of a housing-rescue bill. Reid said this morning that the housing bill would slide into the next work period. Ensign insisted his amendment get a vote and objected to the Senate bypassing procedural hurdles that would have allowed the bill to be voted on this week unless his demand was met. "Housing is going to be put off," Reid said today. Reid did leave open the possibility that an agreement on Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act legislation and a vote on the emergency spending supplemental could still be in the works, but he stressed Republican cooperation would be necessary. "I'm optimistic this will be a productive day in the Senate," Reid said, "but I'm realistic that it may not be." Another delayed bill is FAA legislation. Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., objected to Reid's request to pass the bill by unanimous consent, pushing that bill into at least July as well.
Senate Majority Leader Reid told Democratic senators today to cancel their weekend plans and be prepared for a Sunday cloture vote on Medicare legislation, a Reid spokesman confirmed today. Republicans objected to bringing up the House-passed Medicare physician payment fix bill today, and Reid said he cannot file cloture until midnight because of proceedings on other legislation. However, the majority leader has often threatened weekend work that does not materialize. The House is scheduled to adjourn today for its Independence Day recess. The Medicare bill, passed by the House on Tuesday 355-59, prevents a 10.6 percent Medicare physician payment cut set to take effect Tuesday. Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., tried to offer a 30-day extension of existing payment levels, but Reid objected.
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