editorial 2

After the Summit

Published: February 25, 2010
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/26/opinion/26fri1.html

This editorial has to do with the shut down health care reform bill, that cannot seem to make its way out of the senate. There seems to be no way to bring republicans and democrats together. Obama offered a plan to cover 30 million people in a sweeping reform, but republicans say we cannot afford it and we dont need it. The problem is people finding or even affording proper coverage. Some ideas such as buying not as good insurance for cheaper in other states are on the table. Democrats wanted to expand medicaid or subsidies, but republicans say no way, and they want to start over from scratch. The republicans are also begging Obama to not use a budget reconciliation, which is a maneuver that side steps a filibuster and passes legislation through simple majority, but obama refused to say he wouldnt use it, since it had been used in the past.

I think this is a great article, it sums up the health care reform bill soundly. I think the senate should be pushed by Nancy to get a version through so it can be more worked upon, even if the republicans dont like it. The republicans seem to be keeping this problem going, which is really not necessary. This is a huge issue and should not be taken lightly though. By all means, we should discuss and come up with the best, but by no means should we have republicans ruin what could be a great bill.

Editorial blog 1

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/21/opinion/21sun3.html?ref=opinion

Congress parties with the big money
by
NYTImes
feb 20, 2010

This article states that congress should not be labeled as slackers and not doing anything, they use their time having golf outings among other things. He says that congress is cutting ethical corners in the name of charities to get money. He also says no other group does this more than the congressional black caucus. He states that in 2008 the black caucus only used under 400,000 dollars for charitable organizations and scholarships and about 3.9 million dollars for dinner festivals and other entertainment. Overall the writer states that the politicials need to focus on lawmaking.
I believe this article is a little radical. For instance, the dinners or other "Galas" may be meant to support law making decisions, meet with lobbyists, or talk about legislation. i dont want to believe that our lawmakers completely suck, but i do believe everything can be improved upon. I think there is some fact in this article and we should take it into some consideration.