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With Kennedy’s Death, Will Health Care Reform Be Resurrected?

By Bronwyn's Harbor on August 26, 2009 at 2:01 PM in Current Affairs

Cable networks are devoting nearly every minute and reporter to the death of Senator Ted Kennedy. The list of news stories about the Massachusetts senator’s death numbers in the thousands. However, a few bloggers are taking the risk to speak out:

Ann Althouse dares to propose this scenario:

Teddy Kennedy’s death will be used to rekindle the old argument that we need to shut up and hurry up about health care reform.

Althouse assumes this will occur although, she notes, Massachusetts law — thanks to Democratic party shenanigans in 2004 — will make it tough to get that 60th vote because the 2004 revisions have wrested the power of appointment from the state’s governor. In fact, Politico reports that the special election won’t be held until January 2010.

These items fit under the title, “IF WE COULD KNOW WHAT THEY’RE REALLY THINKING”: (1) I suspect that John and Theresa Kerry are secretly filled with glee. Nevermore will Kerry be the “junior senator.” From last night forward, John Kerry will be introduced as the “senior senator for Massachusetts.” Finally!!! (2) And “The One”? President Obama is surely totally pissed off that Kennedy’s death messes with his vacation. Hell, he probably doesn’t dare play golf today. How f–ked up is that?!?!?!?!

Meanwhile, scores of commentators are squeezing every drop of sugar-soaked sentimentality out of the death of Kennedy to turn the tide back towards passage of the faltering health care reform bill:

“Byrd wants health bill renamed for Kennedy,” from the The Hill’s Blog Briefing Room. Gateway Pundit picked up The Hill’s story and went for the jugular:

No Shame– No Time to Waste–
Liberals scamper to use Teddy Kennedy’s death to further their socialist agenda.
We knew this would happen… The Jawa Report was even taking bets.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi did not skip a beat and used the death of long serving Senator Teddy Kennedy to push for nationalized health care.
Brietbart reported:

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi vowed Wednesday to push through embattled health reform legislation this year following the death of Senator Ted Kennedy, who called the effort “the cause of my life”. … (Read all.)

The Legal Insurrection blog adds key information and perspective to the cold-blooded exploitation of syrupy sappy emotions:

[...]

This theme of naming a bill after Kennedy is sure to pick up steam, as Democrats are desperate to do anything to overcome public opposition on the merits. Witness this San Francisco Chronicle column today:

There would be no more fitting tribute to the passing of Ted Kennedy, than to pass a health-care reform bill by early fall.

Strange, when Rush Limbaugh used the phrase “Kennedy Memorial Health Bill,” he was harshly criticized. But that was back in March, on the heels of the stimulus bill, when passage of a Democratic health care restructuring bill seemed like a certainty.

Now that passage of Democratic health care restructuring seems much less likely, I guess it is okay to invoke Kennedy’s name. … (Read all.)

Memeorandum.com lists article after article and blog post after blog post that begs that the health care reform bill be passed to honor Ted Kennedy’s memory.

There’s one problem that overly giddy liberals — who aren’t known for being in touch with the American people — are overlooking. Most American citizens never had much use for Ted Kennedy.

Most Americans remember Ted Kennedy for two things: 1) his frequent drunkenness, and 2) his abandonment of a young woman who he let drown.

It’s only Washington insiders who idolize Kennedy. And most Americans, today, will be madly flipping channels to avoid the incessant sugar-coated coverage of Kennedy’s life and death.

  • jwrjr

    As I said on another thread, watch for the ObamacRats to try something shady while the country is being bomvarded with Kennedy’s passing.

    • jwrjr

      That should have been “bombarded”.

    • tzada

      Yes, yes they are: The 2nd article goes to gun control and our 10th Admendment

      The Obama-ACORN Anti Gun Conspiracy

      ACORN — the Association of Community Organizations for Reform — a publicly funded national organization is using your tax dollars to actively interfere with the Second Amendment exercise of gun rights in New Jersey and elsewhere.

      “ACORN has, since 1998, received an estimated $31 million in government funding,” said SAF founder Alan Gottlieb. “Now they have intervened in a New Jersey gun rights case in defense of an illegal Jersey City one-gun-a-month ordinance that violates the state preemption statute.”

      http://www.alphecca.com/?p=1026

      Supreme Court Asked To Weigh Gun Liability Law

      http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/legal_beat/2009/08/supreme-court-asked-to-weigh-g.html

      The parents of a 13-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed by a friend have asked the Supreme Court to review the constitutionality of a 2005 gun liability law.
      Congress passed the law in 2005 to limit the legal liability of firearms makers and dealers. The Illinois Supreme Court ruled that the law barred the boy’s parents from suing the gun manufacturer, Beretta U.S.A. Corp., for not equipping the gun not to fire when its magazine was removed.
      The petitioners, represented by the Center for Constitutional Litigation and the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, are arguing that the Illinois court construed the federal law too narrowly, as well as the Tenth Amendment’s reservation of powers to the states or the people.

      • tzada

        http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS232204+28-Oct-2008+PRN20081028

        http://www.rightsidenews.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=2389

        These may be better links than the 1st one.

        Keep calling your Senators today, toll free numbers include 1-877-851-6437 and 1-866-220-0044, or call toll 1-202-225-3121

        • Docelder

          I am expecting the emphasis to be against the ammunition. It will take a long time to round up all the guns… if it ever could be done. But drying up the ammo could happen rather quickly. I am looking for the lawsuits to start against all the vendors and manufacturers of ammo. The right to keep arms would remain… but there would be no more ammo for them. Whatever happens, it won’t be above board. These guys don’t play by the rules.

  • Karen

    Consider this! Will obama want to name the supposed health care reform after ted kennedy? I don’t think so. obama is for obama and his stake in the so-called health care reform is huge.

    • oowawa

      Will Thee One consent to name the O-Whole-Health bill after Kennedy? Of course not! But since The Tingler has revealed that O is the last surviving Kennedy brother, perhaps there may be a compromise: The O-K Brothers Health Plan. The plan can be advertised nationwide with high-fives along with the mantra: O-K Bro!

      • ted

        I think they should name the health care bill after Kennedy, the bill has as much regard for human life as Kennedy had for Mary-jo.No matter how the media spins it, or all of his accomplishments, the fact is he left Mary-jo to die in that car. Its no different then the doctor pumping drugs into M.Jackson and leaving the room to make a phone call. Oh wait, it is different, the doctor will be charged, Teddy bought his way out of it.

  • Tricia Spiegel

    Yep, his bones will be used as a political tool. I wonder how many are saying to themselves, “What great timing Ted! Thanks!”

    I would like to see health care reform, but give us something that we can all understand and evaluate. I suppose that it too much to ask. And whereas I admire TK in some ways, every time his name comes up I remember the “pond incident” (who else could have gotten away with that?) and more recently the less publicized story about how he didn’t want any windmills or oil towers blocking the view from his vacation home. John Edwards was rigth about one thing–there ARE two Americas.

  • propertius

    If the “health care reform” bills really were “socialist”, rather than being giveaways to the insurance industry and pharmaceutical companies, then I’d support them. Once again, Gateway Pundit misses the mark.

    Yes, I fully expect the Administration and the insurance lobby (to the extent one can distinguish between them) to use Ted Kennedy’s death to ram (or is that “Rahm”?) through a bill which is the absolute antithesis of everything Ted Kennedy has fought for since 1966, but don’t call it “socialism” when it’s just another corporate shell game.

    • felizarte

      As Rahm has often stated: “Never let a crises go to waste.”

    • trixta

      “…but don’t call it “socialism” when it’s just another corporate shell game.”

      Well said, Propertius!

    • NoBamaNoWay

      well said. i’m so tired of the absurd screaming and fear-mongering coming out of the extremes of both sides.

  • Cathy in Ks.

    I have to agree about Ted Kennedy’s legacy. I cannot get Chappaquiddick out of my mind when I think of Ted Kennedy nor can I forget his comments during the democratic primaries targeting Hillary Clinton as somehow “lacking in character” as opposed to our current President who has so much “integrity and character”. I have to admit I had given Kennedy a “free pass” for his many lapses of character in his personal life because I am a former liberal democrat but that sealed the deal for me. No matter his legislative accomplishments and they are many, he was no judge of anyone’s “personal character”.

    That being said, my heart does go out in sympathy to those who knew and loved him. However I’m neither of the former and I agree most Americans probably are not either.

    • http://www.rabblerouserruminations.blogspot.com/ Rabble Rouser Reverend Amy

      It was exactly that kind of backstabbing of Hillary that made me lose a lot of respect for Kennedy. When Biden claimed today that Kennedy didn’t have a petty bone in his body, I had to change the channel. I couldn’t listen to any more of that drivel. I think Hillary found out up close and personal just how incredibly petty he could be.

      That being said, Kennedy DID do some good work. I didn’t realize how much he did to push No Child Left Behind, though, and that has been a debacle of the first order.

      And I knew they would use this to try and ram through something that Kennedy himself never, ever, ever had to worry abt – paying for health care. The irony, the irony…

      • basil

        NCLB ruined what was left of the public education system.

        It led to massive unfunded Federal Mandates that states couldn’t afford and which caused legal students to be penalized at the expense of illegal.

        The FLMA, on the other hand, was, a good piece of legislation.

      • Cathy in Ks.

        Rev. Amy,
        Sorry I just picked up your comment tonight. I missed what Biden said today about Kennedy and I’m glad I did. I agree with you about his pettiness. I don’t think he liked Bill Clinton and resented Hillary in part because she stepped on his “turf” regarding health care after Bill was elected.

        His premature endorsement of Obama was meant to hurt Hillary Clinton. Until that point I had admired Kennedy but after that I really didn’t like him. Even though Hillary went on to win many primaries and beat Obama in Massachusetts on Super Tuesday (despite Kerry’s, Kennedy’s, and Patrick’s endorsements of Obama), I think Kennedy set into motion the moving of the left-wing of the democratic party towards Obama which ultimately paved the way for Obama’s nomination. Would Hillary be president today if Kennedy had simply remained silent during the primaries?

      • MOLLY MOBSTER

        I don’t know if anyone recalls this…but back in the Primary, I was told by a Congressional Investigator that the back room deal to get rid of Hillary Care, and Hillary, was an endorsement by the Kennedy family for Obama and in exchange the health care bill would have the Kennedy name on it. It was explained to me that because the Kennedy family has never had their name on any significant American legislation, since JFK died before Civil Rights were passed, that this was a big bone for the Kennedys. Figures. Nothing about this pathetic group has been on the up and up. Nothing.

  • Lisa

    Bronwyn’s Harbor, I for one have been turning channels to avoid watching the Kennedy saga. I listened to Obama give his speech and I must say he looked pissed. For Obama being Kennedy’s friend, Obama showed no emotion. I agree that a lot of us American’s didn’t think much of Kennedy.
    Lisa

    • Obamastolemycounty

      Well of course he’s pissed. He’s on vacation and has had to be bothered with things like keeping Bernanke on and deaths of people he is done using for political gain. The man doesn’t want to work hard and he certainly wants his vacation time to be photo op only. How dare anyone disturb the king.

    • fif

      I saw a subtitle on CNN that said Obama is “heartbroken” over Kennedy’s passing. My first thought was: I’ve never seen him show much emotion about anything–I’d like to see what “heartbroken” looks like for Obama. Peeved (when criticized) is the most I’ve ever seen.

  • HARP

    Strange how people around Obama die at the most convenient times.

    • Obamastolemycounty

      I had the same thought this morning. Didn’t he also go on vacation near Grandma pretty close to the end? Maybe that is why he went to Marxist Vineyard. He wanted to be close by in case the end was near? Such a thoughtful person! snark

    • http://deleted BuzzisbackLatte

      Oooh, chilling, HARP. But so true…

      Kennedy’s death won’t be a rally-cry for healthcare. People are too pissed off.

    • tzada

      Ever see the picture of him sneaking down the alley leaving grandma’s house on his last visit just before she died? He did indeed look sneaky.

    • basil

      Agreed.

      Look at his granny. I still don’t believe she died when reported.

      I also think TK knew about the cancer way before it was announced and it’s possible he backed BO for the legacy of(s)electing the first AA.

      Just a hunch.

  • http://travismonitor.blogspot.com Travis Monitor

    Ted Kennedy’s legacy: Undisciplined liberalism.

    http://travismonitor.blogspot.com/2009/08/ted-kennedy-legacy.html

    … so it would be fitting to have a massive new healthcare program that we cannot afford at this time of trillion and a half dollar deficits to be named in honor of man, Kennedy, who couldnt control his political or personal appetites.

    Good observation that the “Kennedy” label will deep-six not help the bill. Most Americans know the old-style 60s liberalism of Kennedy and reject it.

  • Obama: Dubya 2 Electric Boogaloo

    Kennedy’s endorsment of Count Barakula couldn’t drag Captain Kumbaya over the finish line in MA, what makes the Dems think that naming the bill after him will make the public support it? This is not the 60′s/70′s anymore. Nobody gives a shit about the historiocity of the Kennedy clan.

  • Pingback: With Kennedy’s Death, Will Health Care Reform Be Resurrected? golf company

  • lizzy

    Kennedy should roast on the devil’s spit for his role in giving us Obama. I can’t believe such stupidty or corruption.

  • felizarte

    When I heard of John Kennedy’s assassination, chills went up my spine and I cried. When Robert Kennedy went the way of his brother, I literally got sick with a high temperature. When Ted Kennedy endorsed Obama, somehow in my mind, that was his death. I believed he was a patriot most of his public life, but that was one instaance that I didn’t think he was doing it for the country. I’d bow my head for any human who dies.

    But with Teddy, I like to think that Divine Providence loved him enough to save him from going further down the wrong road that began when he endorsed Obama.

  • felizarte

    I hope those who would use Ted Kennedy’s death as an excuse to ram through this healthcare bill would stop to think and wonder that Ted died because this flawed bill masquerading as a healthcare reform bill, MUST NOT PASS as is. That’s what I think, anyway.

  • T

    Yes, Kennedy legacy.

    Leave the girl to die, something that would have ruined anyone else’s political career, but not a Kennedy!
    Drunkenness
    Giving us Reagan by primary challenging Carter.
    No Child Left Behind.
    Nasty, petty sh*t toward the Clintons, especially Hillary. I don’t know what he hated worse that she was a Clinton or a woman. Joe Kennedy certainly had no use for women in politics, why not Teddy?

    People say, “he worked on healthcare since the 60′s”. So where is this healthcare, seems we’d have it after all that time.

    Karma is what they say it is, Mr. Kennedy.

    The Kennedy “dynasty” was one of the greatest marketing campaigns evuh! second only to that of “teh one”.

  • CG

    Hillary Clinton:

    Today I join all Americans in mourning the passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, one of our nation’s finest statesmen and a dear friend. My thoughts and prayers are with Senator Kennedy’s wife Vicki, his children, grandchildren, and all the members of the extended Kennedy family.

    For five decades, Senator Kennedy was at the heart of our greatest debates, serving on the front lines of democracy. With optimism and courage, he helped us meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of our times. He was a champion for women and families, for health care, education, civil rights and the environment. He inspired generation after generation of young Americans to enter public service, to stand up for justice and to fight for progress. And he was a legislator without peer, who understood both when to stand his ground and when to seek out the common ground on which compromise and progress is built.

    When I was First Lady, we worked together to provide health insurance for America’s children. When I arrived in the Senate, he was a generous mentor and a thoughtful colleague. We worked together to raise the minimum wage, improve education, and champion the cause we shared so deeply: ensuring that all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care. And as Secretary of State, I valued his counsel on how to make America a force for peace and progress around the world.

    I will always treasure the memory of his friendship and the time we spent together, from the Massachusetts waters he loved so much, to the floor of the Senate that will feel empty without his booming voice and broad smile.

    We have lost Ted, but his life’s work will shape our nation for years to come. His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of millions of Americans who are freer, healthier, and more prosperous because of his efforts. As he said, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.

    Barack Obama:

    ‘Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy. For five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts. I valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I’ve profited as President from his encouragement and wisdom.

    ‘An important chapter in our history has come to an end. Our country has lost a great leader, who picked up the torch of his fallen brothers and became the greatest United States Senator of our time. And the Kennedy family has lost their patriarch, a tower of strength and support through good times and bad. Our hearts and prayers go out to them today–to his wonderful wife, Vicki, his children Ted Jr., Patrick and Kara, his grandchildren and his extended family.’

    • Terry

      Right there for all to see…what could have been.

  • Kathy

    the fox ticker is saying deval patrick would sign a law allowing a replacement for Kennedy to be appointed rather than a special election. Apparently the special election bill was passed only so republican Romney would not have appointment powers. Once again there are different rules for republicans and democrats–surprise!!

    • NoBamaNoWay

      unbelievable. that kind of sh*t is why i’m no longer a democrat. it was just getting too embarrassing.

      • Terry

        I’m with you. I’m embarrassed to have been a Democrat.

  • tzada

    A little humor in these distressing times. :)

    Wake Up, Mrs. Petrowski

    http://iowahawk.typepad.com/iowahawk/2009/08/wake-up-mrs-petrowski.html

  • http://none jessiebritton

    I do not believe, that just to change the name of the legislation , is going to alter the contents of that legislation. It going to need major changes before the American public will accept it and neither the left or the right will agree to those changes to forge a majority. The power is in the center at this time and when one or the other gives into the center, that will determine the outcome. Further, one of the group will be punished in the 2010 general election.

  • http://historyisnotwhatitusedtobe.blogspot.com/ Leisure Suite Larry

    What a vile and contemptible place NQ has become. What petty and foolish people congregate here. A husband, father, grandfather, beloved uncle and friend to many has passed away and all people here can do is continue to spew their sad, tired, pathetic bile one more time.

    Mr Larry Johnston can you in the name of decency hit the pause button just once? Can you allow 48 hours to pass while we reflect on the passing of a man who served the nation for almost a half century? The answer is obvious; you couldn’t.

    R3 Amy; thank the goddess or what ever munificent deity that may (or may not) exist out there that you no longer ply your former trade as minister. You of all people should know that common decency requires restraint on the passing of a man or woman into the great unknown. What cold comfort you offered the Kennedy family in your comments. What a small and shriveled soul your revealed in your musings.

    Fortunately Edward Moore Kennedy has now beyond they petty sniping that passes for commentary at NQ. Fortunately his legacy will be judged by more contemplative souls than the lot that congregate here.

  • Tony

    It never ends does it. Soory but I can’t help to think how I have never thought before..RUSH rush WHEN IT’S NOT GOING THIER WAY as Nancy Pelosi Biden said.They will take it out of the bill of senate and take it out of the floor(Floor something like that ) But after it is voted on and does not get the votes Nancy pELOSI WILL STICK IT BACK IN.hOW CAN THEY DO THAT ? Now was it something as saying I will be brave or a rush for Ted Kenndy to be pushed aside to use him and play this as see folks only if he had the health coverage. well Ted Kennedy has good health coverage ! The way congress obama is trying and taking us.. I would not put it pass them one bit.. It’s I do not trust whats going on now in our government all the tricks lies and what else is one to think.. Came at a right time only after we the people are saying ..NOOBAMACARE.. SOOOOOOOOOOO

  • Kelly

    And no it’s not dead..It will be put back in after a vote if it don’t pass by Nancy Pelosi and Obama. GOD HELP US.CONGRESS NANCY PELOSI IS RUNNING A MOB GOVERNMENT.THEY WORK FOR US.. FIRE THE BUMS ALL OF THEM !

    You need to see this ! And now very inportant that you do.

    http://mobsrus.ning.com/forum/topics/glenn-beckplease-watch

    and this

    Jennifer Rubin Reports with Michael Steele: Don’t Believe The Hype, The Public Option isn’t Dead

    http://www.pjtv.com/v/2348

    MSNBC & The Great Liberal Narrative: The Truth About The Tyranny of Political Correctness

    http://www.pjtv.com/v/2343

    And this This is a wooper “A MUST SEE ” oH HOW msnbc STILL CONTINUE PLAYING THEIR NASTY GAMES TO HOLD THE AFRICAN AMERICAN at bay with them. Now watch as we all saw how MSNBC-NBC -played their game during the election but, wait they really went to far and you will see..just watch. This African American is sueing MSNBC for what they had done. People are jumping democrat-msnbc-obama ship at a fast rate.But, at that tea party there wer many African Americas who are standing with “We The People ” to fight against the health bill and gun rights.MSNBC will play anything as the race game by useing the African Americans in their agenda.but many have now awoke and will not be held at bay with the wrong msnbc did-the wrong with what Obama lied and lied now they see he is nothing more then a Liar- The wrong MSNBC did in playing a race against the other. we stand no more. it’s we the people who will stand together MSNBC NBC MSN AND FIGHT YOUR LIES. We are free and our freedom is not your to take from any of “we The People” It’s not your choice to take over our health providers or insurance to throw us into the government control pile… NO THANKS !
    VOTE ALL THE BUMS OUT SHUT MSNBC DOWN !

    MSNBC & The Great Liberal Narrative: The Truth About The Tyranny of Political Correctness

    http://www.pjtv.com/v/2343

  • Bruce W.

    For the media to attempt to gloss over his despicable character and promote Kennedy as a hero is akin to posthumously promoting Michael Jackson as a champion for the defense of little boys’ virginity.
    http://www.wheresthehope.wordpress.com

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