Senator Ben Nelson had held up the Senate version of “health care reform” with objections of principle, concerning federal funding of abortion. He jettisoned said principles in exchange for having the federal government pick up the tab for all of Nebraska’s future Medicaid cost increases. (Remember, “the federal government” = “you.” That’s your money.) Now he appears to be vote #60, bought and paid for.

Nearly all of them are whores, of course, but it’s rarely this naked and shameless. (Think it’s a coincidence that he’s not up for re-election this year?)

To be sure, there is still plenty to be hopeful about. There is absolutely no chance of unifying the House and Senate versions of the bill between now and the first of the year, so this may yet sit on a Congresscritter or two long enough to seed real doubt about the wisdom of raising taxes by $500,000,000,000 over the next decade, increasing spending by more than $1,000,000,000,000, and cutting Medicare by $470,000,000,000 but just turning around and funding another entitlement with it. Oh, and let’s make damned sure health insurance is something no rational person would want to purchase, and then compel its purchase. Go have a look at what the Congressional Budget Office has to say about this monstrosity.

Or, don’t give it another thought. Lawmakers, ram this through, against the wishes of 6 out of 10 voters! Pay no attention to the calendar clicking over to 2010! I’m sure you’ll have plenty of time to win them back between now and November.

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