Nancy in Wonderland

The interwebs are abuzz with frantic speculation about Nancy Pelosi’s plan to deploy the so called “Slaughter Manœuver.” Democrat leaders in Congress apparently did not stop to consider how many jokes this would lead to, much less the political hara-kiri their rank-and-file members will have to commit by voting on such an obvious sham. The Wall Street Journal editorial board sums it up thusly:

We have entered a political wonderland, where the rules are whatever Democrats say they are. Mrs. Pelosi and the White House are resorting to these abuses because their bill is so unpopular that a majority even of their own party doesn't want to vote for it.

Throughout the health care debate, Democrats have insisted that if they pass a bill, public opinion will return to their favor. In the 2004 and 2008 elections, the chant was, “Anybody but Bush.” Now, President Obama’s permanent campaign has changed the battle cry to, “Any Bill.” The only problem? Voters aren’t buying it this time around.

In this political wonderland, the mainstream media are strapped in and ready to go wherever Alice’s teacups take them. Journalists who were once harshly critical of the “imperial” Bush presidency now report legislative rumors and cloak room whispers as though they were already fact. The fourth estate is desperate to see Obama succeed and will grasp at anything to keep the hope alive.

Only a few years ago, the “Slaughter Manœuver” would have been universally condemned as an outrageous abuse of power. Now, it is the next hit of adrenaline on the non-stop wacky fun-ride of health care reform. The Democrats think they hear screams of delight, but it’s the American people, and we’re screaming in terror. We want to get off this ride.

Share