BuzzFlash Discussion

BUZZFLASH DISCUSSION

After more than a year of arguing about the best way to reform healthcare in this country, it appears that Washington's logical chops have devolved to a hissy fit over process.

What was once a screaming debate over death panels and the public option is now dominated by esoteric rules known as "deem and pass" and "self-executing." Republicans are clearly trying to make this about corruption, secret votes and ducking responsibility.

But considering how good they've been at framing almost every debate in the Obama presidency, will this tactic work?

"Newsflash: People in the real world don't care about self-executing rules and reconciliation," Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) told Republicans on the House floor this week. "They care about the process of rescission... the process of refusing a child who has asthma."

But was Schakowsky right? Or will disaffected Americans see Speaker Nancy Pelosi's move as a calculated bowling-over of popular will? Should the Democrats in the House have gone with an up-or-down vote on the Senate bill alone to avoid such appearances? What do you think?

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BUZZFLASH DISCUSSION

Dennis Kucinich announced this morning that he would support the healthcare reform bill in the House of Representatives when the vote is called later this week. He had previously opposed this bill, because it is so badly compromised that he feels it is ineffective.

Do you think he made the right call? At least this way we can pass something. And as Michael Moore said this morning, if Obama fails here, he may never recover.

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BUZZFLASH DISCUSSION

The Obama Administration has shifted toward trying to revamp No Child Left Behind to improve schools. With the far right turn in Texas textbooks and the influence Texas has on nationwide education, though, is there a chance of right-wing politics and theocracy being instituted in schools nation-wide? Let us know by adding your comments below.

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BUZZFLASH DISCUSSION

We were having a discussion about right-wing nut jobs at BuzzFlash HQ the other day and it seemed that most of them could be divided into these two categories: ignorant and shameless. To test our theory, we turn today to our readers. And who better to start with but the crown prince of right-wing nut jobs, Glenn Beck?

Ignorance would imply that Glenn Beck doesn't understand what he's doing, either because he isn't smart enough or he's unwilling to learn.

Shameless would imply that he's fully conscious of the horrifying misinformation, fearmongering, and propaganda he spreads, but is too blinded by money or influence to care.

So we leave it up to you. Please vote and then leave your reasoning in the comments below.

BUZZFLASH DISCUSSION

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BUZZFLASH DISCUSSION

Today, a group of governors and school superintendents released a rproposed set of national standards for education. With each state setting their own education standards it is difficult to measure the quality of any state's education. But with a national standard, under performing states may bring down ones who are excelling. Would a National Standard hurt more than it would help?

What are the pros and cons of a  national standard for education?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

BUZZFLASH DISCUSSION

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Obama is on another tour to try to sell healthcare reform. Again. As if taunting the White House, health insurers sought to raise rates. What kind of effects do you think this will have on the overall debate, especially after so much debate has already taken place? And what does it mean regarding that nagging question of the public option?

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BUZZFLASH DISCUSSION

Are the majority of representatives and senators on Capitol Hill voting for corporate and special interests or the interests of the people of the United States?

Please let us know in the comments below.

BUZZFLASH DISCUSSION

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The Supreme Court will hear a case tomorrow about gun rights that could overturn the ability for states and cities to regulate firearms. That would require a major policy change, but the Supreme Court isn't known for taking that kind of activist stance, right? So what do you think will come of this case and whatever legislation it spawns about gun control into the future? Please add your comments to the discussion below!

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BUZZFLASH DISCUSSION

According to pretty much every piece of analysis floating around in the aftermath of Thursday's healthcare summit at Blair House contends that zero votes have shifted from the Republican column of "No" to being open to voting for healthcare reform.

If anything, the obstinacy of the GOP merely emboldened Democrats to seek the bill's passage via reconciliation.

Still the GOP is trying to convince anyone who will listen that the American people don't like this bill. Public opinion has tilted against the overall bill by a slight margin prior to the summit. However, when Americans are asked poll questions about specific measures in the bill, they are much more supportive.

What we're wondering is whether or not the kabuki theater of the healthcare summit worked to convince ordinary Americans to support the bill. What do you think? If Obama and the Democrats couldn't convince Republicans, did they at least make their case to the American people (finally)? Or was this stunt too little, too late for the embattled effort to secure public support for affordable healthcare for all?

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BUZZFLASH DISCUSSION

Are too big to fail banks too big to stop? What should we do to curb the power and risks of mega-banks who now account for 63% of our GDP?

Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

BUZZFLASH DISCUSSION

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