…See these tears so blue
An ageless heart
that can never mend
These tears can never dry
A judgement made
can never bend
See these eyes so green
I can stare for a thousand years
Just be still with me
You wouldn’t believe what I’ve been thru

You’ve been so long
Well, it’s been so long
And I’ve been putting out fire
with gasoline
putting out fire with gasoline…

I’ve always loved this song by David Bowie.  These lyrics encapsulate the madness surrounding this legislation, and the man responsible for moving it forward. This must be what the Senate Majority leader feels like.  Having finally wrangled 60 votes for the President’s signature domestic policy (And a major tenet of the Democratic platform I might add), Harry Reid seems to have squelched the dissent– for the moment at least.  It was not without consequence of course.  Nothing ever is in Washington.  Reid handed out bribes, er… payoffs, to Senators straddling the fence, making sure he had his 60 in the fold.  Was it tough having to capitulate to Senator Ben Nelson (D-CO)?  Sure, but where’s the harm in giving Nelson money for his rhinoplasty?  How about Mary Landrieu (D-LA)?  She and her state can really use the money to keep funding those bogus studies, explaining just how Louisiana is the happiest state in the country.  Really?  Louisiana?

Progressives aren’t too thrilled with the Senate version of this bill, because of the glaring hole left by the absence of the public option.  Critics will chirp about the actual amount of reform this bill will provide.  Still, to move this massive unprecedented legislation is a feat in itself– and to do it with members of your own party gutting you at every turn, as if you were on Rykers Island– is pretty damn impressive.

And wither Joe Lieberman?  Liebs must feel confused.  After all, his rock solid principles have been shaken to their core time and again.  Having to re-support a bill in which he initially supported– then having to explain his psycho-posturing and flip-flopping on an issue he initially came up with– must have been hard on him.  It must be difficult having principles like that.  The kind that are resolute and unshakable.  In the end, I’m sure the people of Connecticut– who last time I checked, were widely in favor of the public option and universal health care–will surely test Liebs’ unwavering principles.  The falcons will become the falconers.  In layman’s terms, he needs to watch his ass.

Yup, Harry Reid is putting out fire with gasoline.  And if this is what it takes to bring us all health care reform, then he should set that whole damn town ablaze!  Congratulations on moving history forward.

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