Reconciliation

In the dictionary, the word "reconcile" has several different meanings. One of those meanings is to restore to friendship or harmony. Another definition is to check (a financial account) against another for accuracy. I think that the latter is probably the definition that applies to the parliamentary process that was introduced in 1974 as a way to help "reconcile" the U.S. budget to account for changes that needed to happen because of changing economic conditions. This is usually used as a tool to reduce the deficit.

Right now, the Senate is trying to use this little "tool" to ram through Obamacare. I guess that this use of the tool would fall under another definition of "reconcile": to cause to submit to or accept something unpleasant. This is not a budget adjustment. In fact, this is really a budget increase of elephantine proportions. Robert Byrd, Senator from West Virginia, in March told the Washington Post "The misuse of the arcane process of reconciliation--a process intended for deficit reduction--to enact substantive policy changes is an undemocratic disservice to our people and to the Senate's institutional role." He was referring to health reform and cap and trade.

A funny point that the Wall Street Journal observed was what Nancy Pelosi said about getting this bill passed.

"'They know that this will take courage,' Nancy Pelosi said in an interview over the weekend, speaking of the Members she'll try to strong-arm. 'It took courage to pass Social Security. It took courage to pass Medicare,' the Speaker continued. 'But the American people need it, why are we here? We're not here just to self-perpetuate our service in Congress.'

Leave aside the irony of invoking the 'American people' on behalf of a bill that consistently has been 10 to 15 points underwater in every poll since the fall, and is getting more unpopular by the day, particularly among independents."

Does anyone think it ironic that Pelosi acts like she is not just here to "self-perpetuate" her  service in Congress? HA! What a joke! This is like the last chance the democrats have to pass Obamacare. Most people think this is an abuse of power from what I am reading. What do you think?