Regardless Of the Balance Life

Crooks & Liars:

Ezra Klein points out Baucus's dilemma:

Max Baucus will release the Chairman's Mark -- the official first draft of his bill -- later today. But things are not going according to plan. He's got a bill full of the compromises meant to attract Republican support, but no Republican support. Not even Olympia Snowe, at this point, has committed to backing the bill.

Meanwhile, the framework has conceded enough to the GOP that it's also losing Democratic support, including that of Jay Rockefeller, chairman of the Finance Committee's Health Care Subcommittee. And Rockefeller says that four to six Democrats on the committee feel similarly. Baucus is thus caught between a rock and a hard place. The absence of any Republican support makes it hard for him to justify his compromises. And his compromises make it hard for the Democrats on the committee to support his bill.

I do three stupid things before breakfast, have an attention span shorter than a sugar-shocked toddler and dated enough crazy people to fill a post office wall, but even I know a few things Max Baucus should learn:

1. It's over between Max and the Republicans. When you still want 'em bad and hope they love you and wait up all night, Puddin', even if they show up they're on their way out the door. It's sad and all, but stand up on your own two feet and walk. Walk, baby!
2. Some folks look human but ain't. Look them in the eye and you'll see it. When a man tells the world he's going to vote against your legislation, believe it. He's not bargaining. He's dissing you in a deeply personal way, waiting for you to - again - walk away. Walk it, sugar!
3. We've seen the Republicans' true colors for decades. I hate to quote Miss Oprah quoting Miss Maya Angelou, but it's gotta be: When someone shows you their true colors believe them. Max - girl - your boots were made for walkin'.

Time and again, I watch the Democrats get out-maneuvered and I wonder: did these spineless fuckers not attend high school? Did they not have to stand up to bullies they'd have to face the next day? Did they not have to figure out how to push through crowds of lifeless dolts to get anything done? No?

Perhaps Congressional Democrats need a sophomore year in New Jersey public high schools to toughen them up. You know: because apparently governing has softened their skulls.