Reason Writers Around Town: Peter Suderman in the New York Post on Democratic Dissent Over Health-Care Reform
In Sunday's New York Post, Reason associate editor Peter Suderman takes a look at Democratic divisions over health reform, and concludes that on health-care reform, Democrats have become their own worst enemy:
As health-care reform struggles to stay afloat, Democrats are desperate to pin the blame on Republicans. But the truth is, no matter how much Democrats gripe, it's their own fault.
With the passing of Ted Kennedy, Democrats have only 59 votes in the Senate, one less than they need to break a filibuster. Until this week, Democrats held out hope that at least one Republican would sign on. But when Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus finally released his plan on Wednesday, Olympia Snowe, the most likely GOP vote, quickly backed out.
That leaves Democrats with just one option: Go it alone. And that won't be easy. Because a party that not long ago was united behind a leader and a purpose—guaranteeing health insurance to all Americans—has, in just a few short months, descended into disarray.
Whole thing, including a list of Democratic dissenters, here.
