But First, A Little Perspective

A worthwhile read regarding the use of reconciliation in Congress through the eyes of the media:

http://mediamatters.org/columns/201003030032

While the article is a little left-leaning, it's hard to argue with the facts presented. When the Congress passed Clinton's welfare reform bill using reconciliation, no one called it a "gimmick" or "procedural trick." Similarly, when the Congress passed Bush's $726 billion tax cut package (while starting a war on two fronts that was conveniently left out of the President's budget, by the way), the use of reconciliation was barely mentioned. From the article, "The Times, Post, the three broadcast networks and CNN combined for fewer than a half-dozen other mentions of the process over the course of five months, none of which portrayed it as controversial."

Having earned a majority in the House and/or Senate, it's your duty to use that majority to work towards what you've promised - not to posture yourself for re-election or hold back for fear of being voted out next time around. Grow a pair, Dems - you're in office (partly) because voters liked your ideas and thought that you could get something accomplished. So, get it done. And fasten your seatbelts because the media and Republican wharblgarb has just started.