The Stupak pro-lifers have accepted an executive order for their votes:
Stupak announced support for the bill as the White House issued its statement about the executive order.The president "will be issuing an executive order after the passage of the health insurance reform law that will reaffirm its consistency with longstanding restrictions on the use of federal funds for abortion," reads a statement from White House Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer.
As they're arguing in the Corner, an executive order simply doesn't do the trick. Kathryn Lopez: "I think we're witnessing Bart Stupak write the obit for the concept of the 'pro-life Democrat.'"
As a local matter, he may be writing the obituary for Jim Langevin's seat in Congress. If this is what pro-life Democrats get for their votes, they ought to throw the next primary to Betsy Dennigan and then vote Republican or independent as a lesson.
I think Stupak decided to go with the idea this bill is pro life, like the nuns said. I would think that people trust nuns over priests right now, nuns aren't diddling any children.
Posted by: Tara at March 21, 2010 6:16 PMIf, indeed, the bill or the Executive Order are firmly pro-life, why are pro-choice members of Congress going along with them?
Posted by: Monique at March 21, 2010 6:17 PM Jim Langevin is learning who his friends. And the pro-lifers whose cause he's supported for years are not Tand probably never were) his friends.
He's Carrie White, and the so-called pro-lifers here are the jocks and cheerleaders dumping the bucket of blood on blood on him.
If you're angry enough to vote Dennigan, do it, just like you voted for Whitehouse (won't remind you how THAT turned out).
An executive order only has effect on executive agencies and cabinet departments.It cannot affect or alter legislation.
Did any of you leftist asswipes take civics?Or political science?
"An executive order only has effect on executive agencies and cabinet departments.It cannot affect or alter legislation."
Exactly right, Joe.
Unfortunately, Congressman Stupak has been duped by this one. For his own sake, even if it doesn't change the outcome, let's hope he figures it out before he votes tonight.
Moniquie,
Agree or disagree with Stupak, I think it's pretty silly to say he was "duped," as if he's going to wake up tomorrow and say "DOOOHHH, why didn't I think of that?"
While he's probably no MENSA candidate, the guy has been living and breathing this stuff for months, so to say he didn't understand the language is disingenuous.
What will be more interesting to see is if the pro-lifers in Michigan turn on him.
Posted by: RandyInWarwick at March 21, 2010 8:42 PMRandy, when he was asked yesterday about the possibility of the President rescinding the Executive Order, Stupak said, yes, and the sky might fall, too - meaning that it's very unlikely. (He is very wrong, even setting aside the weakness of an Executive Order to treat this matter.)
That's evidence he was exhausted and not thinking clearly. Stupak is going to get some rest, then figure out the magnitude of his mistake and be very regretful.
Let's be clear, however, that this does not excuse what he did. On the contrary; as Justin's link above notes, Stupak and his "pro-life" group turned out to be the linchpin to getting this monstrosity passed. Fatigue is not an acceptable reason to pass very bad legislation.
Posted by: Monique at March 22, 2010 7:47 AMMonique, I beg to differ. Stupak wasn't duped with an Executive Order that is completely meaningless.
Stupak was looking for political cover.
He caved and wanted a way to put lipstick on that pig.
He's a sellout. Can you imagine being a sellout on this issue of "life"??
Amazing!!
He'll regret this for the rest of his life.
Whether he made an honest mistake or he was just looking for cover, Tim, he's not getting away with it. I've tried to give him the benefit of the doubt but not very many other people on the right have done so.
The latest opponent he has acquired, by the way, is a Drain Commissioner ...
Posted by: Monique at March 23, 2010 7:36 AM