Tony Perkins Washington Update
22 pens later Tuesdays Health Care Bill signing ceremony was complete. After some mutual back-slapping 20 giddy guests took home the ultimate party favor -- one of the writing instruments that made it all possible. (No word yet on whether Cecile Richards President of Planned Parenthood added to her collection.)
It was difficult not to notice that the President surrounded himself with a special pro-abortion cheering section captained by Richards -- who merrily tweeted At the Dept. of the Interior w/progressive leaders for the #hcr bill signing ceremony.
Of course the White House will maintain that her appearance was a just coincidence because abortion funding isnt in the bill.
Meanwhile if there are pens to be given away at todays execution executive order signing America wont know about it. In a stark contrast to yesterdays festivities White House officials seem embarrassed by their agreement with Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) and put the ceremony where shady deals belong -- behind closed doors.
As of this morning the President was determined to host a private signing without a single member of the press. While the slight created some media
buzz the White House was right to keep the event low-key.
The occasion isnt newsworthy -- because it doesnt change anything!
The order is as Cecile Richards pointed out a symbolic gesture that has absolutely no bearing on what the legislation does and does not fund.
Down the street members of the Senate are stretching for a voting marathon that will force them to make countless laps to and from the chamber for what Republicans are hoping will be a long series of amendments to the health care fix bill.
The GOPs vote-o-rama kicks off today with amendments on a potpourri of issues including proposals that would: force the President to enroll in his new health care system protect marriage in D.C. eliminate some of the sweetheart deals in the Senate health care bill protect conscience rights stop Medicare cuts and much more.
Although Senate Republicans made time for an amendment on Viagra funding we havent seen any proposals on the unborn which would mark the first time that Senate Republicans have dropped the ball on the issue. During our conversations with Senate offices we did learn that one GOP Senator is drafting pro-life language but we cant confirm that its been filed -- or more importantly -- prioritized by the GOP leadership.
After what happened in Seattle one thing Republicans should add to their agenda is an amendment protecting parents rights. A mom there was irate to learn that her daughters high school clinic had given her a pass put her in a taxi and sent her off to have an abortion during school hours--all without her family knowing.
The 15-year-olds mom said They just told her that if she concealed it from her family that it would be free of charge.
Look for incidents like this one to increase under health reform.
Controlling the people is hard work as Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) said but somebodys gotta do it.
