So this is what I learned from the last weekend of the health care reform debate.
First, lay a coffin at a White House fence and you’re subject to arrest.
Spit and yell abuse at members of the Black Caucus as they enter the Capitol and you’ll be left in peace. The same goes for screaming epithets at Barney Frank.
If you’re going to mass half a million strong for immigration reform, don’t expect coverage on CSPAN when they’re covering live events in and around Capitol Hill — not if there are hundreds of epithet throwers somewhere close to cover.
And I learned that after all, it has to be said, some Democrats do have spine. Unfortunately the rest could take some lessons in how to negotiate from the teeny weeny criminalize-abortion caucus and Rep. Bart Stupak.
Finally I learned that Nancy Pelosi is one hell of a house leader. She really can corral a majority when she wants. In fact, she and President Barack Obama can be really persuasive, when they want to be.
So let’s not hear any more bunk about the impossibility of the aforementioned immigration reform, or repealing Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, or actually coming up with some real financial regulation.
WThey can do it when they want to.
The one thing that remains a mystery is how to make them want to. If you don’t have a mountain of cash, that is.
LAURA FLANDERS is the host of GRITtv, which broadcasts weekdays on satellite TV (Dish Network Ch. More…9415 Free Speech TV) on cable, public television and online at GRITtv.org and TheNation.com. Follow GRITtv or GritLaura on Twitter.com.