Krystal Ball

He's my opponent for the Democratic nomination.

I know. I was just being a smart a#%. Happy New Year!

And which right do you think is in jeopardy?

I agree that we should allow the body scans as long as the images cannot be saved and the personnel are trained and professional. Frankly, as I said in another positing on this same subject, I feel sorry for the folks who will have to look at all those images 8 hours a day. We are not exactly a nation of Supermodels...

This is not really even an issue. Of course we ave to scan people on international flights. Every country should have already been doing it. And domestically, people who are on the higher ends of the watch list or act funny should be pulled from the line and scanned as well.

Hahaha! I think a lot of Democrats are feeling particularly progressive right now. Hope you're doing well George! Are you staying in Fredericksburg for the holidays?

Fxbg (& Richmond for a few hours). Have a great Christmas. I may be more liberal than before but I'm not politically correct -- never will be. Vero Bch in Jan. for a week after the Fxbg Dem Caucus.

I'd vote for the bill, here's why. I think everyone in the country save for Joe Lieberman and Ben Nelson have reasons to be dissapointed in the Senate bills. As far as I go, I wanted a public option and I find it offensive to force women to write a separate check for abortion coverage. On the other side, I'm delighted that insurance companies ... See Morewill no longer be able to deny coverage based on preexisting conditions or put caps on coverage. I'm also pleased that the bill is packed with a lot of different programs to try to reduce costs, improve quality, and expand access. Hopefully we'll be able to emphasize the successful aspects and phase out the unsuccessful. For me, the bottom line is that we can't let the perfect be the enemy of the good. If this President fails on health care, it could be decades before another administration has the political courage and the majorities necessary to get something done. Let's pass a bill now as a first step in a longer process of health care reform.

Awesome response, Krystal. Thanks for taking the time and being so thoughtful. I could only support the bill if the Stupak abortion amendment is included, and that's because I'm Catholic. I totally respect your position though. I think it will be so exciting to see a Cavalier like yourself debating on the House floor, and what a treat that you won't have to worry about catching a flight home on the weekends like the other congresspeople. Good luck and Go Hoos!

Thanks, Chris, great points. It's just that I remember President Obama talking about his ambitious agenda on the campaign trail (i.e. "Let's go change the world!"), and now it seems the Senate is halting what the American people said they wanted last November. I'm trying to find a way in which the government can more efficiently carry out the people's will. Cloture = 51 is a great idea.

The site is impossible to register for. Try me again, Krystal, when they get a computer expert hired.

Was finally successful.