A pattern is emerging for this new presidency. The more radical and far-reaching the plan, the less time the public gets to debate it
Why The Rush?
Where is Ross Perot when we need him? The eccentric Texan got a few things wrong in his political career, but he got at least one thing right with one of his favorite sayings: Measure twice, cut once. This is wisdom that the Obama administration and the Democratic leadership in Congress seem totally to have forgotten.
As of the past week, not one but two reform schemes to transform huge swathes of the economy and extend government power into both are on a do-it-yesterday fast track. President Obama wants Congress to send him an overhaul of the entire U.S. health care system by Oct. 15 — about 16 weeks from now.
His financial reform plan, unveiled just last Wednesday, is the most far-reaching since the New Deal. But the administration wants action now, and at least one leading Democrat, Barney Frank, says Congress will get a bill to Obama's desk before the end of the year.
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