[Bull Man]

I am despondent as well. I truly believe this fundamentally changes the relationship between the government and the citizen. If this monstrosity becomes law we will need to face the fact that the Republic is dead. Part of my pessimism stems from the fact that I don't believe the Republicans have the onions to vote to cancel this law even if they do get a majority in 2010. And, if they only get the House do you think they will use the power of the purse to stop funding this beast? Nope.

"Consent of the governed" has only worked as long as we truly believe the Constitution is not just a piece of paper, but rather a compact between a free people willing to live within the self-restrainted boundaries. Once we break this wall as the governing class is about to do, then NO ONE is bound by such restraint. This is what I mean by the Republic being dead. We are only left with the Will to Power. It won't be pretty.

[XenaLee]

The Republic isn’t dead. We, the People are the Republic and we’re still alive, much to the chagrin of the commies in charge of ruining America, no doubt.

Keep your powder dry and stay alert. We are united in our sentiment and there are more of us than you think.