Centered Politics: February 2010 Archives

Once Again, The "Party of No" Morphs Into The "Party of No Way Jose"

By Douglas Rivlin on February 28, 2010 11:16 AM

With the jobs bill that just passed the Senate, a small group of Republican Senators, led by Jeff Sessions of Alabama, tried to hold up matters by insisting that immigration provisions be added to the bill. Once again, the "Party of No" morphs into the "Party of No Way Jose" as the GOP trots out its all-purpose boogeyman: "illegals" Another bill moves through the Senate to help the American economy and ...
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The Case For Slow Politics

By Sheri Rivlin and Allan Rivlin on February 18, 2010 10:06 PM

Perhaps it is easier to see the value of slow politics now that everyone is so frustrated that the fast "Big Bang" politics of 2009 seems to have come to a grinding halt in 2010. With health care reform, jobs, energy, and immigration initiatives all apparently stalled, fast politics has been exposed as exceedingly slow. Fast politics now seems as likely to lead to lasting progressive policy change as speed ...
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Immigration Reform Could Be The Answer To The Question: Can You Govern?

By Douglas Rivlin on February 18, 2010 4:33 PM

Comprehensive immigration reform cannot be passed by the Democrats alone. It has always been an issue that required some level of cooperation between the parties. While many think that rules out any action this year given the state of inter-party relations, it is also the perfect test for Washington.The fight for comprehensive immigration reform embodies what is ailing American politics. This is an issue where both parties have had a ...
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A Simple Theory To Explain Why Health Care Legislation Has Stalled

By Jim Jaffe - Health Care Editor on February 18, 2010 2:33 PM

I have a simple theory to explain why health reform legislation has stalled -- it is an echo of why the Clinton plan failed -- most Americans are ultimately unwilling to abandon today's imperfect system for a new one that would require them to adapt to changes that ultimately could prove more uncomfortable than the status quo.This has nothing to do with partisan bickering, timing, communications campaigns or any of ...
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A Progressive Game Changer: Immigration Reform in 2010

By Douglas Rivlin on February 11, 2010 2:55 PM

Progressives need a game changer. Assuming progressives have the twin goals of helping Democrats avoid a monumental defeat in November and positioning progressive policies to have more sway in the two- or six-years that remain of the Obama administration, progressives need an issue around which to mobilize and energize. Consider immigration reform. It builds coalitions on the left, divides coalitions on the right, and mobilizes Latino and immigrant voters who ...
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Portobello mushroom and chèvre stuffed spinach ravioli with walnuts and blackened leek crisps

By Allan Rivlin on February 10, 2010 1:20 PM

This dish is hand rolled and stuffed spinach raviolis topped with the walnuts and leek crisps, which are kind of like potato chips made out of burnt leeks, in a white wine and walnut oil sauce. Leave out the chèvre, butter, and parmesan and the dish is vegan. This dish is hard work, no doubt, but it's worth it. Allow about an hour for making the raviolis and an hour ...
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Would the Public Accept a "Generic" Provider/Hospital Network if Insurance Companies Offered One?

By Jim Jaffe - Health Care Editor on February 1, 2010 3:08 PM

Are health insurers interested in building a better mousetrap? If they came up with one, would consumers beat a path to their door?These questions are provoked by a recent Massachusetts study concluding that health insurance costs are rising because insurers are being forced to pay what seem to be abnormally high reimbursement rates to hospitals that have banded together to get greater bargaining power. It is fleshed out by health ...
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