GRITtv: F Word

The July 4th weekend's here and this Independence Day, let's hope our Congress -- and in particular our Senators -- reflect on the meaning of Independence. Specifically, independence from big dollar lobbyists and the private media drumbeat that no real change can come to Washington -- even if a majority of Americans vote for it.To revisit November '08: Conservatives were in a panic... "A Liberal Supermajority -- Get ready for 'change' we haven't seen since 1965, or 1933." That's what the Wall Street Journal was editorializing last October.If Barack Obama wins and Democrats consolidate their Congressional majorities with a filibuster-proof Senate --- Well then, fasten your seatbelts -- the Senate will be like the House -- shock horror -- able to pass whatever the majority wants.Fast forward to now, liberal power in control, but suddenly a majority's insufficient...What changes did the Journal anticipate? Regulation of Business, a public healthcare plan.... the Employee Free Choice Act....felon re-enfranchisement.... a Green Revolution.... They're all in doubt.The caution on healthcare is making some furious. Here's Ed Schultz -- on MSNBC's The Ed Show. I'm his guest pretty regularly and last night heard him sound off -- and invite critics of national healthcare on a visit to Canada to check out the facts...You can catch the Ed show Monday-Friday on MSNBC at 6 pm Eastern or online at msnbc.com.The F Word is a regular commentary by Laura Flanders the host of GRITtv which broadcasts weekdays on satellite TV (Dish Network Ch. 9415 Free Speech TV) on cable, public television and online at GRITtv.org and TheNation.com.