Nate Beeler, The Washington Examiner

Monday's Mayhem - What else could it be today? The Affordable Care and Patient Protection Act has passed. Let the mayhem begin.

As usual, I will not pretend like I could hold my own in a debate on this topic. I read. I listen. I have not spent hours dissecting the contents of the bill. I am, however, clued in enough to believe that while it may be a giant win for the Democrats, it is most likely not going to be such a big win for the average American. Regardless of your opinion on the topic, The Affordable Care and Patient Protection Act (ACPPA) is now law. And whatever your viewpoint, you can't dispute the fact that getting this far has been a major legislative victory. That being said, there are still all kinds of hurdles the Democrats will have to survive, and there will continue to be battles on many fronts.

What I didn't realize, is that House Democrats simultaneously passed a second bill that amended the main bill. Please, could you guys make it a bit more confusing for those of us without a clue in this department. I know, I should read more. Anyway, the second bill, don't know if it has a name, shall serve to placate the Democrats who reluctantly voted for the ACPPA, on the grounds that certain provisions would be amended in the 'reconciliation' process. Whatever that means, Senate Republicans are already busy pointing out that because the second bill intends to increase Social Security revenue, which is prohibited under reconciliation rules. i.e. The Senate will most likely change the second bill, requiring it to go back to The House for another vote, and it may not pass a second time. Can you say HOT MESS? I know, this is the way our arcane political system keeps on truckin', but where does it get us?

In addition, attorneys general in thirteen states (I'm guessing this number has increased since this morning) have filed suit against the federal government, claiming that the ACCPA is unconstitutional, and that forcing Americans to obtain healthcare is a violation of their rights. One might safely assume that they might just be right. It's unheard of - the federal government dictating that by definition of being a US citizen, you have to purchase a certain product, insurance or otherwise.

And finally, back to the GOP leaders. They have promised that they will make repealing the ACCPA their mission when it comes to campaigning in the fall. Based on how unpopular the bill is, Republicans are going to benefit in the electoral vote department. Will they succeed in getting the bill repealed? Probably not. Will mayhem ensue? Most definitely. Will our fearless political commentators on the Republican side of the fence have a field day with this mayhem. You bet your sweet potatoes they will. Politics, shmolitics...it's gonna be a long couple of years (decades?).