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Almost three years ago, in the glow of a decisive re-election victory as California's governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger proclaimed himself a "post- partisan" leader who would not be limited by the dogma of the two major parties. Ever since, conservative Republicans in the state have smoldered quietly, avoiding open revolt against their party's nominal leader but counting the days until one of their own could replace Schwarzenegger.
Critics storm that health care reform is "a cruel hoax and a delusion." Ads in 100 newspapers thunder that reform would mean "the beginning of socialized medicine." The Wall Street Journal's editorial page predicts that the legislation will lead to "deteriorating service." Business groups warn that Washington bureaucrats will invade "the privacy of the examination room," that we are on the road to rationed care and that patients will lose the "freedom to choose their own doctor."
The residents of the Afghan capital, both native and foreign, are waiting for President Obama to make up his mind.