THE BANZAI CHARGE IS COMING – AT 6:14 P.M. ET:  The Dems, feeling overwhelming guilt over Obama's decision to postpone his Asian trip next week, and his heartbreaking decision to leave the wife and kids behind, have scheduled a vote for next weekend to cheer him up. 

WASHINGTON (AP) - Under White House pressure to act swiftly, House and Senate Democratic leaders reached for agreement Friday on President Barack Obama's health care bill, sweetened suddenly by fresh billions for student aid and a sense that breakthroughs are at hand.

"It won't be long," before lawmakers vote, predicted Speaker Nancy Pelosi. She said neither liberals' disappointment over the lack of a government health care option nor a traditional mistrust of the Senate would prevent passage in the House.

Other sources report that Democrats in the House have been alerted to be prepared to vote next weekend, allowing the president to wing off to Asia, probably on Sunday the 21st. 

This is the way the future of our medical system is being decided. 

At the White House, officials worked to maximize Obama's influence over lawmakers who control the fate of legislation that has spawned a yearlong struggle. They announced he would make a campaign-style appearance in Ohio next week to pitch his health care proposals, as well as delay his departure for an Asian trip later in the month.

With Democrats deciding to incorporate changes in student aid into the bill, Republicans suddenly had a new reason to oppose legislation they have long sought to scuttle.

"Well of course it's a very bad idea," said Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. "We now have the government running banks, insurance companies, car companies, and they do want to take over the student loan business."

COMMENT:  What, precisely, does the student loan program have to do with health care?  But what does this whole process have to do with health care?

It's a huge power grab.  Many leftist ideologists believe that seizing the health-care system is the first step to full socialization of an economy.

March 12,  2010