Why is this a difficult decision?

Mary Madewell opines about the lack of civility and underhanded tactics in Congress -- mostly of Republican origin in her estimation. She says the Republicans try all kinds of tricks to make the Democrats look bad. She says one of the amendments introduced in the senate to the health care bill is a perfect example.

Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma introduced the aforementioned amendment. It would prohibit sex offenders from using federal funds to purchase Viagra. Do you see anything political or wrong with such an amendment? The ridiculous thing is that such an amendment is even necessary in the first place. Mary says its introduction was a definite ploy to make Democratic senators cast a hard vote. What's so hard about that? Why, in heaven's name, would any right-thinking person want to pay for Viagra for a sex offender? Apparently, besides Mary Madewell, 57 Democratic senators think it's a good idea. Senator Coburn's amendment failed by a vote of 57-42. So next time you pay your taxes, remember -- they're going for a good cause -- some sex offenders just need a little help in accomplishing their dastardly deeds.

"Politics as usual a frightening concept." The Paris News; March 25, 2010; p. 4.