All the rhetoric that we have heard over the last 427 days (that this legislation has been worked on) will soon be forgotten. Health Care Reform will be seen to be a benefit to society and America will be a better place.
Republicans seem to think this gives them momentum, but I believe just the opposite. I am a typical Democrat, in that I support most of the policies of the party and usually vote for Democrats. And my elation this morning is profound. If I use the feeling after Barack Obama was elected as a baseline of 100, then today I am feeling a 93.
And if all Democrats in America are feeling a 93, then we will do well in November. A fringe benefit from this vote will be about 32 million votes. Democrat poll number should go up this week and continue to rise in the run up to the 2010 election.
Nancy Pelosi ended the night with her remarks on the floor of the House by smiling and giving examples of the positive ways this reform will benefit women in particular and Americans in general. Every woman in America should vote for Democrats this year after what Pelosi has done and after what Lilly Ledbetter did to advance equality. Being female is no longer a pre-existing condition.
Minority leader John Boehner screamed "Hell, no," several times in a fit of rage.
An unidentified Republican called out "baby killer" as Bart Stupak was speaking.
(Update: I just read this tweet: "Dear Congress: Before you shout "baby killer", remember that 5,378 babies have been killed fighting in Afghanistan/Iraq.")
John Lewis was unfazed as Republican supporters chanted "ni**er" at him as he approached the Capitol on Saturday.
John Lewis and me at last year's Weekend of Equality.
Let's just say that Democrats and progressives were on the high road over the weekend, while Republicans and teabaggers were on the low road.
Shamefully, as has been the case throughout history, Alabama's congressional delegation stood firm in their attempt to deny insurance to 32 million Americans and to prevent the Medicare donut hole from closing.
Artur Davis will be left behind as he will no longer be in office in Washington to see this reform implemented. Terri Sewell, who is seeking to replace Davis in AL-07, had this to say.
"Today's vote brings this country a step closer to ensuring that all Americans have access to affordable quality coverage. It is important that health care reform does not end here, but that we continue to press for a public option that will ensure coverage of 100% of Americans. In Congress, I will work with President Obama to make sure that this is done," said Sewell.
Sewell hopes to be the first black women elected to congress from Alabama. We need a woman representing Alabama. Our seven congressmen, including Davis, voted against the interests of women in the area of health care last night.
Ron Sparks wants to be governor, and said this.
“I have been on record supporting affordable health care,” said Commissioner Ron Sparks. “I am happy for the 7th District, which will finally get the assistance they desperately need and want. I have never seen a Representative so blatantly ignore the will of the people in his district like Artur Davis has done. He was elected to represent the 7th District, not the special interests, but he chose to return to Washington to vote against his constituents."
Read what some other locals said at Left in Alabama.
2 comments:
Sparks's position is not as cut and dry as his statement would have you believe. I remember this video from a gubernatorial forum last summer, where he said the following: "Do I support the current legislation that is on the table. No I don't. And I commend Congress for slowing this legislation down."
The video is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMNU81LdUpY
Is Sparks opportunistic on this issue as well?
If I remember correctly, and if the person asking the question is correct, the bill Sparks was referring to in this audio clip included the public option (which I am for). That was not in the current bill, so his support for this one could be based on that.
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