Since this is my first diary, please allow me to introduce myself.
My name is Tony, given name Anthony. That's despite the fact that I'm Jewish, a constant source of humour among my friends. I am (not) looking forward to my 40th birthday next year. I am divorced, with one son whom I love very much. I live in New Jersey, and I can see Manhattan, though not Russia, from my house.
Thanks in large part to my parents, I have been a proud Liberal, with a capital L, my entire life. I passionately support equal rights for all. Like you, I have voted for Democrats, signed petitions, called my representatives as needed. If I weren't living paycheck to paycheck, I'd donate to those who deserve it.
And I was overwhelmed and thrilled when I discovered this website, and community, about a year ago. My deepest thanks to everyone who contributes, even when I disagree with you.
Now let's talk Healthcare Reform...
While I have always been politically aware, there has never been an issue that has sucked me in as much as the current debate about healthcare. Thanks to Keith, Rachel and Ed on MSNBC, and of course the DK community, I have devoured news, updates and rumours about this issue that is so vital to our country's future. I have experienced extreme mood swings as events have unfolded.
Now we find ourselves at the tipping point. The current Senate bill is a hollow, crushing disappointment. It could have been so much more. I am angry, frustrated, cynical and saddened. In fact, 48 hours ago I was convinced that this bill should be blown up, that it would do more harm than good. A significant part of me still feels that way.
Then it dawned on me what the consequences would be, particularly these three:
- The Republicans, who have spent every waking moment fighting to destroy President Obama and this bill, would be able to declare victory.
- Democratic Senators whom I have the utmost respect for, including Al Franken and Sheldon Whitehouse, are supporting passage of the bill.
http://www.dailykos.com/...
http://www.dailykos.com/...
- Passing this bill, as imperfect (bad, putrid, etc) as it is, establishes a base that can be improved upon in the future.
Why do I emphasize these three points?
- If the bill is defeated, President Obama and Democrats in Congress will be seen, rightfully so, as weak and incapable of governing. This will negatively impact their ability to pass legislation on a host of other critical issues, including climate change, immigration, DADT, etc.
- If the bill is defeated, it will confirm that all the distortion, lies, scare tactics and procedural delays by the Republicans are justified. That it works. That they are tactics they can use again and again to re-gain control.
- If the bill is defeated, we are left with the status quo, and with no inertia or political capital to "try again". I don't think I need to go into great detail to tell you how destructive that would be.
For these reasons, I am holding my nose and supporting the current Senate Healthcare Reform bill. I fervently hope, though I am pessimistic, that it can be improved upon in conference.
But I no longer believe, even in its severely flawed state, that it does more harm than good.
Thanks for letting me share my thoughts with you.
Tony
UPDATE: As of approximately 1:25 a.m., EST, the Senate has agreed to limit debate for the HCR bill, clearing the way for its merger with the House version. As expected, the vote was 60-40, strictly along party lines.
This is our last chance to campaign for the best possible bill!! Contact your House Representative and fight!!