The House passed the climate change bill, which is great news. Progressives and believers in science should be pleased.
But let's put things into perspective. The bill has been watered down already, and barely passed with a vote of 219-212. It still needs to get through the Senate, where it'll be watered down even more. The final legislation will be a step in the right direction, but will undoubtedly fall far short of what scientists say is vital to prolonging our survival on this planet.
(That's why progressives like Kucinich voted against it.)
All this, despite having a Democratic president and commanding majorities in the House and Senate.
To be sure, not all Democrats are the good guys in this game. They're no John Boehner, who should win a Whiny Little Child award, but too many Democrats are beholden to big oil and big coal interests, who are primarily responsible for the lackluster response from Congress on this encompassing issue.
Nevertheless, it's a step in the right direction and here's hoping there's more to come.