220-215. That was the vote count on healthcare reform. If three Democrats had shifted into the no column, the bill would have failed, President Obama and the Democrats would have been dealt a major blow by reactionary forces within the party, and millions would have seen their hopes dashed as big insurance companies won and the uninsured lost. There was a lot of courage, cowardice, goodness, and bile on display for this vote, but I want to single out two representatives from my own state of Arkansas, Marion Berry and Vic Snyder for voting for their constituents rather than the insurance companies, teabaggers, and Blue Dogs.
Arkansas hasn't seen much hope and change of late. Ya'll know that by now. Obama lost big time here and since then Democrats have been counting us as dead and out. That's not the case. Democrats are in control at the state level. Last year in fact, the Republicans failed to feild any candidates for federal office. That said, progressives don't have much of a voice in this state, and myself and some other activists are trying to change that with Blue Arkansas, a blog devoted to bringing together progressives across the state and pushing better Democrats and better public policy. By now you're all familiar with Mike Ross and Blanche Lincoln, and you can see why it's so important to promote an alternative to conservative Democrats and the corporate interests that really dominate the state here. Part of that, of course, includes fundraising for Democrats that will challenge that status quo, and that's why Blue Arkansas is now on ActBLue.
Now let me tell you about my Congressman, Marion Berry. Berry is a Blue Dog, but he still voted for healthcare reform. He could have easily voted with Mike Ross and Blue Cross, but instead he decided to cast his vote for you and me, and in the process he helped to isolate the odious Ross and make Blanche Lincoln's potential opposition that much harder for her. I won't pretend that Berry's perfect, much less a progressive, but it is important that we reward good votes, tough votes, and courageous votes, showing our candidates and representatives that we can use carrots as well as sticks and strengthening our hand in the process. And if you need more convincing, just remember that Berry was sticking it to the Republicans long before Alan Grayson was in the House. He may be one of the Blue Dogs, but he's far from being the worst of that lot, and by showing him that we'll stand with him for turning his back on the insurance companies we may find him to be a better partner down the road.
And then there's Vic Snyder. Snyder is definately the most liberal member of the Arkansas delegation, and along with Berry he voted for healthcare reform. What's more, he's in the fight of his life against Karl Rove's protege Tim Griffin, a left over from the Attorney Firing Scandal. So ask yourself this, would you rather have a guy that voted for healthcare reform in the U.S. House or a guy that's buddies with Bush's brain?
Now, let me say something about the Stupak Amendment. I understand the anger that's come about because of that nonsense, especially the feelings of women who have every right to be mad as hell. Both of these men voted for that amendment, and if that's a deal killer for you I'll understand and won't ask you again for your help.
But I do believe that change always comes with two steps forward and one step back and in Arkansas we've got a lot of walking to do, more so than a lot of other places across the country. Mike Ross and Blanche Lincoln have shown us what not having progressive influence leads to. They've shown us the importance of organizing and fighting and making our voices heard. I promise you, progressives in Arkansas are a larger group than you might think, and we're coming together stronger than before and won't forget Ross's offenses, and Blanche Lincoln is on notice too. But it's important to reward good behavior and tough votes, and by voting with President Obama, Speaker Pelosi, and all of us Berry and Snyder have shown that they can be worked with. Rewarding them with a contribution is more than appropriate now, and just to be sure they get the message, drop Berry and Snyder a little message telling them why you're doing so.
Thanks to all you guys. This community really is the best there is.