Because power in Washington is about control of the legislative agenda. A defeat of the bill, in whatever form, will result in loss of our agenda (the progressive agenda). This is our issue. It currently is and has been front and center on the legislative agenda. Should we (all Democrats) choose to cannibalize this chance, we will all bear responsibility for the loss of the agenda. Legislating is an ugly process. So be it. But from where I view it, at least we are fighting a battle where we have control of the agenda (the HCR issue). I'll take that fight any day of the week over having to FIGHT FOR CONTROL OF THE AGENDA.
This post isn't directed at any group or any elected official. It probably will slide down the list unnoticed and largely unread. But we are all in the same foxhole ultimately. Too many uninsured. Too many underinsured. Too many denied procedures. Too many denied claims. Too many precariously insured.
If you have ever been in a fight with an insurance company (and I have been in more than my share), you know that delay is a favorite tactic. Drag it out. Delayed the decision. Need more information. Etc.
Rest assured that the control of the agenda that we enjoy for the moment scares the absolute shit out of the interests that bear responsibility in large measure for our broken HC system. And now that we are at the goal line, about to punch the football across, we have been momentarily triangulated. Shooting at each other.
I am not calling for verses of Kumbaya. I am not calling for people to sit on their hands and not make opinions known about which provisions should or shouldn't be included. What I am calling for is perspective.
HCR is about to become reality. Reality means a passed bill. A failed bill or a "killed bill" means that HCR slips away again.
And no matter what shape/substance the bill ultimately takes, the perception will matter and be the lasting legacy. Progressives controlled the agenda in 2009 and came close to a bill, but couldn't get it done. What a horrible legacy that would be....
And beyond the clamoring on the Senate floor and on the blogs, there are those who need reform who wait and hope. And their hope is a bill. A bill. Any bill. Because when hope is all you have at the moment, no is just too much disappointment to imagine....