Hey, who was that walking up the steps of Air Force One yesterday, right behind President Obama?
Damned if it wasn’t Congressman Dennis Kucinich, invited to join the president at a health care rally outside Cleveland, Kucinich’s hometown.
Of course, Kucinich wasn’t along just to show Obama the sights. He was there so Obama could twist his arm and ask him to vote yes on health care reform in the House this week – even though he voted no, the last time.
And now his one vote could make the difference whether health care reform passes or fails.
It’s a tough decision for Kucinich. He was originally for single-payer. He didn’t get it. He tried to get a single-payer option for states. He didn’t get it. Then he was willing to settle for a strong public plan option. But he didn’t get that, either.
So what does Kucinich do now? Hold his nose, vote for the bill, then go to work to make it stronger down the road?
Or stick to his guns, vote no, and hand Republicans and insurance companies a big fat victory?
Yes, it’s a tough decision, but the choice is clear. Kucinich must vote yes.
That’s my parting shot for today.
I agree. Kucinich MUST vote yes just to get this health reform process on the road to recovery. If he votes no, we’ll be at the mercy of Big Insurance and Big Pharma for another entire generation.
He must vote YES! For all the cowards in Congress who are afraid to loose an election, let me say to you: SO WHAT! Your life will go on
but if you vote no, thousands of people will die needlessly because they
lack health care! Better to be remembered as a man or woman of integrity who put the well being of this nation ahead of their personal ambitions.