s t a r l e t

Consider Shakesville on the Stupak Amendment.

Consider Republican Representative Cao, who chose to vote his conscience, as well as what his constituents actually wanted, as opposed to the party line. He was the only representative to break from the GOP on this matter.

Look at the number given in that article: 220 to 215. This bill, already deeply flawed because a bunch of conservatives want to take us back to the days of coat hangers and dark alleyways, this bill very nearly died.

Of course, Cao himself favored the Stupak Amendment, but hey, he voted for the damn bill. Thirty-nine Democrats did not. Aren't they supposed to be for reform? Were they inclined to vote it down because of that very amendment? That would've been my first instinct, I admit, but we have checks and balances in this system. Today's bill is not the bill in its final form. We've a whole Senate to convince, and they have their own committees in place. If President Obama finds this bill a perversion of his wish for real and true change, he may veto it, requiring higher numbers for passage. Anything can happen in a second vote.

This is not the end of the road. I have to remember that as I wait for my elected representatives to pull their heads out of their rear ends. (Oh, Mister Massa, how could you?) Nothing is done and dusted yet -- far from it -- so keep speaking. Keep acting. Whatever you do, don't give up now.