At about the time I am driving to the store for some last minute grocery items this morning, 7 AM, the legislation for Health Reform is supposed to be voted on in Washington, DC. I am not going to turn on the TV this morning so I am using this photo I took from the TV last year on Inauguration Day.
The talking heads are no doubt bloviating as I write this, and perhaps there’s even a countdown clock on CNN till the vote.
I do not pretend to understand all the complexities of this legislation nor the process of its legislative journey. Before I press “publish” on this post, I’m going to check on-line “washingtonpost.com” to make sure there’s not some last second legislative obstacle or sudden death of one of the “yea” voters. (Senator Byrd, please don’t eat anything not tested by an aide first, OK?)
I know that previous Presidents have said heath care reform desperately needed to be done for the health of the nation as well as its citizens and yet each President couldn’t do it for one reason or another. Now, on this Christmas Eve 2009, it is closer to being law than ever before.
As it is written, it appears to disappoint and to enrage many near a microphone but for the millions of us without a lavalier (lapel microphone), it feels like victory is being snatched from the jaws of defeat.
On this cold, wintry day, I doff my cap (or ear muffs) to a legislative body still in session and a President who has not yet been a year in office.
There may be no poetry in politics but I believe with this legislation some promises have been kept despite miles to go before we sleep.
©Pat Coakley 2009
PHOTOGRAPHS CANNOT BE USED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION
Thank you for your observations and optimism — today and throughout the year. Indeed the talking heads are bloviating, and while the bill is sausage with unknown ingeredients (like all major legislation), it may start us on the way toward a fairer nation. I can’t help returning to your last post with the picture that makes me think of spinning out of control… In so many ways — politically, socially, economically, environmentally, and even in many of our personal lives — there comes from time to time that sinking feeling that events are spinning out of control. Perhaps this will help, just a little bit.
Have a wonderful holiday!
It’s Christmas here … I’m not sure if you’ll get all your presents, but I’m hopeful.
Steps in the right direction are either giant leaps or baby steps … baby steps are less noticeable, but you can’t say they aren’t there.
Merry Christmas!
Happy Christmas Pat!
Feliz Natal !
Even if the Health Reform Bill sucks in parts, passing it has got to be better than not passing it, at this point.
I’m thinking it’s a great big present for all of us, like it or not.