Got Balls?

This guy does. Meet Anh "Joseph" Cao, the Lone Republican (hi-yo, Silver!) to vote for the health care bill that just passed in the House.

I was happy to become a fan on his Facebook page and leave him a supportive comment, thanking him for his vote. Of course, others in his own party are telling him to get out, go join the Democrats, calling him un-American, blah di blah blah. Again...that is some brilliant strategizin' right there. Drive someone out of the party because they have the courage to stand up for what they believe in, and work with others to actually get something done in this country, something that has been way too fucking long in coming. Just like the New York congressional race in which far right conservatives forced a moderate Republican out, resulting in a Democrat winning the seat. Somehow they don't seem to be grasping the extremely simple concept here that the majority in this country do want health care reform, and they do not agree with the narrow, restrictive, moralistic lines that are being drawn in the sand. Are we back to the culture wars? After all these years? Really, teabaggers? Really?

So why did Louisiana Congressman Cao vote the way he did?

I read the versions of the House [health reform] bill. I listened to the countless stories of Orleans and Jefferson Parish citizens whose health care costs are exploding – if they are able to obtain health care at all. Louisianans needs real options for primary care, for mental health care, and for expanded health care for seniors and children . . . I have always said that I would put aside partisan wrangling to do the business of the people. My vote tonight was based on my priority of doing what is best for my constituents.

I give you a standing O for that, Congressman, and I applaud you for listening to your constituents. I am reminded of the meeting I attended with my Congressman, Joe Donnelly. A woman in the audience was hectoring him, trying to get a commitment from him that he would not vote for any bill that included federal funding for abortions. Donnelly is Catholic, consistently pro-life, and I believe all of his votes have gone that way. I don't agree with him on that, but overall, I think he's a great guy who really cares and really listens to his constituents. The woman wouldn't shut up about it, and he finally said, "Ma'am, I'm not here to satisfy you, I'm here to do what is best for the United States of America."

I loved Donnelly for having the courage to say that, and I'm impressed that Congressman Cao also stood up for his principles to cast a vote that moves us closer to ensuring that all of our citizens are able to afford care. This bill is not perfect, and there is still work to be done. Although it is watered down, and it's got that Stupak Amendment in there, my personal opinion is that we need to do what we need to do to get this thing passed. Now is the time, and I for one am fed up with the automatic gainsaying of the GOP, immediately dismissing something that I totally believe is the morally right thing to do. The bill they introduced was ludicrous, although if there is some tort reform in there, I would be okay with that...although it really does nothing to insure more or bring down costs. Just ask Texas.

Oh, and while I was getting all indignant about this, really ramping up the Beth-O-Meter, the phone rang. The woman identified herself as from the Indiana Republican Party. My response? "Oh really?! That's interesting, because we do not support you any longer! Please take us off your list. Thank you!" This has to be at least the third time that I've said to quit calling us, and someone is on the verge of getting an ass-chewing. I don't want to be like that, because I've made phone calls for Organizing For America and I know that it would make me feel bad if someone went off on me. But I am just so frustrated with what I'm hearing and seeing from the GOP that I think I might not be very...empathetic if they keep calling.

Like The Hulk said, "You wouldn't like me when I get angry."