Remember the Bush Tax Cuts.
They ramrodded that thing through Congress.
No town halls. Barely even a Congressional debate.
Not even a filibuster-proof Senate.
Passed those cuts, sttod by them, and moved onto the next Legislative agenda item.
NEXT!
Let's give it to the Republicans on one point - they know how to act boldly and decisively. The ends might not be to our liking, but you know what they stand for because not only do they tell you they stand for something they then work tirelessly to enact it into public policy.
You would think that would be the Democratic/progressive strongpoint, but it's not.
Our timidity just serves to reinforce the old stereotypes about liberals with voters.
Obama and the Congressional Democrats need to man up and just get this bill passed - with a public option - in September. Ram it through. Bypass whoever needs to be bypassed (this means you Senators Baucus, Nelson, Conrad, Lincoln, and Landrieu).
Stand for something. Create a record. Be proud of it. Defend it. Run on it. Win or lose on it.
Quit f***ing around with our valuable time and pass some legislation. Put it into action. Then let the public judge the merits of your work.
Sorry for the rant, but we are so wrapped up in the process that we forget the work product allows us to have something to run on and state as our own, not something to run from come election time.
I personally would love to hear a Democratic Congressional ad which sounds something like this in 2010:
I voted for healthcare reform, and since that time my contributions from the pharmaceutical and insurance industries have dried up. That may not be good for my campaign war chest, but it's great for American businesses and citizens everywhere. Now those same corporate forces are lined up against me. Let me tell you - they are lined up against you and your families as well. Let's make sure healthcare reform is allowed to be judged on its merits, not on the bogeyman lies its opponents are blanketing the airwaves with.
Where is the courage?
Show it to me. Show it to us. We will reward you for it. The American people will reward you for it.
UPDATE: Looks like we may see the makings of a Democratic spine - NY Times Article: Democrats Seem Set to Go Alone on a Health Bill