When I read this I got angry.
Poor wittle Bwanche Wincoln and her tough re-election prospects for 2010. I don't think she deserves to win if she sells her soul and her voter base out in 2009 on healthcare reform.
So I decided to write Senator Blanche Lincoln a letter... even though I'm just a guy sitting at home at night... in New Jersey.
Dear Senator Lincoln:
Let's get one thing straight. No one other than you cares who or where you get your political contributions from. No one cares if you've been made promises by or you've been threatened by big pharma or big insurance.
So start acting like a Democrat instead of a complete spineless jellyfish.
Support a strong public option. Private insurance companies PLAY NO POSITIVE ROLE IN AMERICA'S HEALTHCARE POLICY! They don't deserve to even be in the conversation given their behavior.
Do not sabotage healthcare reform. You will find yourself out of office or in a much smaller minority party if healthcare reform fails.
But if Democrats prevail, if a robust public option is passed and allowed to show its value, then you and your Democratic colleagues will be heroes. Yes. Heroes. 1. You will have shown a spine where none was thought to exist. Independent voters love spine - and gumption. It shows you're not wishy-washy. 2. You will embark upon a path of significant, long-lasting Democratic majorities in the House and Senate, which means you'll begin to get seniority on key committees, and more visibility - and what Senator doesn't love that?! 3. YOU'LL BE DOING THE RIGHT THING FOR THE PEOPLE OF ARKANSAS AND AMERICA AT LARGE.
Pass the bill. Make it strong. Period.
And if she can't stand up for us in 2009, then she ought to be sent home in 2010 - 60 votes or no 60 votes.