I tried to post this a few days ago and was having computer problems and computer operator problems. So I am trying again.
The words from the unidentified white house aide a couple of days ago wondering why the "left of the left" was so upset about the possible demise of the public option left me so mystified. It made me think back to the campaign and wonder if myself and millions of others misheard Obama's words about health care reform. But we didn't.
Last spring in the heat of the campaign when it was becoming obvious that the Super Delegate's votes were going to be important to the outcome of the Primary I sent the following letter to every Super D I could as well as to every Dem leader I could think of.
"After years of disappointment and frustration at the hands of the Bush Administration (not to mention disappointment in the later years of the Clinton Administration) Dems have finally found a reason to hope again. I have watched with much interest the enthusiasm that have enveloped not only Texas but the country. But I have been especially heartened to see the effect of the 2008 Presidential election on my fellow Texans. To see so many young people interested was not surprising. It is easy to get them interested when you have someone as eloquent as Barack Obama. His campaign has been the most progressive seen to date. He has utilized everything that is available to reach as many young people as possible. My Space, Facebook, You Tube. What has amazed me has been his broad appeal. My 20 year old son and I attended the Obama rally at Reunion Arena in Dallas. After standing in lines for several hours we were among the 17,000 that made it into the event. Hundreds more behind us did not get in. There were people from every walk of life represented in those lines. Young, old, rich, poor, Caucasian, African American, Asian, Latino, etc. They were all there and the excitement was palpable! (We wanted to see Hillary as well but at the time she was only doing appearances in the heavily Latino areas in South Texas with the exception of a private dinner that was $2300 to sponsor or $500 to attend the reception afterwards) She did add some events in N. Texas later in the week but we were unable to get to them.
Last night I attended my first caucus. I have always voted but never caucused as well. I was among approximately 700 people who crammed into my youngest child's elementary school. Four precincts in one little area! The precincts convened in the gym, the cafeteria, and two convened at opposite ends of the hall! Once again the diversity was astonishing! Most of us had never caucused before. Some had never even voted before. There were elderly and young. Black, white, Hispanic. Republicans voting Dem for the first time in their life not because Rush told them to but because they know the system is broken. Retired military giving my oldest son advice as he enters the service in a couple of weeks. All there because they are craving a change. All tired of the same old crap coming from Washington. All tired of the hate, the race bating, and the lies. Worried about the War in Iraq, the economy, health care-the future.
For my precinct in the Obama hall there were 104 caucusing. In the Clinton hall there were 72. We represented approximately 1300 households in a bedroom community of Dallas. We talked about our hopes for the future. Our newfound interest in our government. Our distaste for "politics as usual". We embraced the "politics of hope" that Obama is offering. We discussed how to participate in our government. We elected our delegates and our alternates. We exchanged phone numbers. We made dates for coffee, dinner, and discussions.
So, while we celebrate the new found interest in politics by Democrats (especially those in so called "red" states) let's not forget that this new found interest can be easily crushed. IMO, this is a fragile, new beginning. If the people don't feel that their voices have been heard, if they feel that their interests have been ignored-they will lapse back into their stupor and the chance to once again have a true government for and by the people will be gone. This new movement needs to be nurtured and tended carefully to ensure the future.
"
At the caucus my son was nominated to be Precinct Captain, which he declined as he was leaving for boot camp the next month. So my husband was the next choice. My son and his friends attended other town halls in the area and then canvassed for Obama. Most of his friends are/were entering the military and are now serving. They were so excited to be a part of the process.
And history was made!
We knew it wasn't going to be easy. We knew this man was taking over our country at a perilous time in it's history. So we also worked hard to get as many Democrats elected as possible to back him up! No more excuses about not having enough votes etc.
Now my son and his friends are wondering along with the rest of us WHY? Why are we losing control of the message on Health Care Reform? My son and his friends who are in service understand that the health care they are receiving can/should be available to everyone. Don't even get me started on how they feel about DADT-let's just say they can't understand the continuation of the intolerance.
The Dems and the President have already allowed the GOP to water down the stimulus package. NO GOP votes to speak of despite all that "bipartisanship, remember? And now it is apparent that the Party of NO is going to be allowed to ruin our chance at making changes to health care as well.
Any old health care bill passed while a "Win" for the Dems will ultimately be a Loss. All those Independents and Republicans that joined in the call for change will not vote for the Dems the next time. Ah well, that happens right? But most important will be the loss of all those young voters. Our "apathetic" youth who came out in droves to support this man. They will become disillusioned and will figure that it doesn't matter who you vote for Change won't happen anyway.
I wonder if the President and the Democrats know or even care?