Tonight, I wanted to share some of my thoughts about the progress of the governance agenda that the Democrats and President Obama have at least theoretically agreed to try to enact.
I also want to try and talk about what I think has gone wrong for health care and how base Democrats/Kossacks and elected Democrats can more effectively work together, despite their differences.
Fundamentally, my point is this: it is tragic that we are in this place today, facing potential electoral failure because the bulk of the conflict between the Democratic party's leadership and the Democratic party's base is not ideological, but strategic.
For example, I think that we should try and wind up this health care bill soon, whether or not it has a public option. But to be honest, I'm considering moving to Canada because it has single payer. Why? Because I support and desire single-payer health care. Nevertheless, I have to take the leadership's side here: governance requires give and take. That doesn't diminish from my ideology. It merely emphasizes my practicality.
Is not getting exactly what we want frustrating? Sure. But if we were all honest with ourselves, we would admit that health care is not the only fundamental problem that faces this country. Is it a personal issue for many? Of course. If it is for me, it must be tenfold for others.
But should we mortgage our chance for a rational energy policy and a new system of reasonable financial regulations that will reduce the chance of another crash? I think most of us would say of course not. To blind ourselves to the multiplicity of issues out there would make us no different than the teabaggers and thugs that support Palin and Beck.
Our president understands this, but the real question is, do we? And can he lead without us?
I believe that we cannot let our rage consume us and our governing agenda. We can't afford to become obsessive. Look at where that has left the GOP. As their example shows, we won't deserve to govern if we can't take a broader view than any one issue.
UPDATE: It's a good thing a lot of you are not in Congress, because we wouldn't be able to pass anything. I've been getting pushed further and further way from this site because of its total lack of practicality, and I am that much closer today to just leaving. Thanks for that.
I'm going to bed, because I can't knock enough sense into you before going to sleep.