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p>But unlike the social issues, the economic issues are key, one cannot proclaim to be a Democrat and stand against workers, stand against the middle class, stand against the uninsured. Universal healthcare has been a cornerstone of the modern Democratic Party since the days of FDR. ‘Social insurance’ has been a key part of progressive platforms in both parties. A Republican named Abraham Lincoln thought Bismarck’s health insurance program was laudable and would have tried to implement it after the Civil War, Teddy Roosevelt held similar views. This bill is in fact to the right of the bills put forward by Richard Nixon in 1972 and Bob Dole in 1993.

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p>To vote against this reform bill when you come from a safe Democratic seat makes you a DINO plain and simple. And its time to make this DINO extinct.  

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p>Whether he is following the majority of his constituent’s wishes – or not.

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p>Whether his vote helps him get re-elected – or not.

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p>What makes the life of an elected official meaningful, and livable is that they follow their conscience, not vote by choosing one poll or another, or following the will of the loudest group.

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p>Why is he choosing to vote no?  Well, he could post here if he chooses and tell us all.

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p>But, again, health care is not accessible to far too many people.  It is competition that is driving up the costs – and an outmoded business model.

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p>This was a big time vote — clearly the biggest vote for Democrats this session, perhaps even in the past few sessions, perhaps more.  Lynch is from a PVI(D) district, and is a labor guy.  To not vote for HCR is just not gonna fly.

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p>Not this time. I think his timing is terrible. For multiple reasons – e.g. if you’re a progressive, if you care about health system reform, if you’re a Democrat, if you want to avoid Obama being badly wounded – we need to pass this (admittedly flawed and inadequate) bill now.

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p>Obama finally has begun to fight. The bill has lots to dislike, frankly, and it also has lots to like. I especially LIKE the way Obama has finally learned to fight for something and hope it will become a habit.

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p>If you believe a piece of legislation is good or bad, you should be willing to get out there and explain why in a manner which is clear — especially where health care represents a major industrial interest in your delegation AND where you are effectively sticking a thumb in the eye of the folks who helped you get a start in politics. I’m simply not hearing it from Lynch.  

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p>That all being said, there is no requirement for him to explain – BUT – he has earned whatever consequences his choice creates – good or bad.

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p>That is the other side of following one’s conscience.  Sometimes, in politics, taking an unpopular stand means you get voted OUT.

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p>In this case, President Obama has earned a place in history in this country for his successful, steadfast fight in favor of progress and more likely than not for Rep. Lynch it will be “Exit, stage left.”  

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p>One wonders if, Like Rep. Delahunt, Lynch is ready to retire?  

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p>None the less, I don’t vote for legislators or executives, for that matter, expecting that when AmberPaw OR polls say “jump” a spineless elected will say, “How high”.