posted by Jeff Blodgett
The renewed optimism is palpable this week, after historic health care legislation was signed into law by President Obama. While by far not everything progressives wanted to see is in the reform, it is an historic step forward toward the dream of affordable health care coverage for all.
Whether you are happy with all or part of this new law or not, there is something to be said for the leadership it took to get this thing through Congress and to the President's desk. At times it seemed precarious, and pundits repeatedly pronounced it DOA, but ultimately our leaders got it done.
After of all the sturm und drang of this policy fight, the real lesson is one for our elected leaders and all those candidates out there - choosing to stand for something (and doing what you promised during your campaign) is not only the right thing to do, but it's also good politics.
A case in point: polls show this week that a majority of Americans are not happy with the new law, but President Obama's favorables have ticked up or stayed steady. In other words, people may not agree on the policy, but they appreciate a politician who sticks to his guns.
Our representatives need to move beyond the false choice between keeping their jobs and taking votes of integrity. When you stand up for what you believe in, and follow through on your promises, voters respond.
Posted on March 31, 2010 - 2:59pm by Jeff Blodgett
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