This is my one, fundamental complaint with Democrats and the Democratic Party . . .
Why do Democrats think the People want to put them in charge if — on the big issues — all Democrats do is compromise and seek bipartisan support when they’re in near total control? After all, Democrats can just as easily play that role as the MINORITY as opposed to the MAJORITY party. Lead, Fight, and Get the Things Done that Need Getting Done!
Simple — If it’s right, and you can make it happen, DO IT! Once done and done well, the People will love the result (and you).
I’m convinced Republican leaders are as close to mortally afraid as they can get over Healthcare Reform, not for the sake of budgets, the deficit, or anything of the sort, but rather because of how enormously popular they know Democrats would become for delivering actual Healthcare Reform that actually DID something for each and every American. That possibility scares the bejesus out of them, and that’s why they’re fighting tooth-and-nail.
So, Fight, Democrats, Fight!
Not fighting for fighting’s sake. Fight for the person who wants and needs Healthcare Reform after having been denied care over a pre-existing condition they didn’t even know they had when they enrolled. Fight for the People, who need more of their money spent on actual care than health insurance company profits. Fight for competition and measures that help reduce or hold-down costs over the long haul. Fight and the People will appreciate the hard-fought battle on their behalf.
Fight!
For a great article articulating much the same perspective on how to move forward on Healthcare Reform and the like, give Yglesias on ThinkProgress.org a quick read.