I can't remember the last time I watched CSPAN on a Sunday night. In fact, I don't think it's ever happened, but I'm sitting here with a huge grin on my face watching Ayes count up towards 215.
The USA has finally joined the rest of the civilized world in (coming very close to) offering health care for all legal residents. This is far from a perfect bill (I'm a big fan of single-payer, but you knew that) but it's a hell of a lot better than what we have now.
Democrats, I can't believe I'm saying this but, nicely done. I never thought you would pull it off. Now, get in there and improve it. Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid (all three of which are sacred now) started off far weaker than they are today. Use that as your model. Let's see a public option. Let's see real universal coverage. Let's unwind the asinine restrictions on abortion. Let's see this get rolled into immigration reform.
But not tonight. This moment is for celebrating the hard work put in by millions, not least of whom was Ted Kennedy, who must be smiling down on right now. I propose we nickname this bill "Teddycare" in his honor. He earned it. You earned it. We earned it.
Surprisingly the GOP continues to lie about the bill, even minutes after its passage. They claim that abortion coverage is expanded. It isn't - in fact, today's executive order reduced insurance coverage for what is still a legal medical procedure supported by the majority of Americans. They claim it's socialism. Anyone who knows the actual definition of actual socialism knows that's bullshit. They claim it's unconstitutional. Most scholars I've read (including the President) disagree so I'll trust their judgment over people with an obvious axe to grind.
Finally, President Obama, I had counted you out, but somehow you herded the cats and pulled it off. The GOP and TeaOP are in for the shock of their life this November when they wake up November 3rd to find that they still don't have majorities in either the House or Senate. And tonight is the reason.
- Absurdly happy tonight.
PS: As seen on Twitter: "Hello America! Germany says 'Welcome to 1883!' The UK says 'Welcome to 1911! 'France says 'Welcome to 1930!'"
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