After a rollicking Saturday, the House did something that had never been done in this country -- we passed a Health Care Reform bill. Velveeta wrote about it yesterday. The bill - while far from perfect - is simply historic.

It almost didn't happen. I can't blame the Republicans for that. We knew they would not vote for this, we knew it all along. Many of us also knew that the Blue Dogs were going to be a hard get (for votes). Personally, I knew that the Stupak amendment was going to be really hard to get this thru as well. It made me ill that women were sold down the river. Even with that, I still would have taken this bill. I believe that we can work these things out later. If it isn't, I - along with many other women in this nation - will be more than glad to remember that vote and keep my wallet shut next election day.

What I find myself thinking tho, is about one particular voter. It was that of Dennis Kucinich. He voted no because the bill didn't go far enough. He wanted Single Payer, and gave his reasons. History will only show that he voted Nay alongside Republicans (with one exception). I am not trying to bash the representative or even single him out, but I simple can't let go of the fact that he allowed the enemy of perfect to be good. There comes a time when principles mean little when you get nothing in return for them. Mr. Kucinich had previously stated that he would still vote no even if he was the deciding vote.

What good does it do anyone to vote on principle if it ignores the will of the majority of Americans? I like Dennis, but I don't think I want him fighting for my principles if it means his vote will further endanger them. No means no - and reasons don't matter to the history books. I wanted single payer too, but that was never going to happen, and had I been in the House, then yes: I would have had to hold my nose and vote yes. Once again, Dennis is by himself, voting against his constituency, in favor of his principles.

Being a progressive is a good thing, but it should not be the only thing when it comes to getting Health Care Reform in America. When ideology becomes more important than the needs of the country, well -- you might as well be a Republican. We need elected officials who can get the job done and not stand in the way, and Dennis is now in the way.

He did the work of the Republicans Saturday night. The teabaggers should be proud.

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Raine