The Way Forward

Steve Benen has written a strategy memo on how Democrats can finish health care reform and do it successfully.  He finishes with the following:

Elected leaders rarely get an opportunity to make a difference on such a grand scale. Indeed, in many ways, Democrats aren't just considering a solution to a chronic national problem, they're facing a test of their character. Democrats can either deliver or break their promise. They can either prove their ability to govern or appear inept. They can either satisfy the expectations of those who elected them or demoralize those who are counting on them. They can either watch the media cover their once-in-a-generation breakthrough or watch the media scrutinize a debacle for the ages.

Democrats, in other words, can either succeed or fail.

Looking back, the effort to reach this open door began last spring, but those with an eye for history know that America was actually carried to this point by giants with names like Roosevelt, Truman, Dingell, and Kennedy. With this once-in-a-generation opportunity, this Congress and this president can honor their legacy, and at long last, finish the task they began.

With a little courage and compassion, this generation of leaders can make comprehensive health care reform a reality, proving to the nation that they are worthy of the public's trust. House approval of the Senate bill — with additional improvements to be made through reconciliation — is the most efficient and effective way to deliver on the promise.

It simply requires one more step through an open door.

And while it's a nice memo and I really do hope it makes an impact on the Dems, it's the fact we're still having this fight in January that's the issue.  What Benen is talking about is basic stuff here, and while it's solid and correct analysis, we're far past the time for basics.

We're at the point where action is needed.  Bloggers like myself or Steve or the Balloon Juice crew can call Congressmen and let them know how they feel (and you should too!)

But in the end, action needs to be taken.  A good friend of mine said leadership is the ability to make a decision, and then act upon it.  We're missing that in Washington big time.