Day 19- Health care with no Coakley

Dear Mr. President,

Were we even using that super-majority? Clearly, it makes the jobs of all democrats more difficult, but this is not the end of the world. I think it's time we take a few tips from our political opponents.

First of all, we've got to work on party unity. I'm not saying Democrats have to agree on everything, or that we all must speak with one voice, but what good are those blue dogs doing us? You want to see the American people get behind you? Take a shot at every do-nothing seat-warmer in congress showing up only to collect on donations from lobbyists. Make it clear that no seat is safe from a strong primary challenge. You lead this party sir, so ask the DNC why we're wasting money re-electing these old-timers who don't stand with us when it counts. If I'm donating to the DNC I sure as hell don't want it to go to campaigning for the bought and paid for representatives of the insurance company lobbies. The American people may be capricious, but we respect bold action and nothing would help fix the way our government runs like a wake-up call to congress. I hate to say it, but, when it comes to Health Care, you're with us, or you're against us.

Second, we've got to sell our issues better. Part of this is your responsibility- when you say you're changing business as usual, you have to actually do it. Compromise for the sake of practicality is good, but the reform bill isn't even recognizable. Part of this is just the way this has been explained. "Public option"? What does that even mean? Are we that terrible at naming things? How about, instead of constantly playing softball defense, we come out and call the opponents of reform out for being corrupt? For valuing money and power over the basic obligations we have to one another as a society. Why don't democrats stand together and say that they're willing to show the world they work for the people of this country, not the corporations? We're not on the defensive. We're in the right. Health care reform is about doing the right thing, and we're not going to answer to those who still haven't come around on that.

Sir, we sent you to the White House because we believed in your vision of an American government that could be bold, transparent and represent the values of the people. If the congress we elected to execute your agenda isn't getting the job done, then nominate some new blood this year. We elected you for 4 years, not 1, not 2, not until your unfavorable poll numbers outweigh your favorable ones. You've got an 18-vote majority in the senate, a country that is crying out for real reform, and 3 years to get it done. Please, don't let this election become a referendum on anything other than the need for a more aggressive party strategy.

Respectfully yours,

Kelsey