It's just so Republican for Scott Brown and those of his ilk to warn Democrats about upcoming elections after the passage of historic health care reform.
Why? Because it seems all these pols worry about -- unashamedly and so publicly -- is their own election, their own advancement. And it is they -- not Democrats -- who should fear the worst.
I applaud those Democrats who took a stand for the American people last night. It is true that some of them will face an uphill battle at election time; the insurance lobby, after all, has been very successful convincing many ordinary people to vote against their own interests.
Yet I also believe that the passage of health care reform may be more of a black eye for Republicans than Democrats.
If I were a lobbyist for Cigna or Aetna today, I'd be far more upset with my bought-and-paid for Republican allies than with the Democrats. I'd be wondering why my multi-billion investment in the right wing collapsed, and turning my attentions -- and my checkbook -- to those who have the real power in Washington.
The Democratic Party demonstrated last night that it has the clout, the power and the political might to accomplish its goals and exercise the will of the people. This is very significant. Aside from the election of Barack Obama, the Democratic Party has often fallen limp in the face of strenuous, well funded resistance from the Republican machine.
Not any more. Republicans like Scott Brown like to portray their election as a message from the people, but we all know that it was out-of-state and deep pocketed financing from the Republican Party (and hence, quietly, the insurance lobby) that won his seat.
In the months ahead, it will become more obvious to the people, even some on the other side, that health care reform is not the one-eyed monster as portrayed by Republicans. Many may still object to the upfront costs, but unfounded fears about socialism and Big Brother will evaporate as the plan's benefits are communicated -- and the insurance-funded advertising frenzy dissipates. And Republicans will get less money to bang the drum.
As far as the moneybags are concerned, the battle is over. They -- and their Republican allies -- failed. The corporate cartel running our health care industry must now answer to the president, to Congress, to the people. This is good for patients, doctors, policy holders and taxpayers. They must now work to persuade the people that their premiums are deserved -- and no longer will they have the luxury of dictating patient plans to brain surgeons.
This means there will be a shift in the cash flow, and that Republicans like Scott Brown can no longer take insurers' campaign financing for granted. He cast his 41st vote, but who cares if it's worthless?
When his special term is up, Brown will have to generate some real grassroots funding from the teeny-weeny Tea Party and tight wadded Republican voters who would rather watch their unemployed neighbors and poor people die without insurance than part with a penny.
Good luck with that.
