A Landmark Achievement for America

This morning, at around 11:45 EST, President Barack Obama signed Health Reform Legislation into Law. I watched this happen from my desk as something I have waited & fought for for many years now. While there is still the matter of the Senate reconciliation package, which as I understand bears about a 70% chance of moving swiftly through the chamber, this Bill, while imperfect, represents a major win for the American people. Two months ago, following the heartbreaking loss of Senator Kennedy's seat in Massachussetts, many left this bill for dead. Throughout the journey that was this legislative process, the President was, at various points in the debate, derided for a lack of clarity and leadership. Well, there is one thing for certain today: we have achieved health reform because of Obama's tenacious leadership, not in spite of it. This debate has allowed us to watch our President become a leader right before our very eyes. It has been a fascinating journey, and it is far from over. Scholars and academics will debate the merits of this legislation for years; ordinary Americans will begin to reap its benefits almost immediately. The corrupt health insurance industry, an industry built to profit off the providing (and with-holding) of care and services, has been dealt a blow that only begins to put the American people back in a position of power. And President Obama, for the second time the past sixteen months, has made me extremely proud to be an American. God bless him.