Robert Sachs

Listening to Democracy Now today, I heard Congressman Dennis Kucinich explain why he would vote for President Obama's health bill. Bottom line is that he knows - as does Ralph Nader - and even some ordinary folks that this bill is just a token. It is a political line in the sand - a big pissing contest - with the hopes that by being victorious, maybe there is enough of a thin end to a wedge to make a real difference in the not-too-distant future.

Ralph Nader - also on the show - also made it clear. This bill does little and does not even go into effect until 2014. He estimates that by that time, more that 180,000 more Americans will die because they were not insured to get the care they needed.

I don't believe that the people at the top playing with people's lives do not know what they are doing. But, holding to some twisted form of morality and loyalty to a failed system, they demonstrate oh so well that the 3 Poisons of Ignorance, Attachment, and Aggression are even harder to tame when the are built into the institutions that are suppose to be of the people, by the people, and for the people.

As for Mr. Kucinich, he will still fight the good fight from within the beltway. Having known him in the past and supported his efforts recently, I must say that he is someone who understands that good, honest effort is NEVER wasted.

Being vigilant and committed to principle is not for the faint hearted.