It didn't have to be this way .... health ca....er...insurance reform comes down to a Hail Mary Pass

[Stinky The Clown]

The word "disappointed" is inadequate.

The word "angry" is inappropriate and inaccurate.

After eight very long and destructive years in a moral and intellectual desert, the citizens of this country spoke more clearly than at any time since St. Ronald's canonization. They wanted, really, two things: an end to war and a national health care plan.

And they bet hard and heavy on Barack Obama and the Democratic Party.

The country was as united in its goals as at any time I can recall. The honeymoon given to every president was there. People were hopeful and smiling.

And waiting.

And waiting.

And watching.

Tea Parties.

Birthers.

Looney Tunes time.

Some of us laughed.

Virtually all our elected leaders did nothing. Absolutely nothing.

Some of us, however, didn't laugh.

Some of us knew, that without leadership - strong, focused, decisive leadership - that which was mocked as right wing nuttiness would take root and grow.

And grow it did, Rivaling Kudzu. Strangling our dreams as that vile vine strangles whole forests.

And so here we are.

Hoping for a Hail Mary Pass that, if successful, gets us barely more than nothing.

It didn't have to be this way.