This is not about those who wish President Obama was doing more of what we think he promised. (And, yes, I would love to get it all!).
I have a friend -- a sweet woman, she lives in a retirement community (where I do some speaking and discussion leading). She asked me the other day: "Are you still glad you voted for Obama, after all he is doing?" I asked her: "what is he doing that he did not campaign on?" She said -- "Oh, I know he said all this stuff. But now he is actually trying to do it." And therein lies the rub.
The people who voted for him need to remember that he campaigned on health care reform. He told us this was coming. And, now, he wants to actually do it.
It reminded me of the moment late in the movie The American President. It is Sorkin writing at his best. Here's the exchange:
SHEPHERD and a GREEN-BLAZERED MAN
GREEN BLAZERED MAN (GILL) Mr. President, militant women are out to destroy college football in this country.
SHEPHERD Is that a fact?
GREEN BLAZERED MAN (GILL) Have you been following this situation down in Atlanta? These women want parity for girls' softball, field hockey, volleyball...
SHEPHERD If I'm not mistaken, Gill, I think the courts ruled on Title 9 about 20 years ago.
GREEN BLAZERED MAN (GILL) Yes sir, but now I'm saying these women want that law enforced.
SHEPHERD Well, it's a world gone mad, Gill.
The Limbaugh's, the Republican elected officials, the Blue Dogs -- they all need to be reminded that we voted for this. We, the people, gave his agenda a substantial majority (quite substantial in this overly partisan era). No one should be surprised that he now wants to implement his agenda.
Do I want a public option? Absolutely. (Actually, like so many here, I would prefer a single payer all the way. After dramatically raising my family deductible,we are still paying over $13,000 a year for health coverage. And that is just for the two of us). I think President Obama wants the public option. And everyone who voted for him needs to step up and remind every friend and acquaintance that that is what we voted for.