Kucinich Amendment

To the House Dems who reportedly chanted "Fired up! Ready to go!": This isn't a pep rally. This situation calls for a little less partying and a little more party leadership, a few less amendments and a lot more amends.

Progressive leaders are calling the neutered public option in the House bill a "once in a lifetime reform," despite the fact that it has eliminated the very provision they promised was essential.

When it comes to guaranteeing quality health care for all, the gist of the policy is: "Let's not, and say we did." In Washington, "health care reform" has degenerated into a sick joke.

If you break your pledge and vote for a health reform bill without this minimally robust version of the public option, you've ensured that even with a Democratic majority, all "reform" will be limited by your Blue Dog colleagues.

There are two critical tests for health care reform: Is it an improvement over what we have today? And is it structured so that further improvements can be made?