Big Ups To Two Ohio Congressman

I just wanted to show a little respect tonight for a couple of US Congressman from Ohio that stepped up and have decided to do the right thing. Both within this week, House of Representatives members Dennis Kucinich (10th district) and John Boccieri (16th district) decided to change their minds and have stated that they are now in favor of, and will vote as such when the Obama Healthcare bill comes to a vote on the floor of the House in US Congress, some time in the near future. As I understand it, Speaker of the House Pelosi is waiting to call the vote until she is entirely certain the bill will have enough pledged votes to ensure passing. Kucinich and Boccieri have brought such a date 2 steps closer.
Kucinich and Boccieri's choices are interesting, considering they come from opposite sides of the spectrum in a sense. Kucinich originally was not going to vote in favor of the bill because it didn't include one of his own plans with in it, a pretty sorry excuse for voting nay if you ask me. If a Congressman only voted for things he personally had a major hand in, all the time, I doubt much legislation would ever get passed. His change of heart has been taken with some disappointment for some though. Many people feel that Kucinich caved to the pressures of the Obama administration. I doubt this is the truth. This is Dennis Kucinich we're talking about. This is the man who pushed for Dick Cheney to be tried as a traitor, a very liberal and established Democrat known for standing by his own radical antics. He's not the type to let someone else pressure him into anything. In fact, to take the less popular stance and go in favor of this bill, and change sides as he has, is probably right in line with what I'd consider classic Kucinich, he's going against the grain.
As for Boccieri, I know less about him. He's not been around as long, but has still made a name for himself. His original stance was much more in line with a typical disagreement with the bill, that the bill was simply too cost oriented, essentially, too expensive. I'd be more expectant that the pressure of Obama may have gotten to Boccieri, but wouldn't say it for sure. He may have realized this is the best America is going to do as far as a health care solution goes for now, or he may have simply had a change of heart in regards to the bill. I wasn't fortunate enough to actually see his explanation, so I can't tell you for sure.
What I can tell you is that I'm proud of these Congressman for doing the right thing, and representing their districts properly (there is a large movement for the bill in these parts of Ohio, with lots of urban and blue collar people). That's what matters, and of course the fact that they are helping bring health care aid to those that need it so desperately. They are doing it despite the politics that have ridden this saga that the health care debate has become, and despite the possible unpopularity or political ramifications that could come from it. Although I'm sure my politics clearly shine through in this post, I think we can all agree that as long as the above ideals are fulfilled, then the right thing has been done.
Perhaps I'll talk in the coming days about what the health care bill is exactly about, what benefits it contains and such. Too few are informed in these kinds of things. It would be good to get them out. Otherwise, its just nice to see some progress from Congress.

-Hype