How  about a shout out to the Senators from Maine, both of whom are Republicans and both of whom are showing the kind of logic and leadership I wish all leaders had. Nobody likes compromising. But these Senators have studied the health care issue, know what they want, and are willing to fight for a solution that suits  their philosophical leanings AND the needs of Americans.

They don’t like the Democrats’ plan as is, and they’re changing what they don’t like. I’m not arguing they should get everything they want, or even anything they want, but I am a big fan of leaders who listen and think, and who don’t feel the need to protect their original opinions to the death.  I’m not so ignorant that I think we’re going to convince the Maine Senators on a pure public option, though it’s what I’ve lobbied my Senators and Representatives for.  I’m also not a fan of forced bipartisanship, three of each bickering until they water things down enough. I like a couple of passionate people from each side choosing to come together with good intentions to make compromises that really work for Americans, not just for politics.

Though that’s not the situation here, I’m still bumping Maine further up our list. I was always a Masshole-New Hampster type, but if *this* is what being conservative in Maine means, I can actually abide a conservative-leaning home.

Plus, Maine seems to be doing fine work on the way to equality for all. You’ll move up further if you pass gay marriage. (You know you want to. Hubby Hubby is the best B&J flavor.)

Idealogues are pains in the ass. Those GOPers who genuinely prefer health insurer profits to a healthy nation, stick to your guns. Those who are terrified of change: take a deep breath and move slowly. Republicans who want to fix the system but can’t stand what it will cost: do the math on what we lose keeping things the way they are.  Sometimes you have to spend money to make money.  Those Republicans who want to help people but just can’t swallow the fact that Barack Obama is President: get new jobs. Because the fact that you put your fingers in your ears and vote “whatever is the opposite of Obama” are not leaders. You’re followers. Contrarian follwers, but followers nevertheless. Liberals who still want Universal health care or a single-payer system, keep fighting. But at a certain point, we’re all going to have to accept that the other side, whoever they are, have a point. We’re not getting single-payer, and we need to compromise on public option. So push all you want, but make sure it’s not counter-productive, or you, too, can get new jobs with the GOP ideologues.