My political hero was is and always will be Otto Von Bismarck. Widely thought to be conservative, and unequalled as a statesman - Bismarck's  is one of a lasting legacy of innovation in statesmanship. His favorite saying was -

A statesman listens for the footsteps of God, and then grabs the hem and swings himself up as he passes by

During the years leading up to World War II - the intelligentsia of  a very nice country  ended up endorsing the rule of Hitler.

What if. At the right time, they just said. Sorry. This is not going to fly. This is not kosher.

We need to find that strength. NOW. Dean is right.

Kill the bill. Kill it because we need to flex our strength as progressives. Kill it because we are powering the election cycle. Kill it because it is a half-measure, a throw-in to lobbyists.  Let the United States Government act as Otto Von Bismarck - let us be known for real change, real reform - and in the next election cycle, throw the bastards OUT and lock this entire thing down.

The GOP is on the run. Give them this half-measure and they'll walk all over you. The Dems are on the rise. And the progressive and independent (true independent, and not just guys on the take from Insurance companies) - are going to power 2010.

And then we'll have the votes.

There's more...

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/co0 3_salazar/PR_091009.html

As a constituent of Salazar's I'm familiar with his somewhat blue dog ways which is why I found this press release to be somewhat of a pleasant surprise.  He has actually gone on record as supporting the public option (if it came to a vote anyway).

I thought he was probably going to support any health care bill, but here he has finally stated that he would vote for a public option.

I just wrote him to ask him to join the progressives in signing that letter to Sebilius ;)

There's more...