Charlotte Tea Party Headquarters

I know there has been a “lag” between posts…just to update you, it is not from a lack of action! I am still keeping a close eye on what is happening in the Senate healthcare debate, and still am trying to get a response from the junior Senator’s office in my state (with no luck – I feel like I’m in high school again, trying to get a date…and that’s sad). I’m still trudging through the 4-ream pile of steaming…paper…that is the Senate healthcare bill. I’ve been working on my most recent series of posts for some time, wanting them to be “perfect”, hoping that it will be just the shot of energy that everyone needs. This has been a grueling battle for all of us, and personally I have become very fearful that Americans have resorted to a sort of despondency…I am hearing more and more, “it doesn’t matter what we do…it doesn’t matter what we think…they’re going to do what they want.” My answer to that is: "oh, HELL no!" This is not over – it was not over when this bill raced through the house, and the fact that the bill is facing an epic struggle in the Senate is absolute proof to me that this is NOT over – we have not lost this battle, and if we keep up the momentum, we might just win.

I have my moments – quite a few of them – where I’m ready to shut down the computer and say “forget it”. I know that many people who take the time to read and learn from this blog have probably had those moments too, and you are not alone. But the fact that this bill is sputtering as much as it is in the Senate gives me hope for two things: first, there is a glimmer of a chance that this current bill might not make it through the Senate. Second, that opens the door to the possibility that real, useful healthcare reform can be worked on – thoughtful, careful reform that focuses on fixing the problems we have in our healthcare system, and building on what makes us the best healthcare system in the world.

I have my moments – have no doubt. I’ve thought about giving up on this. Then I have to turn the key in my car every morning to go to work, and I remember my patients – and the pledge that I took almost 14 years ago:

"I solemnly pledge myself before God and presence of this assembly;

To pass my life in purity and to practice my profession faithfully.

I will abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous

and will not take or knowingly administer any harmful drug.

I will do all in my power to maintain and elevate the standard of my profession

and will hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping

and family affairs coming to my knowledge in the practice of my calling.

With loyalty will I endeavor to aid the physician in his work,

and devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care."

This is far from over.