Jesus Did an Adrian!

Adrian Peterson. The greatest back in the NFL. Those of us who witnessed his 65 yard run last Sunday against the Cleveland Browns can only be silenced into affirmation. He broke through the line of scrimmage, veered left and right, slowed down, accelerated, and then when confronted by a defensive back, literally threw him aside to the ground like he was a rag doll, perhaps muttering internally, "Get out of my way", and then outracing more defenders to the end zone. He was focused on the task and the goal. "Get out of my way!" Nothing will stop his train!

This is the practical focus I hope is alive and well among enough Senators and Congress people to vote a revolutionary health care bill. The proposals President Obama outlined in his stump speeches are right and fair: Insurance companies cannot drop coverage because of pre-existing conditions, there is no cap on what insurance companies must pay for medical services, insurance companies cannot drop you because you develop certain conditions during your life time, you can keep the insurance and the doctors you already have, there will be an insurance exchange in which people can choose their own insurance, just like the Washington leadership. Then there were some words about a public option being the preferred policy in order to keep the insurance companies honest and provide competition. This makes me think of fast food places. There is a reason why most of these grease paddies have $1 menues! Competition!

It is this last proposal and the iffyness of a public option that has got me concerned. Yes, it is off the table coming out of Senator Baucas' Senate Finance Committee. Why? In great measure because over the years he has accepted $3 million in campaign funds from the health care industry. Never bite the hand that feeds you. Who are the losers in this vote buying, in your pocket, selfish sell-out? The American people.

It is time for leaders to search their patriotic souls (if there is any left!), and do an Adrian "Get out of my way" move! Opposition to the public option needs to be thrown aside, with love, for the sake of the greater good. It is time to say GOMW to the special interests. It is time to say GOMW to the faux capitalists who believe corporate control is in the best interests of America. It is time to say GOMW to the congressional leaders who have been wined and dined, bought-off for the sake of greed. It is time to say GOMW to the "deathers", the "birthers", the "tenthers", the Limbaughs, the Becks, the Bachmans, the Savages, the Hannitys, the Wilsons, the Enzis, the keepers of the status quo, the destroyers of democracy, the prostitutes of capitalism. "Get out of my way!" We are going to cross the goal line of justice, the goal line of compassion, the goal line of being brothers and sisters, the goal line of human rights, the goal line of civility, the goal line of equality, the goal line of "our better angels", the goal line of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness", the goal line of "We" instead of "Me"!

And President Obama needs to say "Get out of my way" to those who would deny the public option. He has tried to work across the isle. He has given the ball to the congress, and for the most part, the congress has responded with justice and willingness to support a public option. He speaks with passion. Now, he must act with conviction, put the squeeze on, and use his moral muscle to tell all obstructionists to "Get out of my way"! Or else! The well being of America is at stake. The ability of our government to act with justice for all is at stake. The character of our nation is at stake! We must back away from being "the best government money can buy". Go for the goal, Mr President! Zig and zag and thrown any aside who get in the way! "Get out of my way!"

And Jesus said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan"! Peter was trying to talk Jesus out of going to Jerusalem to be crucified. Peter was saying it has been such a joyful ride, the crowds have been large, you're a celebrity! Eat, drink, and be merry! We have got a good thing going! But Jesus said he must do the difficult thing, the faithful thing, the courageous thing for the sake of the world. So, "Get out of my way, Peter"! Jesus did an Adrian!

Get out of my way! Let us write or call our senators and congress people and urge them to shove aside any and all who would try to subvert this health care effort. Now is the time! Seize the day! Yes, let us be civil; but let us also be committed! GOMW!!!!!

Peace!
Ron