Patrick Murphy, my congressman, representing PA's 8th district, comprising Bucks county and small sections of Philadelphia and Montgomery counties, saw his bill to end "Don't ask, don't
tell" pass the house last night.
Patrick is a member of the bluedogs who more often than not does the
right thing in the eyes of progressives, except for his funding the war.
Taking a strong stand on Don't ask don't tell is not a typical bluedog move. You have to give Patrick credit for that.
He's earned the bitter hate of right wingers in the district and faces
the Republican he defeated by 1500 votes in 2006. Regardless of who
wins, Patrick will go down in history for having led in passing a bill
that ended ugly discrimination and that will probably lead to further
legislation that will completely end discrimination against gays. "WTG,
congratulations," I texted to Patrick last night. His accomplishment is
a very big deal. If only every member of the house had the courage and
leadership to submit bills of such import, the respect the American
people hold for congress would be much higher.
Just 1500 votes put him in office. A handful of homes, a handful of supporters knocking on doors made the difference. Small acts do add up. You never know when the afternoon you spend helping a candidate or a cause will translate into something like the passage of Murphy's historic bill.
WTG Patrick. I hope this inspires you and your colleagues to more of the same.
(WTG means way to go)
tell" pass the house last night.
Patrick is a member of the bluedogs who more often than not does the
right thing in the eyes of progressives, except for his funding the war.
Taking a strong stand on Don't ask don't tell is not a typical bluedog move. You have to give Patrick credit for that.
He's earned the bitter hate of right wingers in the district and faces
the Republican he defeated by 1500 votes in 2006. Regardless of who
wins, Patrick will go down in history for having led in passing a bill
that ended ugly discrimination and that will probably lead to further
legislation that will completely end discrimination against gays. "WTG,
congratulations," I texted to Patrick last night. His accomplishment is
a very big deal. If only every member of the house had the courage and
leadership to submit bills of such import, the respect the American
people hold for congress would be much higher.
Just 1500 votes put him in office. A handful of homes, a handful of supporters knocking on doors made the difference. Small acts do add up. You never know when the afternoon you spend helping a candidate or a cause will translate into something like the passage of Murphy's historic bill.
WTG Patrick. I hope this inspires you and your colleagues to more of the same.
(WTG means way to go)
