America is a world leader.
At the same time America (the US in particular) is slow to move places most of the rest of the world saw clearly long ago. From equality for women, racism, gay marriage and of course health care. Although the US went kicking and screaming I am convinced people will look back decades from now and wonder why it took so fucking long.
Don't get me wrong, the bill is too long, too complicated, too restrictive, not inclusive enough and horribly flawed. How could it be anything else with all the hoops that had to be flown through.
It is still cause for celebration. It will not be easy, it is going to knocked around and will be criticized more than any bill in history.
Yet, it is a beginning.
I cannot applaud as many do things like this Health care bill, a black president, gay marriage legal in some States. I could if it were 1979, but 2010 these things should be the norm, not something a party is thrown over.
I am happy, but with this celebration also comes sadness. I cannot help but to think of the millions of people over the last few decades who did not get the medical care they so deserved. Being 'have not's they were kept behind the gate. The gate is still there today...but thankfully, not nearly as strong.
