House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the first female speaker of the House ran with the big dogs and won. She acted with grace under fire and pressure. She accomplished what no men before her could do. She got the votes for health care. But, did she really win for women?
Nancy Pelosi is extraordinary in her political prowess. The Washington Post attributes her as being one of history’s most skilled vote getters. Speaker Pelosi comes from a long line of political vote getters. She is a native of Baltimore and daughter of former Baltimore mayor Thomas D’Alessandro, Jr. Her father knew a thing or two about getting votes. I grew up in Baltimore hearing stories about her father, mayor Tommy D’Alessandro, Jr. She is cut of the same cloth as her political family, father and brother, Thomas D’Alessandro, III, also a former mayor of Baltimore. As an African American native of Baltimore, I revel in the pride that it took a native Baltimore woman and an African American president to pass the health care bill.
In the words of comedian Steve Harvey’s book, Speaker Pelosi did “act like a woman and think like a man”. Unfortunately, Speaker Pelosi thought she had to think like a man to get the votes. That meant she favored the anti-abortion law makers to seek final votes. She bent to the pro-life forces and accepted tight abortion limits in the bill. In the words of Rep. Louise Slaughter (D. NY), she threw women under the bus to get the votes. Now that’s thinking like a man. Her actions speak volumes to women and advocates for women’s rights.
There’s good, bad and ugly in the health care bill. Almost 32 million uninsured Americans will now be covered. Insurance companies can no longer cancel a policy because someone files a claim. Insurers cannot deny us for pre-existing conditions which disproportionately affect women and African Americans. Women are denied for pregnancy, prior caesarean and many other forms of female related conditions. African Americans are denied for pre-existing high blood pressure, diabetes and heart condition. Unfortunately all of these conditions seem to affect blacks to a greater degree. The bill increased Medicaid coverage amounts which will help African Americans and persons of color who are more economically disadvantaged. The bad is the limits placed on a woman’s right to abortion. The real ugly is the loss of the public option.
Yet, in the final analysis, we’ve only just begun. We must continue to fight for a public option and for continued protection of women’s rights. Despite its flaws, I still applaud Speaker Nancy Pelosi for her efforts. She fought a good fight. But, next time, let’s get the job done without sacrificing women.
Darren B says
I am glad that I read through your article.
While not all that pleased about the road to this juncture—I think Speaker Pelosi did an excellent job in terms of keeping the majority of her troops in line. While women would think that she sold women out—many African Americans feel that the President is selling them out.
I choose to think the opposite because I recognize that there was much give and take. The task in November is to elect more women or men who believe in Pro CHoice. Elect more people of color to advocate for the issues that affect you. Elect more people who will not be afraid of doing what you elect them to do.
I think Speaker Pelosi just acted with sense, prowess and skill. We all know that Men don’t always act like that, correct?????
Larry says
My Dear Ms. I-K-T-L, Esq.
At least I have some summary knowledge of what’s in this bill, given your info in your blog. I’m still trying to grasp why so many people fought this concept of providing health care. Most of it appeared to be just base, mean-spiritedness. Conservatives/Republicans often do have vaild points that can be made in discussing policy issues with us Liberals/Democrats. But there was something evil in this discourse. As for the Speaker, don’t judge her too harshly. I was glad that while my daughter studied journalism at UMD, and was required to read the Wash. Post each day, that somewhere in the first 4 pages of the paper would be the phrase “Speaker of the House Pelosi…). I hope I get to see a female president in my lifetime… As for the abortion aspect, my stance has changed as I’ve gotten older. I support choice, but would prefer women wherever possible to have the child and give her/him up for adoption. My botton line is, what if the child that is to aborted were me?
Dedicated Hosting says
Nice Post…. Thanks 🙂
Free WordPress Themes says
Great Post…. Thanks 🙂
Pilar Drisko says
I must say that by and large I am really pleased with this website. After reading your post I can tell you are well informed about your writing. Looking forward to future posts.Cheers!
Allan Sitterson says
thanks for the great post
Kipu Nerek says
Thank you for a very clear and helpful post. I am definitely a violator of many of these rules. I often find myself conflicted when writing a blog post because I see myself writing more than people want to read, but I feel that I have to do the subject matter justice by thoroughly covering it. I feel that by following some of these rules I end up cutting out important aspects to the discussion. I guess you have to find a balance.
home detox says
hi. Great commentary. Bookmarked and will return again shortly. thx
Amsterdam Escort says
I enjoyed viewing your blog and I will be back to check it more in the future so please keep up your good quality work. I love the colors that you chose, you are quite talented!
Fatimah Palermo says
Hello can I reference some of the information from this entry if I link back to you?
Moustapha says
Good post, thanks for the information.
Bobby Siqueiros says
Hello Great Job. I think you made some great points in your points and I am goign to do some follow up research topic related and learn more.
Lani Cobane says
Reasonable record! This is certainly absolutely the best comprehensive article on that subject matter. Appreciate your your time and energy, I’m going to revisit look into the posts 🙂
Delorse Hires says
This is a great blog posting and very useful. I really appreciate the research you put into it
Nick Nazaroff says
Very usefull information , i will bookmark your blog right now
cash code says
Astounding write-up! This is most definitely by far the most well-rounded piece of writing within the topic. Thanks your time and effort, I will return to check out the changes 🙂
james bond games says
Please fix your RSS Feed, I Can not open with my opera browser, Anyway.. Your Post is very interested.. Good Job
Debbie Hines says
RSS Feed is fixed..thanks
motorcycle parts says
I didn’t quite understand this to begin with. But when I read it a third time, it all started to make sense. Thanks for the idea. Absolutely something to think about.
Marshall Wesberry says
Thank you for the great post – I had fun reading it! I always enjoy this blog.
seaside vacations says
Nice site, I just dugg this keep up the good work!. . . . . .
movie trailer says
Have you ever considered adding more videos to your blog posts to keep the readers more entertained? I mean I just read through the entire article of yours and it was quite good but since I’m more of a visual learner,I found that to be more helpful well let me know how it turns out! I love what you guys are always up too. Such clever work and reporting! Keep up the great works guys I’ve added you guys to my blogroll. This is a great article thanks for sharing this informative information.. I will visit your blog regularly for some latest post.
Debbie Hines says
yes I plan to add video..thanks for commenting.
Dennis Consolini says
I like your post.
Shannon Krupa says
Your blog is so nice, I like it.
chanel handbags says
hey do you have twitter? i’d like to follow your blog, but i don’t like rss at all.. is there a chance i can follow you there ? i’m a total amateur with these web2 things and twitter is easy :-))
Debbie Hines says
Yes I am on Twitter. You may follow link on my website under links or go directly to Twitter where I regularly post.
Darrick Rile says
I really like following your blog as the articles are so simple to read and follow. Excellent. Please keep up the good work. Thanks.
Andre Tuman says
Aw, this was a really good post. In theory I’d like to write like this also – taking time and real effort to make a good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and never seem to get anything done.
Doris Garzon says
Thank you very much!
Watch Eclipse Online says
I just visited your site through Facebook… would you be interested in becoming blog partners?