Thank (Or Spank) Your Congressperson

The conventional wisdom in Washington is that Saturday night's historic vote for health care reform, including a public health insurance option [1], was that it was a "tough vote" [2] -- that it was politically risky for congresspeople in swing districts to support such bold legislation.

Such analysis is not based on the facts. Poll [3] after poll [4] shows support for reform with a public option..

But Washington's perception of America can be distorted by the loudest voices, which lately have been the teabagger fringe [5]. And with the Senate vote up in air, we can't afford to be silent. [6]

Health Care For America Now has a simple tool to check how your congressperson voted, and then to send him or her a message [6] of thanks for supporting the reform the public demands, or a message of "spanks," letting opponents know they are subverting the people's will.

HCAN's activism tool also flags those bill supporters who also voted for the egregious anti-choice Stupak amendment, so you can express your thanks for supporting the overall bill, while also expressing outrage for trying to deny women access to their constitutional rights.

The days after a big vote are critical. The Senate has yet to act, and senators will be gauging reaction to the House bill. And any House-Senate compromise will have to go back to the House, and no vote there should be treated as set in stone.

Today's the day to register your voice [6], and to keep the momentum for reform going.