Pressure

I remember when this guy had hair and a waistline (as he does in this video).  And I always thought this song was great in concert. 

As my iPod churned through the randomly selected playlist during the drive in this morning, and just seconds after hearing a news report on health reform, this is what I heard:

Let’s say you’re an undecided (on health reform that is) Democratic senator or rep and you drive by a large crowd holding signs telling you (by name) NOT to vote for the President’s health reform package.  Later that day, you receive a personal call from Mr. Obama asking you to support him.  Wow.

The media is buzzing today with reports of the pressure that Congress is feeling as we ramp up toward a historic moment in U.S. history.  Will we or won’t we reform health care this year?  Will President Obama or won’t he get a victory on his top domestic (and symbolic) initiative?

It strikes me as a uniquely American (maybe I should have said “democratic society” instead… but I didn’t) dilemma and dynamic: the politician who is stressed and trying to decide between supporting a leader and/or voting his or her conscience and a seemingly growing number of angry voters from their state or district who vehemently disagree.

“This is a historic moment. I think that if we can achieve this, we can be proud of it,’’ said Massachusetts Representative James McGovern, whose office in Worcester was the scene of such a protest yesterday.  Other reps are less sure, including those who worry that they will pass a bill and then have it flounder in the Senate.  “I wish there were tablets where they could sign in stone their commitment,’’ said Virginian Representative Gerry Connolly, an undecided Democrat.

I'm sure you'll have some cosmic rationale
But here you are with your faith
And your Peter Pan advice
You have no scars on your face
And you cannot handle pressure
Pressure, pressure
One, two, three, four
Pressure

Billy Joel