One of the key players in getting the ACA passed through congress, was former senate majority leader Harry Reid, who passed away yesterday at age 82, after a nearly four-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Reid’s political savvy and leadership allowed him to maintain unity among the 60 Democrats in the senate. Due to the Senate rules, it takes 60 votes to overcome a filibuster which was all but certain for the ACA. Reid’s knowledge of senate rules and procedures, his integrity with his fellow senators and his ability to lead allowed him to pass the ACA in the senate. There are millions of previously uninsured people who are forever grateful for his efforts.
Last January when the covid-19 vaccination was approved I thought I could see an end in sight. Yet here we are 12 months later, and Michigan reported a record number of cases today. More discouraging is that hospitalizations are on the rise again, with nearly 4,000 patients statewide as of Wednesday. This compares to just 211 in July 2021 when I was convinced the worst was over. Sadly, another 338 deaths were reported today. And yet 37% of Michiganders have not received a single vaccination. I just don’t get it.
I am encouraged about the relatively positive response to the recommendations of the Michigan Independent Redistricting Commission. Their work was never going to please everyone. What I wanted to see were districts that made sense, were fair, and did not disproportionately favor one party over the other. The commission appears to have accomplished this.
What are you doing today to stop violence? What are you doing today to expand mental health services for those in need? What are you doing today to make sure your guns are not are accessible to minors in your household?
Stay Safe. Social Distance. Wear your mask when indoors in public places. Schedule your vaccine and booster.
Orchid of the Day: Former governor John Engler and former senate majority leader Dick Posthumus for their editorial in the Detroit News today asking AG Nessel to drop the charges against former governor Snyder, Nick Lyon and others.
Onion of the Day: Ghilsaine Maxwell who was convicted on all but one charge for helping to recruit, groom and sexually abuse underage girls for Jeffrey Epstein.
Quote of the Day: “If Harry said he would do something, he did it. If he gave you his word, you could bank on it. That’s how he got things done for the good of the country for decades.” President Biden on former senate majority leader Harry Reid
Song of the Day: “Let it Go” from the movie Frozen. I heard it Monday and have been singing it in my head ever since.