Three senators who have the right stuff

“Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest,” — Mark Twain

AUBURN — Last night, the nation witnessed three congressmen do what is right and ignored being intimidated by their party and a bellicose president.

Talk about going against the grain.

Republican Sens. John McCain, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins voted the against the GOP’s “skinny repeal” of Obamacare. McCain casted the deciding vote with little fanfare.

Anyway, I am no republican and I have little regard for senate republicans, but I witnessed three people stand up for the country’s citizens, knowing full well it could cost them politically.

Now that is something.

Kudos to them and a round of applause for three leaders who didn’t sell out their constituency.

Despite all the back-biting and mud-slinging going at the White House, three courageous congressman proved America can still think on its feet.

Here is the following thank-you letter I sent to their offices today:

July 28, 2017

Dear Sens. John McCain, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins,

It is almost unheard of to witness a member of congress going against their political party to do the right thing during a crucial vote concerning millions of lives. Going against the grain will never earn you votes, but I suspect the three of you knew that going into last night’s vote.

But in the middle of the night, all three of you made a tough choice after being strong-armed by your own party and a vengeful president.

Thank you all for not throwing 22 million Americans under the bus. I appreciate your sacrifice and your votes made a critical difference in millions of American lives. All three of you can walk away with pride. You all did something heroic and I wanted to express my appreciation.

The sad part is Obamacare isn’t evil, but if the GOP took the necessary steps to improve it, then the entire party would have looked like heroes.

Look, I am a liberal democrat and a native from the great state of Massachusetts — that is Kennedy country. Of course, I don’t agree with much anything when it comes to the GOP — especially with this current crop of spiteful senators.

I also believe EVERY American deserves health care, not just members of congress or the flippant president, who believes insulting people, especially women, gets results.

But yet, Sen. McCain you fought another good fight. But you have been doing that all along for your nation, whether it was in the air over Vietnam or going head-to-head with your own party. Sen. Collins, I now live in Maine, and I have never voted for you, but last night, you earned my respect for holding the high ground, and that also goes for Sen. Murkowski, who was also leaned on by the White House.

Sen. McCain I wish success in your battle with cancer. Our thoughts are with you.

Kudos to all of you and you have the thanks from a liberal democrat. I know it is hard to believe, but I am sure there of many of us who feel the same.

Thank you again,

Sincerely,

Anthony Blasi