Representative Joseph Cao Only House Republican to Vote for Health Care Bill HR 3962

The Cost of Standing Alone

Roy A. Barnes
Representative Joseph Cao, who represents Louisiana's 2nd Congressional District (which includes New Orleans and leans Democratic), was the only Republican to vote for HR 3962, the health care bill, which passed 220-215 according to the San Francisco Chronicle, and now goes to the Senate. Representative Joseph Cao (whose full name is Anh "Joseph" Quang Cao) is the first Vietnamese American to serve in Congress, according to his biography at Wikipedia, and stood alone among Republicans to vote for HR 3962, while 176 of his party voted against the health care bill. There is going to be a cost to Representative Joseph Cao for standing alone in his party favoring HR 3962, but whether you agree with him or not on the health care bill, it was an act of courage to do what he did. What is it like when you stand alone and go against the grain? Have you ever been faced with that prospect?

The Cost To Representative Joseph Cao For Standing Alone In Favor of HR 3962, the Health Care Bill

Think of the pounding that this congressman stands to get from the conservative Republican hacks in the media. I envision the verbal attacks coming from Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Mark Levin, and Glenn Beck. Many conservatives will label Joseph Cao a traitor for voting in favor of HR 3962, but nonetheless, this congressman had the courage to vote his convictions for the health care bill despite the arm twisting he must've gotten. To stand alone in opposition to 176 other people is a very tough thing to do, but should serve as a profile in courage. He could've voted against HR 3962, and the bill would've still passed, but the man went against the Republican grain knowing the potential fallout of rhetoric against him. The vote of Representative Joseph Cao can be used against him by primary challengers if he runs for re-election.

How many times have you wanted to address an issue at work, some social group, or in your family, but went along with the majority without expressing your contrarian view because you were afraid of being disapproved of? It's a process to live your convictions as fully as possible, but I've come to the conclusion that no matter what you do in life, there will always be people who disapprove, so why not do what is right for you, since you have to live with yourself 24/7? As with the health care bill, no matter whether you are for it or against it, you will not please everyone as the debate over this issue has been very nasty.

Representative Joseph Cao taking a stand for HR 3962 will put him in the crossfire of many. Knowing that, he had the courage to stand alone as a Republican congressman.

Sources:

Yobie Benjamin, Health care bill passes in the House 220 - 215 with 1 Republican vote: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/ybenjamin/detail??blogid=150&entry_id=51222 November 7, 2009, SFGate/San Francisco Chronicle

Joseph Cao: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Cao, Wikipedia

Published by Roy A. Barnes - Featured Contributor in Politics

Roy A. Barnes writes from the plains of southeastern Wyoming.   View profile

8 Comments

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  • Dave 3/22/2010

    I suppose this article make you a liberal hack?

  • Dave 3/22/2010

    The is no representative that stands alone. He is supposed to be standing with the public that put him there. He is voting in direct opposition to the people who put him there on their behalf. He deserves every bit of vile press he gets.

  • Joe 3/22/2010

    Wife is Vietnamese and can not stand you, Benedict Arnold in the Republican party. Taking advice from Uncle Ho?

  • Barbara 11/23/2009

    Rest assured Mr Cao will feel the wrath of the voters in the next election!!!!

  • Lorraine Yapps Cohen 11/8/2009

    Hmm. Do you think he was paid off??????

  • Sarah 11/8/2009

    Wow, Roy! I thought I've been keeping up with the news but I missed this part. I sure like and appreciate reading your viewpoint about Representative Cao. Sure gives me a lot to think about. Thanks!

  • Sherri Granato 11/8/2009

    Just thinking about his stance makes me tense up. Great coverage Roy, and yes it does take an act of courage. :)

  • Claire Luna-Pinsker 11/8/2009

    Thanks for sharing. Takes courage to go against the group.

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