" Will We Play It Again Sam?"

I'm a big fan of classic movies, Spencer Tracey, James Cagney, Errol Flynn, and Humphrey Bogart cast great presence on the "Silver Screen". I know there are some fine actors today, yet few have the screen magic of these bygone movie legends. Today's films, although entertaining, are sometimes overpowered by their special effects and the acting performances are overshadowed, when "back in the day" acting and writing were necessary for a successful film.

One of my favorite films is "Casablanca", a real classic, Bogart was at his best as "Rick Blane", the displaced American who ran "Rick's Cafe Americaine" the stopping place for intrigue in Casablanca. Claude Rains was "Captain Renault", the political police captain who would do whatever was expedient to insure the comfort of his position. I'm sure most of you know the story, it's great romance, it's showcase of good versus evil (NAZI'S), and the nobility of denial of oneself for the greater good. Rick had a comfortable position in Casablanca, he knew how the system worked and he didn't want to "rock the boat". Rick made statements like "I stick my neck out for nobody!", and "I'm the only cause I'm interested in.", he was a cynic of the first order. Underneath this skeptical exterior beat the heart of a man who wanted to do the right thing despite his image. At the end we saw Rick's nobility as he gave up his comfort and the woman he loved more than he loved his own life because he knew by doing so the greater good would be served.

As we look at Congress today what is the mindset of our current legislators? Many have been on the "Hill" for a very long time enjoying the lifestyle that accompanies the position that they hold, wealth, power, and influence. Deal making and cooperation have become embedded into the system, as we have heard it said, "One hand washes the other".

When will we find the "Rick Blanes" in our government? Who are those public servants who will choose to serve the public? All too long we Americans have put up with business as usual accepting the status quo. We've heard our representatives give us excuses upon excuses about how they tried to make changes, yet when the will of the people is so visible we still see business as usual and a plethora of excuses for not following the wishes of their constituency. Where are those who are willing to do the noble thing even if it means forfeit of personal comfort and position?

Today our President and our representatives are discussing health-care. This is our chance to see which ones are operating for the will of the people, and which ones are operating for their own personal power and comfort. Watch and remember America; this is the "litmus test" of our elected officials. Let's see who they really serve.