Hip Hip Hooray for Democracy!

Image by ethanlindsey via Flickr

Tonight, thanks to all the Senate Democrats - especially Ted Kennedy who returned specifically for this vote - and Republicans Senators Olympia Snowe (Maine), Susan Collins (Maine) and Arlen Specter (Pennsylvania), the US and the world is one gigantic step closer to stability, closer to recovery, closer to job creation, and closer to the return of "normalcy".

Yes, tonight was the indicative vote on the Stimulus Bill but it was indicative that it would pass with 61 votes. Tomorrow is the real vote.

Whatever the motivations of the Republicans, they found something they could live with. They were willing to keep talking until they did, but did so quickly recognizing the urgency of the problem. Democracy did well tonight. And in all of US history, this period will be one of the most pivotal and the names Snowe, Collins and Specter will be recorded for having placed their priorities in the right place - at least trying to do something for the people.

After tomorrow, it will be up to the House to reconcile their differences. Let's hope for even more people who want to be on the right side of history. And let's hope for another good day for Democracy.